Cybersecurity in Canada 2025: Ransomware, Infostealers, and the Rising Malware Challenge
In 2025, Canada remains one of the most targeted countries for cybercrime. Ransomware and Infostealer malware are at the forefront, growing more sophisticated and disruptive. Both public and private sector organizations—especially those in energy, healthcare, education, and utilities—are under mounting pressure from cyberattacks that not only seek financial gain but also threaten business continuity and public trust.
Key Malware Trends in 2025
- Ransomware: Canada’s No. 1 Cyber Threat
The National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025–2026 highlights ransomware as the most pressing cyber threat to Canadian critical infrastructure. The recent Nova Scotia Power breach (March 2025) exposed over 280,000 customer records, underscoring the sector’s vulnerability and the increasing trend of “big game hunting” against high-value organizations.
- Infostealers: AMOS and Lumma Stealer
- AMOS (Atomic Stealer): A macOS-based infostealer recently upgraded with a persistent backdoor, enabling attackers to re-enter systems even after reboots.
- Lumma Stealer: A Windows-focused infostealer designed to capture browser data, crypto wallets, and chat applications. It has rapidly become a favored tool among cybercriminals.
- IoT Botnets: Mirai Reborn
The “Gayfemboy Botnet”, an evolution of Mirai, is actively compromising routers and IoT devices across Canada. As IoT adoption grows, organizations face greater risks from botnet-driven DDoS attacks and unauthorized access.
- Malicious URLs: The New Delivery Channel
According to Proofpoint, malicious URLs have surpassed email attachments as the leading malware delivery vector. Combined with AI-generated phishing, QR phishing, and SMS smishing, attackers are increasingly bypassing traditional email security defenses.
- Law Enforcement Response: Operation Endgame
There is positive momentum: in 2025, Operation Endgame dismantled over 300 servers tied to initial access malware networks, disrupting ransomware supply chains. The operation reflects growing international cooperation across Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
What Canadian Organizations Should Do
- Strengthen Incident Response & Recovery
- Maintain immutable backups and conduct regular tabletop exercises to validate readiness.
- Enhance Endpoint & Email Security
- Deploy behavioral analytics, AI-driven threat detection, and URL filtering.
- Invest in cyber awareness training to reduce phishing risk.
- Secure Multi-Platform Environments
- Protect not only Windows but also macOS and mobile devices against malware like AMOS and Lumma.
- Harden IoT & Network Security
- Apply firmware updates, segmentation, and monitoring to limit botnet impact.
- Leverage Threat Intelligence & Partnerships
- Actively participate in CERT Canada initiatives and intelligence-sharing communities.
Conclusion
Focus Malware for Canada 2025 demonstrates that the cyber threat landscape is more complex than ever. Ransomware, Infostealers, and IoT Botnets remain the dominant threats, while AI-powered phishing and malicious URLs add a new dimension to risk.
For Canadian organizations, cybersecurity strategy can no longer be just about defense—it must also emphasize resilience, rapid response, and intelligence-driven decision-making. By doing so, organizations can protect not only their operations but also the trust of their stakeholders and the broader public.
#bigfishtechnology #bigfishcanada #bigfishtec #cybersecurity #CanadaCybersecurity #Malware2025 #RansomwareThreats #CyberResilience #Infostealer #DataProtection #CriticalInfrastructure #IoTSecurity #CyberThreatIntelligence #BusinessContinuity #CyberAwareness #RiskManagement #DigitalTrust #CISOInsights #CyberDefense
