According to a recent study by cybersecurity firm Fortinet, Mexico accounted for just over 55% of all cyber threats reported in Latin America during the first half of 2024. This surge in cybercrime coincides with a significant nearshoring trend, where companies are shifting production closer to their primary markets, leading to increased vulnerabilities in sectors like logistics, automotive, and electronics manufacturing.
As businesses seek to optimize production efficiency and minimize costs, cybercriminals have identified these sectors as prime targets. By focusing on specific market segments, hackers are aiming for larger ransoms, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance their operational efficiency. Executives at Fortinet's presentation emphasized this alarming trend.
The report revealed that Mexico experienced an astounding 31 billion cybercrime attempts in the first half of 2024. Despite appearing as a slowdown from the 94 billion attacks recorded in all of 2023, the current rate remains exceedingly high. Jorge Miranda, Fortinet's Mexico chief, noted that the country faces more cyber threats than Brazil due to its geographic proximity and strong commercial ties with the United States.
In addition to the immediate threats, Fortinet's report highlighted a global shortage of 4 million AI professionals, with approximately 1.3 million needed in Latin America and around 500,000 in Mexico. This gap in skilled labor presents further challenges for organizations seeking to bolster their cybersecurity defenses.
Looking ahead, Fortinet hopes that Mexico will implement a cybersecurity law to strengthen its defenses against cyberattacks in the next one to two years. Recently, President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to establish a cybersecurity and artificial intelligence center during her administration, although she did not mention specific legislative plans.
