As we approach 2026, cybersecurity has emerged as a pressing challenge affecting governments, corporations, and individuals worldwide. The latest “Global Cybersecurity Outlook” report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights that the safeguarding of digital assets and effective responses to cyber threats are now central to global stability. With cyberattacks increasingly influencing economic, social, and political landscapes, Latin America finds itself grappling with unique challenges in this arena.
This year’s WEF report notes a significant shift in priorities among corporate leaders, revealing that cyber fraud has overtaken ransomware as the primary concern for CEOs, reflecting the evolving nature of cyber threats. Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as a pivotal change agent in the realm of cybersecurity, driving both challenges and innovations. Notably, a persistent gap in regional talent and public trust continues to exacerbate systemic risks across Latin America.
Cybersecurity’s complexity is underscored by its far-reaching implications for critical sectors such as infrastructure, health, energy, finance, and communications. In a survey of CEOs, 73% reported being impacted by cyber fraud in 2025, with 94% citing AI as the leading force reshaping cybersecurity measures. The assessment of AI tool security has seen a notable rise, from 37% in 2025 to 64% in 2026, indicating an urgent need for robust evaluation processes.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, a staggering 69% of CEOs acknowledge a lack of sufficient cybersecurity talent to fulfill their objectives, revealing a widening divide in cyber capabilities between nations and sectors. Phishing and spoofing remain prevalent attack vectors, with ransomware incidents increasing by 9% to 3,156 cases. Noteworthy criminal groups, including Akira, LockBit, RansomHub, Fog, and PLAY, have refined their extortion tactics, making the landscape even more perilous.
The FBI’s analysis over the past five years indicates over 4.2 million reported cyber incidents, leading to losses exceeding $50.5 billion. An average of 836,000 complaints per year reflects the relentless evolution of cyber threats. Ransomware has transitioned from merely a financial concern to a strategic risk that threatens national security and global stability. In 2025, it was reported that half of ransomware attacks targeted crucial sectors such as manufacturing, health, and transportation, risking the destabilization of essential services.
Latin America’s cybersecurity environment is marred by infrastructure vulnerabilities, a dearth of specialized talent, and the nascent maturity of public policy frameworks. The IBM/Ponemon Institute’s “Cost of a Data Breach Report” revealed that the average cost of a cyber incident in the region reached $3.81 million in 2025. While global figures have dropped due to quicker investigations and AI-driven defenses, the report warns of an escalating “arms race,” with 16% of breaches involving AI-enhanced attacks, particularly in phishing and deepfakes.
Beyond financial losses, the reputational damage from cyberattacks poses significant risks for businesses, often lasting over a year. Affected companies report that 45% of reputational impacts surpass operational and financial damages. According to PwC, 70% of consumers tend to abandon brands that do not adequately secure their data, while one in three users would cease using a service following a public breach. Such losses of trust can precipitate talent flight, contract cancellations, and a decline in brand value, making it imperative for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity as a strategic investment.
Despite recognizing the transformative potential of AI—66% of organizations anticipate its significant impact on cybersecurity—only 37% have established processes to evaluate AI tool security before deployment. The rise of deepfakes and AI-fueled social engineering attacks, which surged by 223% in the past year, further complicates the landscape. Cybercriminals’ capabilities surrounding generative AI remain a primary concern for 47% of organizations.
Ransomware continues to represent a strategic threat, with 4,701 incidents documented between January and September 2025, marking a 34% increase from the previous year. The average ransom payment soared to $2 million, though the payment rate declined to 25%, forcing attackers to diversify their tactics and targets. As cyberattack losses reach unprecedented levels, the gap in resources and capabilities in Latin America poses a significant barrier to digital competitiveness.
The sophistication of cyber threats, accelerated adoption of emerging technologies, and the interconnectedness of supply chains necessitate a fundamental transformation in cybersecurity management. To effectively address these challenges, international collaboration, investments in talent and technology, and the embedding of cybersecurity into organizational culture are crucial. As we advance toward 2026, cybersecurity must be perceived not merely as a cost but as a strategic investment essential for the future of the digital economy and global security.
See also
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