Cybersecurity, Data Centers in the Spotlight: The Week in Tech

Mexico is making great strides in cybersecurity but still has a long way to go. The country recently inaugurated two cybersecurity centers in Mexico City: a state-of-the-art data debugging center designed by Akamai Technologies and a data management center by Mexico Telecom Partners (MTP). 

However, the country’s limited cybersecurity policy might hinder its relationships with commercial partners such as the US. The lack of consistent cybersecurity policies may expose vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.

Ready? This is the week in Tech:

Mexico

Mexico’s Limited Cybersecurity Could Hinder Trade Relationships

Mexico’s limited cybersecurity policy might hinder its relationships with commercial partners such as the US, which recently launched a new National Cybersecurity Strategy. If Mexico lacks the necessary infrastructure and legal framework, it will be unable to effectively combat the growing cyberattacks arriving to its shores. Moreover, the lack of consistent cybersecurity policies and the absence of a comprehensive cybersecurity law may expose vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals, which could even attack the US through its commercial partners in Mexico.

MTP Inaugurates Data Center in Mexico City

As businesses, governments and individuals generate increasingly larger amounts of digital information, robust data centers are essential for effectively storing, managing and processing such data. Recognizing this urgent need, Mexico Telecom Partners (MTP) unveiled a new data center in Mexico City on June 15. The center will involve an investment of US$17.4 million to provide cloud services to a wide range of sectors. To ensure data protection, MTP’s data center will deploy an uninterrupted monitoring to oversee temperature, power and abnormal behaviors to prevent potential malfunctions.

Akamai Opens Data Debugging Center in Mexico City

Akamai Technologies has established a state-of-the-art data debugging center in Mexico City. The center will specialize in fighting Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, thereby enhancing the security measures available to Mexican companies while they await the enactment of comprehensive cybersecurity legislation. The newly fortified center will bolster its operations with the Prolexic Network Cloud Firewall, a cutting-edge solution that intercepts attacks before they can penetrate applications, data centers and internet infrastructures. Its robust protection measures guarantee uninterrupted business continuity, providing peace of mind to organizations operating in the region.

Cybersecurity 

Cybercriminals Latest Target: Real Estate

The real estate industry is increasingly becoming a target for cyberattacks, with criminals focusing on operational technology rather than just data. Attacks often target smart sensors, chargers, solar panels, 5G infrastructure and surveillance cameras, which store valuable private and sensitive information. Unfortunately, building administrators face challenges in adequately safeguarding operational networks, as they often lack the cybersecurity expertise and resources that corporations have.

Latin America Transitions from Cash to Digital Banking: Kushki

In the last decade, Latin America has witnessed a remarkable decline in cash usage, paving the way for the rise of alternative digital payments methods. What was once a haven for cash transactions is rapidly transforming into one of the most promising frontiers for digital banking, according to a report by Kushki. The company found that over 80% of Latin Americans have access to deposit accounts, while cash usage has dropped by 36%. As Latin America continues its digital banking revolution, there is a clear opportunity for alternative payment methods (such as digital wallets and prepaid cards) to become the new standard, surpassing traditional payment methods in the near future.

Executive Perspective 

Artificial Intelligence: A Cybersecurity Friend and Foe

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity has brought numerous benefits, including improved threat detection and faster incident response. However, there are potential risks and challenges associated with the increasing reliance on AI in cybersecurity. Mitigating these risks involves continuously updating algorithms to defend against adversarial attacks, establishing ethical frameworks and addressing the skills gap through specialized education, explains Julián Garrido, CEO, Mnemo México. Thus, embracing AI as a tool while considering these issues is crucial for organizations to enhance their defense capabilities and secure their digital future.

Cyberthreats to Medical Devices

The integration of medical devices into networked systems has introduced significant advancements in patient care but has also raised concerns about cybersecurity in the healthcare industry. Cybersecurity breaches in medical devices can compromise patient privacy, lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of critical functions, emphasizing the urgent need for robust security protocols and regular updates, writes Sneer Rozenfeld, CEO, Cyber 2.0. 

Open Finance and AI: A New Era for the Latin American Financial Sector

The financial sector is witnessing the growth of two significant trends: open finance and AI.  Both trends offer advantages in terms of efficiency, cost reduction and improved risk assessment, but challenges around data protection, privacy and ethical use of AI must be addressed for responsible and secure implementation, writes José Luis López Amador, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Finerio Connect.