Is Your SME Defence-Ready? Breaking Into Canada’s Security Sector

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are no longer just passive players in Canada’s national security framework—they are critical innovators in the defense ecosystem, capable of driving digital sovereignty through secure AI adoption and cybersecurity resilience. Judith Bortz of Rogers Cyber Secure Catalyst reveals that the real danger isn't whether a cyberattack will happen, but when—and that most SMEs are unprepared. She dismantles the myth that cybersecurity is solely an IT issue, arguing instead that it’s a leadership imperative rooted in strategic patience, human awareness, and collaboration across public, private, and academic sectors. With cyber fraud costs soaring to $704 million in 2025, Bortz emphasizes that the most effective defense starts not with expensive tools, but with foundational actions: regular data backups, system updates, access controls, multi-factor authentication, and team training. The path to becoming a trusted defense supplier isn’t closed—it’s being actively opened through federal investment, industry networks, and upskilling initiatives, but only for those willing to invest time, build relationships, and embed security into their business DNA from day one.