Guiding a Canadian Organization to CyberSecure Canada Certification
Having supported the organization’s IT environment for years, our team had already established strong security foundations. The certification process focused on formalizing those existing controls, enhancing documentation, and implementing additional technical measures to ensure full compliance.
Challenges
As cybersecurity standards tightened for federally supported organizations, this client faced new certification requirements with strict evaluation criteria. Key challenges included:
- Formal Compliance Documentation: Many security and IT processes were already in place but needed to be formally documented and aligned with CyberSecure Canada’s framework.
- Hosting and Web Security Updates: The organization’s web environment required updates to meet OWASP Top 10 testing requirements and improve HTTP header configurations.
- Audit Preparation: The certification process required structured evidence and clear mapping of existing security practices to the federal standard.
Without timely certification, their ability to continue operations and access funding was at risk.
Our Solution
Fast Computers developed a streamlined, compliance-focused engagement to help the organization achieve certification efficiently, building upon their mature IT foundation:
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CyberSecure Canada Readiness Assessment
- Conducted a gap analysis to identify missing documentation or control formalization needs.
- Reviewed and aligned existing policies, user permissions, and backup strategies with certification requirements.
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Policy and Documentation Development
- Created or refined formal documentation for areas such as incident response, acceptable use, data handling, and risk management.
- Organized a centralized compliance binder for audit readiness and ongoing internal reference.
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Hosting and Security Enhancements
- Implemented targeted web hosting improvements and HTTP header enhancements to strengthen web application security.
- Performed OWASP Top 10 vulnerability scans and remediated findings to meet certification standards.
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Certification Coordination & Support
- Provided hands-on guidance throughout the audit and verification process.
- Assisted with auditor communication, control verification, and submission documentation.
Results
The certification process was completed successfully and efficiently, with outstanding results:
- Achieved CyberSecure Canada certification.
- Built upon existing best practices — no major changes required, only formalization and verification.
- Successfully passed OWASP Top 10 scans and implemented advanced web and hosting security controls.
- Maintained eligibility for federal funding and strengthened stakeholder confidence.
As one of the first Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in Canada to guide a Community Futures organization through successful certification, Fast Computers demonstrated leadership in compliance readiness and practical cybersecurity implementation.
Client Feedback
Key Takeaways
Strong foundations pay off: A secure and well-managed IT environment makes certification efficient and achievable.
Compliance builds confidence: Meeting national cybersecurity standards enhances trust with partners and funders.
Partnership matters: Having a proactive MSP ensures ongoing alignment with evolving federal standards.
Ready to Achieve CyberSecure Canada Certification?
Whether you’re a Community Futures organization, municipality, or non-profit, our team can help you formalize policies, strengthen security, and guide you through the entire certification process — from assessment to approval.
Contact us today to learn how we can help your organization get certified and stay protected.