Latin American organizations are facing significant challenges in responding to cyberattacks, according to recent research by Kaspersky1. The study highlights that 70% of companies in the region struggle to manage security alerts effectively, leading to delayed responses and increased risks2. This issue is compounded by a lack of cybersecurity awareness among executives and the growing sophistication of AI-driven threats.
Overwhelmed by Security Alerts
The volume of security alerts has become a critical pain point for Latin American businesses. Kaspersky’s 2025 report found that 70% of companies are unable to process alerts efficiently, leaving them vulnerable to prolonged attacks2. Many security teams are forced to prioritize alerts manually, which often results in critical threats being overlooked. This problem is exacerbated by the lack of automated tools and skilled personnel in the region. Without proper alert filtering and correlation, organizations risk missing early indicators of compromise.
Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness
Another major issue is the gap in understanding basic security concepts among executives. Kaspersky’s research reveals that 55% of companies experienced cyber incidents due to this knowledge gap3. Nearly 20% of executives admit they do not fully comprehend the terminology used by their security teams. This disconnect can lead to poor decision-making, such as underfunding critical security initiatives or delaying incident response. Bridging this gap requires targeted training programs that translate technical risks into business terms.
AI-Powered Threats and Sector-Specific Risks
Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging AI to automate attacks, making them harder to detect. A 30% rise in AI-driven phishing campaigns was observed in 2024, with attackers using personalized messages to bypass traditional defenses4. Industrial and financial sectors are particularly vulnerable, facing ransomware and payment fraud schemes. The retail sector has also seen a surge in falsified payment portals, leading to significant financial losses.
Recommendations for Improvement
To address these challenges, Kaspersky recommends a multi-layered approach:
- Implementing AI-driven threat detection tools like Kaspersky Next to reduce alert fatigue.
- Conducting regular cybersecurity workshops for employees at all levels.
- Simplifying risk reports for executives to improve decision-making.
Daniela Álvarez de Lugo, Kaspersky’s LATAM representative, emphasizes that security must be a collaborative effort:
“Leadership and operational teams must work together to build a resilient security culture.”3
Conclusion
The cybersecurity landscape in Latin America remains challenging, with organizations struggling to keep pace with evolving threats. While technical solutions like AI-driven detection can help, cultural changes are equally important. Companies must prioritize training, streamline communication between teams, and invest in advanced tools to mitigate risks effectively.
References
- “Desconocimiento en ciberseguridad impacta a más de la mitad de las empresas en América Latina,” Kaspersky Press Release, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://latam.kaspersky.com/about/press-releases/desconocimiento-en-ciberseguridad-impacta-a-mas-de-la-mitad-de-las-empresas-en-america-latina
- “Kaspersky advierte que más de la mitad de las empresas en América Latina tienen dificultades para afrontar las ciberamenazas actuales,” ITware Latam, Apr. 22, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.itwarelatam.com/2025/04/22/kaspersky-advierte-que-mas-de-la-mitad-de-las-empresas-en-america-latina-tienen-dificultades-para-afrontar-las-ciberamenazas-actuales/
- “Empresas latinoamericanas enfrentan desafíos al responder a ciberataques,” Gadgerss (Facebook), 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.facebook.com/gadgerss/posts/empresas-latinoamericanas-enfrentan-desaf%C3%ADos-al-responder-a-ciberataques-c%C3%B3mo-de/1105099134982668/
- “Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform,” Kaspersky LATAM, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://latam.kaspersky.com/small-to-medium-business-security/security-awareness-platform
