Latin America's Cyber Maturity Lags Threat Landscape

Dark Reading

by Alexander Culafi

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Latin America has made strides in cybersecurity maturity but continues to face significant challenges as cyber threats escalate rapidly. According to Intel 471's report, the region experienced a 25% annual growth in reported cyber incidents over the past decade, with the first quarter of 2025 seeing a staggering 108% year-over-year increase. Latin American organizations now face an average of 2,640 cyberattacks weekly, compared to the global average of 1,955. This surge is driven by rapid digitalization, persistent security gaps in cloud environments, and the growing use of AI to enhance cyberattacks. The threat landscape in Latin America has become increasingly hostile, with ransomware attacks surging by 78% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Over 450 ransomware breach events were reported last year alone. Additionally, researchers identified more than 200 initial access brokers targeting entities in the region, along with multiple advanced persistent threat (APT) clusters and at least 119 hacktivist groups operating across 15 countries. The challenges are compounded by structural issues such as limited cross-sector collaboration, shortages of skilled cybersecurity professionals, and inconsistent budget allocation. These constraints hinder the development of sustainable cybersecurity maturity. Despite growing awareness of cyber risks, governments and critical sectors must prioritize collaboration and resource allocation to address these gaps effectively. The region's digital transformation has made it a prime target for cybercriminals, with Brazil emerging as the most targeted country due to its large population and economic significance. Brazilian entities accounted for 30% of tracked ransomware and extortion attacks, followed by Mexico and Argentina. The most targeted sectors include consumer and industrial products, energy, natural resources, and agriculture, as well as professional services. This intensifying threat landscape underscores the urgent need for Latin American countries to address their cybersecurity shortcomings. As digital services and infrastructure continue to integrate, cybersecurity has become a strategic priority, not just a technical concern. The region must act swiftly to mitigate risks, protect critical sectors, and safeguard its economic stability in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Originally published on Dark Reading on 2/20/2026