Strategic Adaptations for Emerging Cybersecurity Challenges

Q: How has IQSEC's position in the Mexican cybersecurity market evolved in recent years and what factors have been key to consolidating its leadership in the sector?
A: Throughout our 17 years in the market, we have experienced a significant evolution driven by our ability to adapt to an increasingly complex digital environment. Key to our leadership has been our ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies and maintain a constant focus on innovation, which has enabled us to anticipate and mitigate emerging cyberthreats. Our cybersecurity certifications and protocols, together with the continuous training of our team, have consolidated us as a reliable and prepared company to face the challenges of cybersecurity in Mexico.

Q: What factors are driving the demand for IQSEC's services in the Mexican market?
A: The increasing digitization of commercial and government transactions has been a key driver of demand for IQSEC’s services. As more sectors adopt digital environments, the need to protect this data becomes essential. Our ability to offer secure digitization solutions, including the implementation of advanced levels of encryption and security measures, positions us as a trusted partner for companies looking to prevent cyberattacks, which is especially relevant given that systems vulnerabilities can compromise critical operations.

Q: What have been your key markets in recent years?
A: A: The federal market has been our key market, accounting for 83% of our sales last year. We have worked intensively with several state secretariats and governments, implementing robust solutions such as our Security Operations Center (SOC), which monitors any attempted intrusion in real time. 

Q: How have your solutions transformed the security of your clients in Mexico?
A: Our digital identity solution offers all financial institutions in the country access to the largest biometric database in Mexico, which is crucial for banks, notaries, fintechs, the judiciary, and other institutions. This ensures that critical processes, such as the issuance of professional ID cards and the handling of immigration data, are carried out securely and reliably.

In addition, we have managed to implement cybersecurity solutions in critical sectors. For example, we managed the comprehensive cybersecurity of one of the largest companies in the home appliance industry, which operates in four continents. 

Q: How do you assess the impact of specialized cybersecurity training on the development of future leaders in Mexico?
A: There is a global shortage of cybersecurity specialists, which is estimated to be 40% below current needs. IQSEC has thus decided to create its own talent through a seed program. Since the launch of this program, we have received more than 400 applications from which we selected and retained 20 candidates, who have proven their value in dealing with critical incidents, such as the recent Windows blue screen crisis. They managed to restore services to all our clients in less than six hours, not only strengthening our operational capacity, but also contributing to the development of future leaders in cybersecurity in Mexico.

Q: How is IQSEC incorporating AI into its strategies to address emerging challenges?
A: AI has significantly transformed the cybersecurity landscape, offering both opportunities and challenges. We are using AI in our solutions to address emerging challenges. We developed authentication methods that not only recognize a face, but also detect life signs, such as pupil dilation, to prevent fraud. We are implementing AI technologies to identify and counteract phishing attempts in real time. Our software factory and R&D area continuously work to stay at the forefront of global trends and testing in cybersecurity, ensuring that our solutions remain innovative and effective in the face of evolving threats.

Q: What do you see as the main vulnerabilities B2B companies face, and how can IQSEC help mitigate them?
A: These vulnerabilities include lack of awareness of the inherent risks of digitization, lack of knowledge of critical value of data and weaknesses in protecting digital transactions. Many companies do not adequately protect their applications, communications and data in the cloud, leaving sensitive data exposed during business transactions. To mitigate these risks, we are implementing solutions such as advanced data encryption and application security measures to ensure the integrity of information in transit. Our strategy also includes the integration of sophisticated protection techniques in blockchain and B2B environments to ensure that data is protected at every exchange point. All this must be accompanied by an awareness campaign among the staff, who should be the first filter of the defense.

Q: What are the main risks IoT and smart mobility platforms generate, and how is IQSEC addressing them?
A: Operation Technology (OTTO) systems are exposed to threats such as data theft or manipulation of critical parameters, which, in many cases, can cause damage that is more significant than that of a conventional data breach, jeopardizing the entire operation of companies or the integrity of personnel close to it. To address these challenges, we perform routine penetration tests and simulations of system attacks to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. We also work to ensure the protection of connected devices, such as smart cars, which may be targets for attacks that compromise their security and functionality. Our strategy includes implementing robust and continuous security measures, that both industrial applications and connected devices are resilient to emerging threats in a rapidly expanding market.

Q: What are IQSEC's objectives for the short and medium term in the Mexican and Latin American markets? 
A: Our goal is to diversify our customer base and reduce our dependence on large accounts, so we are developing packaged cybersecurity offerings for Mexican SMEs. We are also driving the digitization of government procedures to facilitate access to services through mobile devices, including digital identity solutions and legally valid electronic signatures. 

We are implementing digital gates at key ports and customs, such as in Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. We are also strengthening our operations in all states. Internationally, we are expanding our solutions to countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Peru.

Q: What are the main trends you foresee in cybersecurity for the B2B market in Mexico, and how is IQSEC positioning itself to capitalize on these trends and meet new challenges? 
A: Mexico’s B2B market will face an increase in the frequency and sophistication of attacks due to the critical value of the data and financial resources involved. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new forms of malware, and the speed with which new versions of software emerge means that threats evolve rapidly. 

To meet these challenges, we are positioning ourselves as a leader in rapid response and continuous protection, understanding that, in cybersecurity, every minute counts. We are seeing a growing urgency in protecting networks and systems, as even a brief exposure can have devastating consequences. Our focus is to stay at the forefront of technology and security practices, with an ongoing commitment to educate and raise awareness of the importance of robust cybersecurity. 

Q: What recommendations do you have for companies in Mexico that have not yet entered the cybersecurity market or continue to show resistance to it?
A: Recognize the critical importance of cybersecurity and do not underestimate the risks. Often, companies that have not invested in cybersecurity are unaware of the attacks they may already be experiencing. To demonstrate the need for robust protection, performing a penetration test is necessary, as it reveals vulnerabilities in systems and can highlight the severity of the situation. It is critical to not only have security tools, but also continuous monitoring services with end-to-end solutions. Companies should not rely solely on static applications, but on a dynamic strategy that includes monitoring and incident response services.

At IQSEC, we know the importance of optimizing expenses, so we have managed services such as the Security Operation Center (SOC 3.0), which is an "on-premise" solution to a "as a Service" service that includes all our specialized solutions; Virtual CISO or vCISO, which provides a pool of qualified professionals to serve specific information security tasks, and MDR for SMEs, which combines cutting-edge technologies and high-level professionals to accelerate the time of threat detection.