Most Canadians reluctant to use businesses after data breach: poll

TORONTO — A data breach can have lasting impacts on a company, according to polling data.

The survey of more than 2,000 people was conducted online by KPMG, a consulting firm, earlier this month.

It found about 84 per cent of Canadians say they would be reluctant to do business with companies that suffer a data breach.

Nearly all (90 per cent) say they are “leery” about sharing personal or financial information with any organization that had been hit by hackers.

Of those surveyed, roughly one-quarter of them report their login credentials being stolen from a trusted site.

Cyberattacks during the pandemic 

Meanwhile, 54 per cent of Canadians say they are shopping online more than they have before during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the same about of people say they are also receiving more “suspicious-looking” emails.

Phishing is the predominant type of cyberattack Canadians have experienced during the pandemic at 38 per cent, and spear phishing is second at 13 per cent.

“Phishing attacks occur when attackers masquerade as authentic organizations to dupe the target into opening an instant message, email, or text message or clicking on an attachment,” according to the survey. “But, while phishing campaigns are sent to many recipients, spear phishing is highly targeted and personal; they look more legitimate.”

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Data breaches have affected about 12 per cent of Canadians.

Thirty-eight per cent of Canadians don’t think their personal information can be kept safe.

As for the ability of companies or governments to protect their data, 17 per cent of Canadians say they are “pretty cynical.”

Sixty-one per cent say they don’t trust the government to keep their personal information safe.

In August, the Canada Revenue Agency had to temporarily suspend its services after two cyberattacks that targeted 5,500 accounts.

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