Mexico Ranks Second in Global Cyber Risk: Microsoft

Mexico has emerged as the second country with the highest cyber risk, reported a Microsoft’s online security survey. The survey revealed that out of the countries included in the study, South Africa ranked as the most insecure for cloud navigation, followed by Mexico. 

South Africa took 84% of the votes, followed closely by Mexico at 77%, Colombia at 76%, India at 75%, Brazil at 72%, the United States and Spain at 68% each. The survey, which polled a total of 16,795 people to gauge their perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence and online security, found that 56% claimed to have some knowledge of new technologies. The majority of those interested in using these technologies and most susceptible to cybercrime were young individuals aged 18 to 24 who were pursuing some level of education.

Microsoft's findings also highlighted the most common internet crimes and frauds, including identity theft, hate speech, cyberbullying, manipulation of sexual content, and distribution of inappropriate content. In response to these threats, users have taken measures such as setting their social media profiles to private, implementing parental controls, or reporting unknown users.

Furthermore, in terms of online civility, Mexico received a 47% negativity rating, surpassed only by Brazil and France, which recorded 50% and 59%, respectively.

While India and Singapore led in the number of users handling artificial intelligence (AI) tools, Mexico ranked 11th, with 65% of individuals lacking knowledge in AI management. The survey also highlighted users' primary concerns regarding the use of AI technology, with 71% expressing worries about AI-driven scams, followed by concerns about face swapping, online abuse, and data theft.

In related developments, the Mexican Association of Information Technology Industries (AMITI) recently declared Mexico as the sixth-largest player globally in generative AI development.