Cybersecurity attack landscape in Mexico
In today's digitally interconnected world, cybersecurity has become paramount. It's the shield that safeguards our personal information, financial assets, and even national security from a constantly evolving landscape of cyber threats. From malicious hackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities to the risk of data breaches that can compromise the trust of customers and partners, the stakes have never been higher. Cybersecurity is not merely a technological concern; it's a matter of strategic importance for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. As cyberattacks grow in frequency and sophistication, staying informed, proactive, and resilient in the face of these challenges is not an option but a necessity. In this blog, we'll explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative solutions that empower us to navigate the digital realm securely and confidently
Mexico, with its growing economy and geostrategic location, has become an attractive target for cybercriminals. The country ranks as the second country in Latin America with the most cyberattacks, experiencing a 40% growth in the number of attacks between 2013 and 2014.
The losses from cybercrime incidents in Mexico are estimated to range from $3 billion to $5 billion per year.
The country suffered a high-profile cyber attack in November 2019 when hackers demanded nearly $5 million from the state-owned oil company, PEMEX, leading to a nationwide computer shutdown and frozen payment systems.
Another significant cyber attack occurred in February 2020, targeting the Mexican government's economy ministry, which resulted in temporary network isolation and suspension of form processing.
The Mexican financial system has also been a target of cybercrime, with 100% of financial entities and institutions reporting some kind of digital security event, including successful attacks and breaches.
In the first quarter of 2020, Mexico experienced an estimated 800 million attempted cyberattacks, making it the fourth-largest cybercrime target in the Western Hemisphere, after the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
Mexico's cybersecurity infrastructure and practices are not yet at the level necessary for a secure and robust ICT sector. However, there have been some developments in the country's cybersecurity progress, including cooperation with the United States. Calibrated policy responses and increased awareness of cyber threats can have a significant impact on addressing the challenges faced by Mexico's public and private sectors.
