Pablo Colombres, Managing Partner, GIF International discusses some of the key steps to take to strengthen cyber-resilience.

The pandemic-driven surge in mobile banking and digital payments across Latin America brings convenience but heightens the risk of fraud.

Analysis has revealed the region’s vulnerability to cyber-threats, emphasizing the need for strengthened defenses.

In an interconnected world, Latin America faces complex challenges and opportunities to fortify cybersecurity.

Internet security is a shared responsibility, necessitating collaboration between the public and private sectors.

A potent tool in mitigating cyber-risk is the enhancement of awareness. Individuals and organizations should be well-informed about potential threats and equipped with best practices.

This involves initiatives such as training programs, educational campaigns and collaborative workshops.

Mitigating cyber-risk

Corporate security professionals are pivotal in fortifying defenses against evolving cyber-threats in Latin America.

Key contributions include:

1. Risk assessment and strategy development: conduct thorough risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies aligned with the organization’s goals and industry best practices
2. Employee training and awareness: implement ongoing training programs for employees and foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness
3. Incident response planning: establish robust incident response plans for cyber-incidents and conduct regular drills to test the organization’s ability to handle various scenarios
4. Technological solutions: invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies such as intrusion detection systems, firewalls and endpoint protection and keep software and systems up-to-date with the latest security patches
5. Data encryption and access controls: implement encryption protocols for sensitive data and enforce strict access controls to limit user permissions
6. Collaboration with industry peers: engage in information-sharing initiatives with other organizations in the industry and collaborate with cybersecurity forums and alliances
7. Continuous monitoring and threat intelligence: implement continuous monitoring systems to detect and respond to potential threats and leverage threat intelligence services
8. Engagement with law enforcement: establish relationships with law enforcement agencies to enhance response capabilities and collaborate with relevant authorities to investigate and prosecute cyber-criminals
9. Security culture integration: instill a strong security culture within the organization, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity and encourage employees to report suspicious activities promptly
10. Regular audits and compliance: conduct regular cybersecurity audits and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards
11. Public relations and crisis communication: develop communication plans to manage public relations in the aftermath of a cyber-incident and maintain transparent and timely communication with stakeholders

By proactively implementing these measures, corporate security professionals can significantly contribute to strengthening an organization’s resilience against cyber-threats in the digital era.

Their strategic guidance, coupled with technological solutions and a robust security culture, is essential.

About Pablo Colombres

Pablo Colombres is Chairman of the Latin American and Caribbean Regional Board of ASIS International.

He also has a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security, University of Phoenix, US.

This article was originally published in the Special February Influencers Edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.