Cybercrime on the Rise

Cybercrime takes many forms, including phishing scams, identity theft and fraud. As technology evolves, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals. This makes it significantly harder for individuals, businesses, and governments to stay ahead of these digital menaces.

November is National Community Safety and Crime Prevention Month, and the Canada Safety Council is shining a spotlight on the alarming rise in cybercrime across the country. With more Canadians relying on digital platforms for work, communication, and financial transactions, cybercrime has become one of the most pressing threats to personal and community safety.

Statistics

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, between January 1 and June 30, 2024, there have been 15,941 reported victims of fraud in Canada, with $284 million lost to fraudulent activity. Given the nature of cybercrime, it is likely that instances are underreported due to victims feeling shame at having been ensnared.

Further, police-reported cybercrime data obtained through the Government of Canada’s Open Data Portal identifies 351,166 reported cybercrime incidents in 2023, an increase of approximately 14 per cent over the 2022 reported incidents.

The Issue

One of the most common forms of cybercrime affecting Canadians is phishing, where the would-be victim receives emails or text messages pretending to be from legitimate organizations. These messages often ask recipients to click on malicious links or provide sensitive personal information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, or Social Insurance Numbers.

Another major concern is identity theft, where cybercriminals steal personal information to commit fraud or gain access to financial accounts. With more Canadians conducting financial transactions online, including shopping, banking, and accessing government services, a stolen identity risks significant damage to an individual’s online presence and can lead to fraudulent accounts or even crimes being perpetrated in the victim’s name.

While these crimes often result in financial losses, the emotional toll of identity theft can be equally damaging. Victims are left feeling violated, helpless, and uncertain about how their information will be used or misused in the future. Recovering from identity theft can be a long and complicated process, often requiring victims to invest significant time into restoring their financial standing and credit.

In response to the growing threat of cybercrime, the Canada Safety Council is urging Canadians to take proactive steps to protect themselves online. This includes using strong, unique passwords for different accounts, enabling two-factor authentication — a process which includes an added layer of security to an account, frequently through a code sent to your mobile device — and being cautious of unsolicited messages or links that ask for personal information.

It is critical for Canadians to recognize the importance of digital safety. By adopting safe online habits, we can all contribute to making our communities safer and more secure.

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Additional Resources:

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