Mastercard Launches Educational Podcast Series with Curiouscast to Tackle Cybercrime in Canada

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Mastercard is taking a proactive approach to combat the rising threat of cybercrime in Canada by partnering with Curiouscast, the country’s fastest-growing podcast network, to mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Recent research from Mastercard reveals that over half of Canadian small business owners have not received any form of cybersecurity training, leaving them vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks and fraud.

As ransomware attacks and other forms of cybercrime surge, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security warns that organized cybercriminal activity is threatening both national security and economic prosperity. Yet, despite these dangers, only 16% of Canadian small business owners feel prepared for a cyber attack, while nearly two-thirds (63%) don’t see themselves as likely targets.

To bridge this gap, Mastercard is using its global expertise in security solutions and harnessing the power of podcasts to educate Canadians. Special episodes of the popular true crime series Nighttime and Dark Poutine will bring real victims’ stories to life, while also diving into the history of cybercrime. This engaging approach aims to help Canadians better understand the risks of cybersecurity threats and how to protect themselves.

With October also being Small Business Month, Mastercard’s efforts come at a pivotal time for Canada’s small business community. By providing valuable insights and resources, the partnership with Curiouscast aims to empower business owners and individuals alike to stay vigilant and safeguard their operations from the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.

“When it comes to cyberattacks, it’s not a matter of if a small business will be targeted, it’s a matter of when. However, the majority of Canadian small business owners note they feel unprepared and unprotected against cyber threats,” said Amisha, Parikh, Vice President, Security Solutions, Mastercard. “There’s a clear cybersecurity education gap that must be closed because everyone – from consumers to small business – are vulnerable.”

New episodes from Nighttime and Dark Poutine are now available on all podcast-streaming platforms, offering gripping real-life accounts of cyberattacks and the evolution of cybercrime. Both popular Canadian true crime shows stay true to their unique storytelling styles, bringing listeners engaging and insightful narratives on this pressing issue.

“The Nighttime and Dark Poutine teams have masterfully harnessed the power of audio storytelling to immerse listeners in the reality of fraud and scam experience,” added Parikh. “We hope these real-life stories and the history of cybercrime will not only entertain Canadians but also inspire them to take action to better protect themselves and their businesses from cyber threats.”

Episode Details:

• Nighttime – “Cyber Crime in Canada – with Amisha Parikh and Det. David Coffey”: Now available, this episode features host Jordan Bonaparte alongside Amisha Parikh, Vice President of Security Solutions at Mastercard, and Detective David Coffey from the Toronto Police Service’s Financial Crimes Unit. Together, they explore how cybercriminals are exploiting emerging technologies like AI in schemes such as SIM swaps, job fraud, and romance scams. The discussion also offers practical tips for businesses and individuals on how to safeguard against these threats.
• Dark Poutine – “A History of Cyber Crime & How to Protect Yourself Online”: Launching on October 16, hosts Mike Browne and Scott Hemenway, joined by Amisha Parikh, dive into the chilling history of cybercrime, from the first hacking incidents to today’s sophisticated ransomware attacks. This episode equips listeners with valuable insights to protect themselves and their data in the digital world.

Securing Our Digital Future Through Innovation

With the projected global costs of cyberattacks expected to reach $10.8 trillion CAD by 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, Mastercard remains at the forefront of advancing cybersecurity solutions to safeguard data and maintain trust. Here’s how Mastercard is strengthening the digital ecosystem:

• Empowering small businesses through the Mastercard Trust Centre: Offering free resources, educational tools, and a Cybersecurity Assessment Tool to help small businesses build a resilient digital economy and secure their operations.
• Enhancing fraud detection and prevention: Providing customers and partners with greater visibility into cyber risks and increased adaptability through cutting-edge AI technology that helps protect their systems from evolving threats.
• Frictionless security with biometrics and AI: Leveraging Mastercard’s global expertise in biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure safer authentication processes, enhancing security without compromising user experience.
• Innovation through collaboration: At Mastercard’s Global Intelligence and Cyber Centre of Excellence in Vancouver, Canadian innovation is harnessed to accelerate cybersecurity advancements. By partnering with Canada’s tech and business sectors, Mastercard is driving digital inclusion and supporting the country’s growth in cybersecurity innovation.

“The tools cybercriminals use are constantly becoming more sophisticated, which is why we are constantly innovating and leveraging the power of our global network to help businesses protect themselves against cyber threats and build a better, more secure digital economy for everyone,” said Parikh.