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Press release

Lavaltrie, Quebec, June 3, 2025

ITSec Returns for a 4th Edition in Saint-Hyacinthe: Quebec Faces Cybersecurity Challenges

An exclusive Devolutions report unveiled at the opening paints a concerning portrait of Quebec SMB cybersecurity compared to the rest of the world

SAINT-HYACINTHE, QC, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - ITSec 2025 opens today, Quebec's premier cybersecurity event, bringing together IT security professionals on June 3 and 4 at the Sheraton in Saint-Hyacinthe. Expert talks, candid discussions, real-world case studies, and technological breakthroughs: everything is in place to help SMBs, IT specialists, and decision-makers gain clarity in an ever-evolving digital world.

More than 500 attendees are expected this year, with over 35 industry partners on site, and a packed program of more than 20 sessions over two days. The event has reached unprecedented scale for its fourth edition, confirming the growing interest in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence issues.

This morning, ITSec 2025 kicks off with a keynote by Francis Gosselin, a renowned economist, consultant, and columnist, on the topic: "Economic Outlook: What Role for Technology in a Period of Uncertainty." An engaging start to two days filled with content and insights.

An Unprecedented — and Troubling — Portrait of Cybersecurity in Quebec

As a premiere during the opening remarks, Devolutions unveils the results of its Portrait of IT Security in Quebec SMBs, conducted this year with a direct comparison to international data. The finding is clear: Quebec is falling worryingly behind.

Key highlights:

  • 53% of SMBs still manage their privileged access... with Excel. And 25% have no defined process (vs. 8% internationally).
  • 72% of SMBs are concerned about insider threats, but only 13% have a formal plan in place. 1 in 5 SMBs does not systematically revoke access for departing employees.
  • Regarding Bill 25, 47% say they are ready, but 53% remain unclear or non-compliant. Even more concerning: 41% are not worried about penalties, which can reach $25M or 4% of global revenue.

There is, however, a glimmer of hope: 34% of Quebec SMBs still offer no cybersecurity training to their employees — a still-concerning figure, but an improvement. In 2023, it was 50%. This represents a 16 percentage point improvement in one year, a sign that awareness efforts are beginning to bear fruit.

This report, unveiled exclusively at ITSec, highlights a concerning gap between Quebec SMBs and global best practices, and will serve as a starting point for several key talks and discussions during the event.

To download a copy of the report "Portrait of IT Security in Quebec SMBs in 2025," visit this link.

Top-Caliber Speakers on Hand

The ITSec team is proud to welcome renowned experts, including:

  • Nicolas Bédard from Google, with a talk on generative AI model security: "From Training to Inference: Protecting LLM Models Against Cyber Threats."
  • David-Alexandre Thibault St-Pierre and Miryama Abdulaziz from Microsoft, who will open the second day with "Cybersecurity in the Era of Generative AI: A Review of Trends, Opportunities, and Threats."
  • Daniel Marcotte, certified security specialist, will close the event with an immersive talk: "Transport Yourself to the Heart of a Cyber Attack with a Survivor." A rare and impactful testimony not to be missed.

An Event to Learn, Equip Yourself… and Come Together

Since 2021, ITSec has established itself as a space for networking, training, and inspiration for the entire Quebec IT community. Whether you are a cybersecurity professional, an SMB manager, or simply curious to learn more about today's digital challenges, ITSec 2025 is the ideal opportunity to expand your knowledge, discover concrete solutions, and connect with industry leaders.

All event details and the full schedule are available at www.it-sec.ca

About Devolutions

Founded in Quebec in 2010, Devolutions offers IT solutions that combine security and productivity, specifically designed for SMBs. Our tools enable efficient management of access, passwords, and remote connections, without compromising team performance.

Today, more than one million users in 140 countries trust Devolutions to strengthen their cybersecurity while remaining agile and efficient.

SOURCE Devolutions inc.

Media Relations: Laurence Cadieux, Communications Team Lead, (514) 360-3686 ext. 154, lcadieux@devolutions.net