Tácito Augusto Silva Leite, Founder & CEO at t-Risk discusses the challenges and opportunities facing security professionals in Latin America.

Security across the region

Security risk management in Latin America is entering a period of profound transformation, driven by factors such as technological advancements, climate change, geopolitical instability and regulatory pressures.

These elements create an increasingly complex environment where organizations must not only react to threats but adopt an integrated and strategic approach to navigate a dynamic and interconnected global scenario.

Digital transformation, led by technologies such as AI, big data and automation, presents both opportunities and challenges.

These tools offer the potential to predict and mitigate risks with greater precision but also expand cyber-attack vectors and introduce new risks, such as algorithmic biases and automated misinformation.

In Latin America, critical sectors like energy, transportation and finance are particularly vulnerable to sophisticated cyber-threats, including ransomware and state-sponsored attacks.

To address this landscape, organizations must strengthen their cyber-resilience strategies by investing in continuous monitoring, integrating IT and operational technology (OT) systems, and fostering an organizational culture oriented toward digital security and resilience.

The pressure for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices has also become a defining factor for business competitiveness in the region.

Issues such as deforestation, social inequality and carbon emissions have drawn the attention of global regulators, investors and consumers.

Companies that fail to integrate sustainability into their operations face not only reputational risks but also the possibility of exclusion from strategic markets and difficulty accessing capital.

Integrating ESG with risk management is therefore indispensable.

This approach not only mitigates threats but also creates opportunities for sustainable business and strengthens stakeholder trust.

Another essential aspect of the future of risk management is the strengthening of corporate governance.

The role of the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) must be expanded to include not only oversight of traditional risks but also the coordination of strategies related to emerging risks.

The CRO should act as a strategic link between senior management, boards of directors and operational teams, ensuring that risk management is integrated into strategic planning.

Furthermore, governance models such as the “Three Lines,” promoted by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), provide a robust framework to align compliance, governance and risk management in an increasingly regulated and complex environment.

The global scenario, marked by geopolitical tensions and polarization, also directly influences risk management in Latin America.

Volatility in international markets, combined with internal economic and political pressures, underscores the need for organizational resilience and rapid adaptation.

Brazil, as one of the region’s largest economies, plays a strategic role in this context.

Its leadership in global forums such as COP30 offers a unique opportunity to position the region as a leader in the debate on sustainability and technological innovation.

However, this requires robust internal policies that balance economic growth with environmental preservation and social equity.

Although the challenges are substantial, the opportunities for 2025 are equally significant.

Organizations that invest in emerging technologies, strengthen their cyber-resilience and integrate ESG practices into their operations will be better positioned to thrive in a highly competitive global market.

Risk management in Latin America must evolve from a reactive function to an integrated and proactive approach, where risks are seen not only as threats but also as catalysts for innovation and sustainable growth.

This transformation is essential not only to protect assets and reputations but also to ensure the relevance and competitiveness of organizations in the long term.

Tácito Augusto Silva Leite

Since 1994, Tácito has been working in the fields of risk management, corporate security and information security.

He is currently the CEO of the t-Risk platform and Director of ABSEG – Brazilian Association of Security Professionals.

Tácito is also author of the book ‘Risk Management in Asset Security’ and is a postgraduate in Corporate Security from Pontifical Comillas University.

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