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As of September 2020, almost ** percent of cyber-attacks in the Latin American countries included in the study had targeted users or infrastructures located in Brazil, while approximately ** percent were directed at users in Mexico. Colombia came in third, with over *** percent of cyber-attacks.

Greater connectivity, greater vulnerability

As internet access and use continues to expand across Latin America, so are the challenges and vulnerabilities regarding cybersecurity. In the first half of 2020, the region recorded the world’s highest cyber-attack rates, with nearly times more attacks via mobile browsers than the global average. While the rapid growth and complexity of network attacks represent a major challenge for the sector, the shortage of trained IT professionals adds a layer of difficulty for organizations in Latin America to tackle these security gaps.

Brazil as ground zero for cyber-attacks

Among the most emblematic cyber-attacks in recent years are those carried out by hacktivist movement 'Anonymous Brazil' against government sites of the county during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Although this case drew particular attention given the magnitude of both the event and the attacks delivered, this is far from being an isolated incident in the history of digital strikes to public institutions in Brazil. In fact, in 2019, the Latin American country recorded the highest number of attacks in the region against web apps in the sector. To ensure a safe, reliable, and resilient cyberspace, in February 2020, the Brazilian government implemented its first National Cybersecurity Strategy.