CIRA offers free solutions to help Canadian farmers improve internet speed and cybersecurity during Cybersecurity Awareness Month
By Farms.com Based on an Article on SmallFarmCanada.ca by Jeff Buell
For many Canadian farm families, the internet has become as vital as a tractor or combine. It is how producers manage precision planting, monitor commodity prices, check weather forecasts, pay bills and stay connected with suppliers and customers. However, fast and reliable broadband remains out of reach for many rural communities.
The good news is that farmers can take steps today to improve their internet connection and protect their operations from online threats. And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, there is no better time to give your farm’s digital infrastructure a little extra attention.
Meet CIRA: Your Internet Ally
The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) is a not-for-profit organisation that manages the .CA domain and works to strengthen and secure Canada’s internet. Through its Net Good program, CIRA offers two free tools that are especially useful for rural Canadians:
- Internet Performance Test (IPT): A real-time tool to measure your internet speed under actual conditions.
- CIRA Canadian Shield: A free cybersecurity service that protects your devices from malware, phishing and other online threats. Both tools are designed for everyday users and are easy to set up and use.
Frustrated by Slow Internet? Test Your Speed
Rural internet can be notoriously unreliable. Before blaming your router or service provider, it helps to know exactly what kind of speed you are getting.
CIRA’s Internet Performance Test is a simple way to check your connection. Visit performance.cira.ca, click “Start” and watch the results. If your speed is significantly below what your provider promised, you will know it is time to explore other options or have a conversation with your provider.
Every test you run also contributes to national research efforts aimed at improving rural internet across Canada. Even if your connection is slow, you are helping build a better digital future.
Protect Your Farm from Cyber Threats
Speed is important, but so is security. Cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware and fraud are increasingly targeting small businesses, including farms. Many producers mistakenly believe they are too small to be targeted, but that assumption can leave them vulnerable.
CIRA Canadian Shield is a free service that acts as a filter for your internet traffic. It blocks access to malicious websites that could infect your devices or steal sensitive information. If someone in your household clicks on a suspicious link, Canadian Shield will stop the connection before any damage is done.
Available as a mobile app, browser extension or router-level installation, Canadian Shield offers two modes: • Protected Mode: Blocks malware and phishing sites. • Family Mode: Adds adult content filtering, ideal for households with children.
Once installed, it works quietly in the background to keep your farm’s digital operations safe.
No Cost, No Catch
Unlike some free services that collect your data or serve ads, Canadian Shield is truly free. CIRA does not sell your data or use it for targeted advertising. Its mission is simple: to keep Canadians safe online.
Of course, basic cyber hygiene still matters—such as being cautious with unfamiliar emails and keeping software up to date—but Canadian Shield adds a strong layer of protection that works around the clock.