A Practical Guide to Staying Secure — and Compliant — in a Shifting Cyber Landscape
Cybersecurity in Canada is entering a new era. Bill C‑8, introduced in June 2025, signals a sweeping regulatory shift — one that doesn’t just apply to banks and telcos, but that will reshape expectations for any business that touches critical systems or works with regulated sectors.
Whether you operate in government, healthcare, mining, law, finance, or professional services, here’s what every organization needs to know now — and what to do next to stay ahead of compliance pressure and client expectations.
What’s Changing Under Bill C‑8
Bill C‑8 proposes new cybersecurity obligations for organizations deemed essential to national interests. If passed, it would:
- Empower regulators to block high-risk vendors and technology
- Require designated businesses to run formal cybersecurity programs
- Mandate fast incident reporting and secure log retention
- Impose severe fines for non-compliance, including potential executive liability
Who Will Be Affected
Initially, Bill C‑8 will target critical infrastructure sectors: finance, energy, transportation, telecom, and utilities. But it won’t stop there.
If your organization sells to, services, or supports these industries, you’re likely to face higher cybersecurity expectations.
Expect:
- Stricter procurement standards
- Insurance requirements tied to cybersecurity maturity
- Customers and partners asking for evidence of your security controls
If you’re in their supply chain, you’re already under the microscope.
The heaviest legal obligations fall on ‘designated operators’ in federally regulated sectors, but their vendors and partners will feel the impact through contracts, audits, and procurement requirements.
What Every Organization Should Do Now
1. Map Your Dependencies
What: Create a full inventory of systems, software, and vendors.
Why: You need to understand where your risk lives and how it’s connected to regulated industries.
How: Document who your suppliers are, what systems they affect, and where foreign control may exist.
2. Build a Formal Cybersecurity Program
What: Go beyond antivirus. Establish written policies, controls, and responsibilities.
Why: Without documentation, there is no defensible security posture.
How: Use frameworks like NIST CSF or CIS Controls or work with an MSP like CasCom to tailor a program to your risk.
3. Monitor, Log, and Retain Data
What: Track system activity and incidents over time.
Why: Logs are your audit trail and your first line of defense.
How: Centralize logging, review weekly, and store in Canada when possible.
4. Evaluate Vendor Risk
What: Assess your third-party providers.
Why: Weak links in your supply chain can lead to breaches and lost contracts.
How: Request security documentation from vendors. Prioritize those with certifications or audited controls.
5. Train Your Team
What: Make security awareness everyone’s responsibility.
Why: People are still the #1 breach vector.
How: Run quarterly training and phishing simulations. Integrate cyber into onboarding.
Why Now Matters
Bill C‑8 isn’t law yet, but it’s moving quickly. By the time it passes, it may be too late to react without disruption.
Proactive organizations are already preparing.
At CasCom, we help clients build security programs that not only comply with regulation, but also win trust with partners and insurers.
Take the First Step: Cyber Readiness Review
Don’t wait for enforcement.
Schedule a Free Cyber Readiness Review — we’ll assess where you are today and help you map a path to compliance and resilience.
In 30 minutes, we can identify your gaps, flag your exposure, and give you a plan.
