Fortinet, a cybersecurity stalwart headquartered in Burnaby, is sounding the alarm over an impending surge in AI-driven cybercrime against Canadian organizations. The company’s new reports highlight a troubling landscape where cybercriminals are outpacing businesses in adopting artificial intelligence for more sophisticated attacks. This matters because the digital security of Canadian enterprises is not just a technical concern but a critical business risk that demands immediate strategic attention.
## Fortinet’s Findings: A Closer Look
Fortinet’s 2026 Global Threat Landscape and Cybersecurity Skills Gap Reports reveal some concerning statistics. Canada ranks second globally in ransomware attacks, with 374 organizations being extorted in the last year alone. The broader picture is equally grim, as the total number of cyberattacks against Canadians skyrocketed to 17 billion in 2025, up from 13.7 billion in the previous year.
The reports indicate that AI is being leveraged by cybercriminals to accelerate the stages of their attacks—from reconnaissance to execution—making them two to four times faster. The lack of cybersecurity talent further exacerbates this issue, as 49% of Canadian organizations report difficulty in hiring professionals with AI-specific expertise.
## Competitive Context: The Cybersecurity Arms Race
The surge in AI-enabled cybercrime is part of a broader trend where the bad actors seem to be winning. While 82% of Canadian organizations experienced at least one breach last year, 19% of these breaches resulted in losses of $1 million to $2 million USD. Fortinet’s data underscores a growing cybersecurity arms race where Canadian businesses are scrambling to catch up.
Fortinet itself is a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, and its reports serve as both a wake-up call and a benchmark for Canadian organizations. While many companies are adopting AI-powered defenses, with 91% of respondents using or experimenting with AI tools, the challenge remains in closing the skills gap and effectively integrating these technologies into existing frameworks.
## Implications for Founders and Engineers
For founders and engineers, the reports illuminate an urgent need to prioritize cybersecurity not just as a technical concern but as a fundamental aspect of business strategy. The talent shortage is a critical barrier, with 53% of Canadian IT leaders identifying a lack of senior-level cybersecurity skills as a major issue. This presents an opportunity for startups and tech companies to focus on developing robust in-house training and reskilling programs.
Moreover, the rapid adoption of AI in cybersecurity tools underscores a need for engineers to be versatile and continuously update their skill sets. Nearly half of the organizations surveyed plan to invest in AI-related cybersecurity training over the next 12 months, which indicates a burgeoning demand for professionals who can navigate both AI and cybersecurity landscapes.
## What’s Next?
Canadian organizations are at a crossroads. With cyber threats escalating and AI playing a pivotal role, businesses must act swiftly to shore up their defenses. This means not only investing in cutting-edge technology but also in people—fostering a workforce capable of meeting the complex challenges posed by AI-enhanced cybercrime.
For founders and engineers, the path forward is clear: prioritize cybersecurity as a business imperative, invest in continuous learning, and build a culture that values technological and strategic agility. The stakes are high, and the time to act is now.
