Manufacturing Was Most Attacked Sector in 2024: CyberSec Week

Mexican manufacture emerged as the most targeted industry for cyberattacks in 2024, reflecting vulnerabilities in one of the nation’s key economic drivers. Meanwhile, the rise in online fraud during end-of-year sales, especially targeting luxury and beauty products, underscores the urgency of bolstering cybersecurity in e-commerce. In other news, Microsoft Mexico’s initiative to train teachers in cybersecurity highlights proactive efforts to build a more secure digital ecosystem.

In international news, identity fraud in Latin America soared by 137%, fueled by deepfakes and social media exploitation, presenting a dire need for advanced preventive measures. In contrast, success stories like Interpol’s Operation HAECHI V, which recovered US$400 million globally, demonstrate impactful strides in combating cybercrime. Cloud security innovation also garnered attention, with Upwind achieving a US$900 million valuation following a substantial funding round, signaling confidence in next-generation solutions.

Ready? This is your Cybersecurity Weekly Roundup! 

Mexico

Manufacture: The Sector Most Targeted by Cyberattacks in 2024

Mexico’s manufacturing industry was the sector most targeted by cybercriminals in 2024, accumulating 29.77% of attempted cyberattacks on companies, according to Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team for Latin America.

Home, Luxury, Beauty: Prime Targets of Fraud in End-of-Year Sales

In Mexico, online fraud has experienced a significant increase, especially during end-of-year sales seasons, with supermarket, home, luxury, and beauty products being the most targeted, says fraud prevention platform Signifyd.

Microsoft Mexico will Train Teachers on AI, Cybersecurity

Microsoft Mexico and the PILARES Community Education Subsystem signed an agreement to train over 1,000 teachers in AI and cybersecurity, helping them attain the necessary skills to teach courses and workshops in PILARES’s 16 centers in Mexico City.

International

Identity Fraud Soars 137% in Latin America, Driven by Deepfakes

Identity grew by 137% in Latin America and the Caribbean during 2024, with an average annual increase of 53% in Mexico, according to Sumsub's Global Fraud Index. This phenomenon is driven by the proliferation of deepfakes and the widespread use of social networks, factors that facilitate the manipulation of personal data and impersonation.

Cloud Security Startup Upwind Reaches US$900 Million Valuation

Cloud security startup Upwind has successfully closed a US$100 million Series A funding round, bringing its post-money valuation to US$900 million. The funding, led by Craft Ventures, TCV, Alta Park Capital, and some Upwind's previous investors, will be used to expand Upwind’s team and further develop its cloud security platform. 

Interpol's Cybercrime Operation Recovers US$400 million Globally

Interpol’s Operation HAECHI V, conducted across 40 countries, led to the arrest of over 5,500 suspects involved in financial cybercrimes. The operation recovered US$400 million in stolen funds, marking a significant step in combating cyber-enabled fraud globally.

MBN Expert’s Contributions!

Hybrid Cloud Solutions Enhance Data Security, Innovation

Enrique Onetto, Regional Vice President for Spanish-Speaking America, Cloudera, , shared with MBN insights into the company’s growing footprint in Mexico and Latin America, driven by its hybrid, interoperable data management solutions. Focused on sectors like finance, telecom, and retail, Cloudera helps businesses navigate the shift to cloud environments while maintaining data security and governance, standing out for its flexibility by addressing challenges like cybersecurity and regulatory hurdles.