Social Media, Engineering: Key Cybersecurity Concerns

Cybersecurity incidents, ranging from scams and data breaches to ransomware attacks, have become all too familiar in the interconnected world. With cybercriminals growing increasingly sophisticated, the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors has emerged as a critical pillar in combating these threats, reports Spain’s National Cybersecurity Forum.

The undeniable surge in cyberthreats has a profound impact on organizations, businesses and even governments worldwide. In an era where technological advancements like AI have made cyberattacks more sophisticated, the risks of falling victim to such incidents have significantly increased. The reports published in 2023 by the National Cybersecurity Forum analyze some of the most pressing topics in the sector, including cybersecurity, corporate social responsibility, industry growth, research and development (R&D) and specialized cybersecurity education. For example, the "Navigating Citizen Cybersecurity" report identifies 10 areas that pose the highest risks to citizens, such as social media, digital passwords and social engineering, among others. Emphasizing the need for collective responsibility, the report encourages the participation of both public and private sector entities in addressing cybersecurity challenges.

The forum’s "Competency Framework for Advanced Programs in Specialized Cybersecurity Education" study focused on specialized training programs aimed at enhancing cybersecurity practices within various organizations. These initiatives share a common goal: strengthening defense and digital security capabilities across all industries.

Cyberattacks concern individuals and companies across the world, and Mexico is no exception. Many institutions and companies in Mexico are bringing together cybersecurity experts to share best practices and develop strategies to fight this growing problem. For example, on May 23-25, the Judicial Branch of the State of Mexico and its Ministry of Security organized a congress focused on analyzing, proposing and implementing an efficient cybersecurity strategy in the country, aiming to promote a culture of prevention in the face of increasing cybersecurity risks. The "Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection" congress analyzed the importance of cybersecurity in civil society, as well as in institutions of law enforcement and justice, aiming to promote a culture of cybersecurity prevention and general awareness within Mexico that helps the country mitigate risks. 

Mexico Cybersecurity Summit 2023, held on June 7-8, also underscored the critical importance of tailoring cybersecurity education and policies to individuals to combat the growing volume of social engineering attacks." Social engineering attacks demonstrate an alarming rise in sophistication, with an anticipated shift towards increased personalization, making them an acute and imminent danger. Therefore, empowering users with vital education and robust tools to recognize and counter such threats becomes paramount,” says Jonathan Granados, CISO, Airbus.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange and proactive initiatives, Mexico is taking significant strides toward fortifying its defenses against cyberthreats. By nurturing a culture of cybersecurity awareness and investing in research, education and innovation, Mexico can effectively mitigate risks and build a resilient digital ecosystem.