Mexico Set to Boost the Data Center Industry: The Week in Tech

Mexico is looking to invest in cybersecurity to capitalize on its nearshoring potential, enhance operational efficiency and ensure uninterrupted workflows. Meanwhile, the Mexican Association of Data Centers (MEXDC) and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) have agreed to collaborate in driving the country's digital transformation through the data center industry. 

In other news, the White House released the first version of its multiyear implementation plan for the National Cybersecurity Strategy, setting into motion a significant blueprint of how the federal government will regulate digital security issues. Additionally, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency expects to issue an announcement with Microsoft on the availability of critical network logs. 

Ready? This is the week in Tech 

National News

Mexican Manufacturing Industry Targeted by Ransomware Attacks

A Quest Software report reveals that the manufacturing industry became a prime target for ransomware and extortion in 2022. Despite the proven financial risks associated with cyber breaches, only 19% of respondents conduct monthly vulnerability reviews and analyze potential attack paths. These inadequate investment levels could hinder Mexico's ability to fully capitalize on its nearshoring potential, despite its attractive manufacturing capabilities, strategic geographical location and cost-effective skilled workforce. By investing in cybersecurity, Mexico could enhance operational efficiency, ensuring uninterrupted workflow and long-term profitability. 

Mexico Set to Boost the Data Center Industry

The Mexican Association of Data Centers (MEXDC) and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) have agreed to collaborate in driving the country's digital transformation through the data center industry. During a meeting, both associations discussed regulatory frameworks to enhance service quality, coordinated actions to generate and retain talent through training and partnerships and sustainability measures to ensure responsible industry practices, among other topics.

International News 

White House Releases National Cybersecurity Strategy

The White House released the first version of its multiyear implementation plan for the National Cybersecurity Strategy on Thursday, setting into motion a significant overhaul of how the federal government will regulate digital security issues. The document has over 65 initiatives to carry out the “five pillars” of the cyber strategy. The plan to carry out that strategy is expected to evolve over time. The plan comes just as the federal government faces another widespread hacking incident impacting federal agencies.

Latest Outlook Breaches Attributed to a China-based Hacker

In the wake of a suspected China-linked cyber campaign targeting Microsoft cloud-based email accounts of federal agencies and other organizations, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency expects to issue an announcement with Microsoft on the availability of critical network logs outside of the company’s premium payment structure. Federal cyber defenders were able to detect the incident last month because the first agency affected had access to premium logging capabilities. Microsoft, in its own advisory, attributes the activity to a “China-based actor” known as “Storm-0558.” After starting an investigation on June 16, Microsoft discovered that the group gained access to the emails of about 25 organizations, including government agencies.

Executive Perspective 

The Cloud Continues to Drive Business Growth in Mexico

The pandemic changed the way people work, learn and interact, accelerating the shift to cloud-based solutions. Public cloud adoption has been a key factor in Mexico's growth, explains Angela Gómez, President, SAP Mexico. The cloud brings many benefits including cost reduction and improved efficiency in business processes. 

The State of Mexico Judiciary and the Modernization of Justice

Digital justice is becoming a permanent aspect of Mexican justice, explains Omar Guerrero, Partner, Hogan Lovells. In May 2023, Ricardo Sodi, as Chief Justice of the Local Judiciary of the State of Mexico, released a newly-revised mobile application called App PJEdomex 2.0. “One day in the near future, Sodi will be recognized as a legal visionary who made history in digital justice,” writes Guerrero.

The Integral Role of Cybersecurity in Business Strategy 

In an increasingly digitized world with a multitude of personal and professional connection points, the risk of falling victim to a cyberattack is on the rise, explains Omar Alcalá, Cybersecurity Director, Tenable Latin America. Hence, it is vital to safeguard all information stored by organizations, both locally and in the cloud, to reduce the risk of exposing users and companies through their systems..