Leon Invests Millions in Security, Creates Cybersecurity Unit

The municipal government of Leon is investing MX$290 million (US$14.2 million) in security, which will allow it to create a Cybersecurity Unit. In addition, the city is increasing police officer salaries by up to 40.7%. It reports a reduction of 18.13% in intentional homicides and a 4.6% reduction in property crimes, according to data from the Ministry of Security, Prevention, and Citizen Protection.

"The most valuable thing we have in this corporation are the people, who continue to train and continue to seek to grow," says Alejandra Gutiérrez, Municipal President of Leon.

The announcement was made during the first activity report of Jorge Guillén, Minister of Security, Prevention, and Citizen Protection. Among other measures, the funds will be used to strengthen the Specialized Tactical Group (GET) and the Analysis and Investigation Unit, which will incorporate a cybersecurity area focused on the prevention of property crimes, extortion, and high-impact crimes.

As part of the security strategy, the municipal government allocated resources for the acquisition of patrol cars, tactical vehicles, and weapons to improve police operations. The increase in police salaries is part of an effort to improve working conditions and promote the professionalization of the security forces. This salary adjustment, as reported by Publimetro, responds to the need to reduce personnel turnover and strengthen the corporation with better trained elements.

Guanajuato's Growing Need for Investment in Cybersecurity

In 2024, Mexico experienced a 220% increase in cyberattack attempts, reaching 100 billion incidents targeting businesses, according to data from MCM Business. The increasing digitization of business operations has made cybersecurity a critical element for business continuity. 

Teodoro García, CEO, MCM Business, tells Círculo AM that some companies receive up to 20,000 attacks per month, with ransomware as one of the most significant threats. García suggests implementing a disaster restoration program to face these threats, which ensures that data is backed up and can be recovered without affecting operational continuity. 

Given the increase in digital threats, several initiatives have emerged to strengthen the culture of prevention in the business sector. For example, the Institute of Innovation, Science, and Entrepreneurship for Competitiveness of Guanajuato, launched the second generation of its cybersecurity program at the Universidad Iberoamericana.

The state ranks third nationally in cybersecurity, says Antonio Reus, Director, Institute of Innovation, Science, and Entrepreneurship for Competitiveness of Guanajuato. The program also highlights the importance of mitigating human errors in enhancing digital security. According to Reus, 70% of cybersecurity incidents originate from human error, which underlines the need for continuous training and the implementation of prevention policies.