Malware Hits Mexico’s Government: Cybersecurity Week

This week, a report revealed that over 570 systems associated with the Mexican government were infected with malware, exposing critical data and underscoring persistent cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, the global threat landscape continues to evolve, as AI-driven cybercrime is on the rise. At the corporate level, cybersecurity due diligence is now a pivotal factor in M&A deals, as companies face growing risks from integrating IT systems. Across industries, from cloud monitoring to automotive cybersecurity, experts emphasize that robust security measures are not just a necessity but a competitive differentiator in an increasingly digital world.

Ready? This is your Cybersecurity Weekly Roundup! 

Mexico

Malware Infects Over 570 Mexican Government Computers

A recent cybersecurity investigation detected that over 570 government computers in Mexico have been infected by malware known as infostealers. These malicious programs have allowed cybercriminals to steal credentials and access key systems, exposing sensitive data and putting the security of citizens and civil servants at risk.

International 

Rising Cybersecurity Risks Make Due Diligence Critical in M&As

As M&A activity increases, driven by post-pandemic recovery and favorable business conditions, companies face rising cybersecurity risks. Integrating organizations' systems and operations creates vulnerabilities, making cybersecurity due diligence a critical element of the M&A process.

GhostGPT: The new Malicious Chatbot Empowering Cybercriminals

Threat actors now have a new tool in their arsenal: GhostGPT, an AI chatbot designed to support malicious activities such as malware creation, business email compromise (BEC) scams, and exploits. Unlike traditional AI chatbots, GhostGPT is uncensored, lacks ethical guardrails, and is marketed explicitly for cybercriminal purposes, as Abnormal Security reports.

MBN Experts Insights

Unified Platform: Revolutionizing Cloud Monitoring, Cybersecurity 

Datadog is redefining cloud monitoring by integrating observability, cybersecurity, and AI-driven insights into a unified platform. says Brenda Zetina, Regional Director North Latin America, Datadog. Since its formal entry into Mexico in 2021, the company has achieved over 140% year-over-year growth, driven by R&D investments and strategic partnerships. By leveraging AI, Datadog optimizes alerts, prioritizes risks, and improves operational efficiency, aiming to expand in Latin America, adds Zetina.

The Importance of Cybersecurity in the Auto, Autoparts Industries 

As vehicles become rolling computers, cybersecurity in the auto industry is more critical than ever. Francisco Gonzalez, Executive President, National Auto Parts, emphasizes that modern cars process vast amounts of data, but this connectivity exposes them to cyber threats, with 290 major incidents reported in 2023 alone. From sensor manipulation to remote control exploits, attacks compromise both safety and trust, requiring a collaboration across the supply chain, from OEMs to cybersecurity firms. 

Safeguarding the Cloud: Driving Growth and Earning Trust

Cloud adoption is fueling business growth, but also expanding cyber risks, says Francisco Ramirez de Arellano, Senior Vice President for Latin America and Caribbean, Tenable. The company’s Cloud Risk Report 2024 reveals that 38% of organizations have critically vulnerable workloads, exposing them to attacks. Unpatched flaws, excessive permissions, and public asset exposure create a "toxic trilogy" of risks.