In this exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, we speak with Raj Juneja, the President of Cisco Canada, to gain valuable insights into the evolving world of cybersecurity. With nearly three decades of experience in the technology sector, Raj is deeply involved in helping Canadian organizations, especially small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), protect themselves in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. As businesses embrace new technologies, including AI, the risks have expanded, but so have the opportunities for innovation and growth.
Today, we’ll discuss the findings from Cisco’s 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index and explore the impact of AI on cybersecurity in Canada. Raj shares his expertise on how SMBs can enhance their cybersecurity posture and navigate the complex landscape of evolving threats, offering practical advice for staying secure while embracing technological advancements. His approach emphasizes the importance of steady progress, clear strategies, and responsible AI usage as businesses move forward in this new digital age.
As president of Cisco Canada, Raj brings nearly three decades of experience in the technology sector to help Canadian organizations accelerate their digital journey through world-class AI, networking and cybersecurity solutions.
Now overseeing one of Cisco’s top markets, Raj is deeply committed to fostering collaborative relationships with his teams, customers and partners, driving business growth with a focus on innovation and operational excellence.
Raj joined Cisco through the acquisition of Splunk, where he held the role of Country Leader for Canada since 2022. Prior to Splunk, he was Country Leader for the Financial Services vertical at Salesforce (Mulesoft), overseeing teams who consistently delivered exceptional performance. He began his career at CA Technologies (Broadcom), holding several leadership roles and achieving recognition as a top global leader during his 21-year tenure.
Raj lives in Toronto, Ontario and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from CarletonUniversity. Outside of work, Raj is passionate about live music and sports, particularly the Toronto Raptors and the Buffalo Bills.
Can you share the most surprising findings from the 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index that Canadian SMBs should be aware of?
One of the most surprising findings is the scale of AI-related threats. Eight in ten Canadian organizations experienced an AI-related security incident in the past year, yet only 41% say their employees understand these threats. At the same time, just 3% of Canadian organizations have a mature cybersecurity posture overall.
We also saw a big disconnect in how AI is being used and understood. While 80% of organizations are using AI for threat detection, more than half don’t have strong controls over the data being used to train these tools. That creates risk.
Ultimately, network security remains a significant concern in today’s hybrid work environment. Nearly three in four organizations report employees using unmanaged devices to access company networks, a clear entry point for attackers using AI. SMBs can’t afford to sit still. The most important thing is to build momentum. Start small, but start moving. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress.
How is the rapid adoption of AI transforming the cybersecurity landscape for Canadian businesses, and what new risks have emerged?
AI is changing the game for cybersecurity, bringing both new tools and new threats. As Canadian businesses adopt GenAI, risks around data control are growing. Over half don’t have mature controls on the data used to train AI, and only 28% know what prompts employees are using.
We’re also seeing more advanced threats like model theft and AI-driven social engineering, which 41% of organizations have already faced.
At the same time, many companies are slowed down by complex security stacks, and 67% say too many tools are hurting their ability to respond quickly. On top of that, talent shortages are a major challenge. More than half of Canadian companies have over 10% of cybersecurity roles unfilled, and 80% say this shortage makes it harder to keep up as threats evolve.
To stay ahead, businesses need clear AI-specific security strategies and better visibility into how these tools are used.
What practical steps can small and medium-sized businesses take to enhance their cybersecurity posture in this evolving threat environment?
For SMBs looking to improve their cybersecurity, focusing on a few key areas can make a big difference. Start by building a strong identity security using multi-factor or passwordless authentication, supported by AI-based threat detection.
Next, implement a zero-trust model that verifies every user and device before granting access to the network. Strengthening network resilience is also critical, which means securing unmanaged devices and moving beyond partial protection. It’s important to unify cloud security under an AI-enhanced model to avoid gaps created by fragmented tools.
Finally, develop a clear AI security strategy that protects both the AI technologies you use and the data they rely on. Taking these layered steps helps SMBs make steady progress in defending against evolving threats without getting overwhelmed.
As a leader in technology and innovation, what final advice would you offer to SMBs striving to protect themselves and thrive in the AI era?
My advice to SMBs is to focus on steady progress, not perfection. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away, what matters is moving forward with a clear plan. Prioritize securing identities, understanding your data, and building a zero-trust foundation. Make sure your team knows how AI is being used and where the risks lie.
AI can be a powerful tool, but it has to be managed responsibly and securely. Start small, stay focused, and keep adapting as the threat landscape evolves. That’s how SMBs can protect themselves and succeed in the AI era.
