When you store your business information in the "cloud," it’s easy to assume that because you’re a Canadian company, your data stays firmly on Canadian soil. But here is a question that might make you pause: If your data is stored in a Canadian server, but the company that owns that server is based in another country, who really holds the keys to your information?

The landscape of business operations has been profoundly reshaped by the widespread adoption of cloud computing. Canadian businesses, in particular, are increasingly embracing cloud solutions for their inherent scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency. This pervasive shift, however, often leads to an overlooked yet critical question: where does an organization's digital data truly reside, and, more importantly, who ultimately exercises control over it? This inquiry transcends mere technical specifications; it delves into fundamental issues of privacy, regulatory compliance, and national security that bear significant implications for every Canadian enterprise.

Most businesses complete at least a portion of their daily operations over the cloud. This is a difficult environment to navigate and therefore familiarizing yourself can provide you with the proper knowledge to safely utilize the cloud. The focus here will be privacy law compliance, which is one of the primary components of the cloud alongside security, support, and management. This facet of cloud hosted infrastructure is complex and, if neglected, can not only threaten the integrity of your business but can also result in legal repercussions as well. In order to ensure your business is in good standing we will tell you everything you need to know about  keeping your data in Canada.

Historically, the field of cybersecurity has been largely unregulated, with little to no requirements needed to be met by corporations. Recently, health centers, municipalities, universities, and other Canadian businesses and organizations have been targeted by electronic espionage and ransomware. In many instances, the attacks go unreported because the corporations fear their reputation may be damaged if word spreads that their existing security was incompetent. Often corporations decide it is in their best interest to pay the ransom fee in order to dismiss the problem, rather than to reach out for external assistance. Recently, the Government of Canada has introduced a new Canadian cybersecurity bill forcing corporations to prioritize mandatory reporting of cyber attacks and the meeting of new security standards.

  Major changes to Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) are coming into law this fall. Now is the time for organizations to pay careful attention to their role in protecting the privacy of customers.