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Going out on vacations is always an exciting time for relaxation and adventure, but it’s also a period when cybercriminals ramp up their activities, targeting unsuspecting travelers. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, your honeymoon, or spring break, being on vacation makes us more vulnerable and more likely to fall for cyber scams. To ensure that a cyberattack does not ruin your vacation, it’s crucial to implement cybersecurity measures. Don’t worry! These recommendations will not be time-consuming and will ensure that you remain stress-free and safe. Here are five essential tips to protect yourself and your data during your vacation getaway.

1. Update Your Devices Before You Go

Before heading out, give your digital ecosystem a pre-departure check-up. Just as you would check that you have everything you need for your vacation, make sure all your devices have the appropriate updates. This includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, and any other device that should be up-to-date with the latest software and security patches. Manufacturers regularly release updates to fix vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may exploit. Regular updates improve performance and significantly enhance your security, providing protection against known threats.

2. Use a VPN During Your Trip

While a public Wi-Fi may seem like a lifesaver when you are relaxing at the beach, it can be an open door to cybercriminals. When you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in hotels, airports, and cafés, it is essential to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept your data. This is especially important when accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or personal accounts. Some of these networks may even be fake, so you must be wary of any suspicious names. Many reliable VPN services are available, so choose one that fits your needs and install it before your trip.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a powerful tool that adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. By enabling 2FA, you require not just your password but also a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authentication app, to access your accounts. This makes it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access, even if they manage to obtain your password. Before your trip, activate 2FA on your most critical accounts, including email and banking.

4. Avoid phishing traps!

Being distracted is the best ally for social engineering. Phishing attacks increase significantly during holiday periods, so beware of suspicious emails or text messages. Check URL addresses, contact your bank or service directly in case of any discrepancy, and do not click on any link or file if you are not sure of its legitimacy.

5. Monitor Your Accounts

After your vacation, keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Cybercriminals often take advantage of travelers, so proactive monitoring is crucial. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it immediately to your financial institutions. Many banks offer fraud alerts and account monitoring services to help you stay on top of your accounts. Companies are also more vulnerable during the holiday season because there are fewer people on the lookout for cyber threats. Implementing an endpoint management system that allows for full visibility is crucial to ensuring the cyber safety of a company. Batuta simplifies your cybersecurity management and allows for a stress-free vacation period all year round.

Have you ever experienced difficulty finding the ideal candidate for your team? Do you feel the pressure generated by the constant technological evolution, where today’s skills can become obsolete in months, weeks, or even days? In today’s world, the technology industry, and especially cybersecurity, faces a constantly changing labor environment. The demand for highly specialized and niche talent far exceeds the available supply. Attracting skilled and diverse talent has become a critical challenge for all companies seeking to stay at the forefront in a highly competitive and continuously transforming digital environment.

Attracting the right talent is not solely a challenge for Human Resources professionals but also for the teams that need to bring in new members. The main challenges we face today can be summarized in the following points:

Skill Evolution

Technology and cyber threats evolve so rapidly that the skills needed to address new challenges are constantly changing. Today, it’s not enough to have experience in the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Demand has specialized towards areas like artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud security, making the supply of qualified professionals limited. In this landscape, companies must adapt and offer work environments that promote continuous learning.

Global Competition

Globalization and remote work have intensified the competition for talent in cybersecurity. Today, companies are competing not only for local talent but also on an international level to attract the best professionals. So the question is, how can we stand out as employers in a global market to attract the right talent?

Candidate Expectations

Today’s professionals seek more than just a competitive salary. Expectations have changed, and benefits, flexibility, remote work that aligns with work-life balance, opportunities for development in a transparent environment, and a strong corporate culture congruent with their values and everyday mission are now valued. Previously, these factors were considered and evaluated; however, in this new era, candidates conduct a deep evaluation to determine if a company aligns with their expectations not only financially but also in terms of work style.

Gender Gap

The gender disparity in the technology industry, particularly in cybersecurity, remains a significant challenge. In LATAM, for example, women represent a small fraction of the total professionals in technology. This disparity limits the diversity of perspectives and innovation while also reducing the available talent in the labor market.

These are just a few examples of the challenges companies face when it comes to attracting talent. But what can companies do to hire the right talent while maintaining a perspective that mitigates these challenges?

In the digital age, attracting talent in the cybersecurity industry faces a series of challenges but also presents unique opportunities for those seeking an innovative and dynamic work environment. Companies in constant transformation and growth must commit to providing an environment where every team member can develop and grow, with the freedom to propose new ideas and take on challenging responsibilities within their roles. The flexibility to work remotely allows for the attraction of talent from all over the world, enriching the team with diverse global perspectives.

Skills must constantly evolve to stay ahead of emerging technologies, and in that sense, it is essential to seek individuals who are not only experts in their field but who also enjoy the process of continuous learning. Global competition is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to drive innovation and improve the quality of solutions we offer our clients.

In a company, everyone is a promoter, and every member should have the opportunity to contribute, research, provide valuable ideas, and have their voice heard, regardless of their role. The companies that stand out are those that provide a flexible work environment, space for creativity, and where the communication of complex ideas to multidisciplinary teams is key. Although this challenge can sometimes be complicated, ambiguity should be valued, as it offers the chance to experiment and adapt quickly. All of this is always focused on a common goal: to offer innovative solutions that simplify the operations of clients.

Ultimately, the goal is to create teams of passionate, dynamic individuals who are committed to personal and team growth, working in an environment of freedom and responsibility, where collaboration and innovation are the foundation of success. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and with it, the need for a talented, diverse, and adaptable team. At Metabase Q, we are not only looking for highly skilled professionals, but also passionate individuals who wish to grow and face the challenges of an increasingly complex digital world. If you are ready to join a team that values innovation, diversity, and continuous learning, we are waiting for you!

In a landscape where 64% of Latin American companies are increasing their investment in IT in 2025, effectively integrating cybersecurity with digital transformation processes has become an undeniable strategic necessity. This increase in investment, primarily directed toward artificial intelligence, system migration, cloud computing, and security, reflects a heightened awareness of the critical value of safeguarding IT assets as organizations progress toward technological modernization.

According to the World Economic Forum, cyberattacks rank among the top five global risks, with damages related to cybercrime projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, according to forecasts from Cybersecurity Ventures. In this context, understanding the symbiotic relationship between digital transformation and cybersecurity is not merely a competitive advantage but an existential necessity for modern organizations.

Technologies face many threats and require proactive strategies to mitigate risks and impacts. Information stands as one of the most valuable assets to protect; however, information security is often not sufficiently prioritized in a preventive manner. It is common for its absence to only be felt when an incident occurs that inflicts irreparable damage—both material and reputational—resulting in economic losses or diminished credibility.

The necessity for digital transformation processes to be accompanied by cybersecurity decisions is indisputable. As dependence on technologies increases, so do the risks, and companies must hold themselves to higher standards regarding cybersecurity measures. Otherwise, information assets will be threatened and the business itself will be at risk.

For LATAM, the lag in technology adoption and development poses a direct threat to economic development and regional security. The lack of investment in R&D and weak innovation policies have placed many countries at a disadvantage against technological powers. The inability to fully integrate technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and advanced automation limits industrial competitiveness and amplifies these countries’ vulnerability to cyber and military attacks.

The document titled “Technological Leap or Technological Lag?: Latin America’s Struggle to Keep Up with Emerging Technologies” offers key recommendations to close the technological gap in LATAM. These recommendations focus on strategic initiatives that foster innovation, enhance infrastructure, and promote multisectoral collaboration. Key suggested actions include:

• Investing in research and development.
• Enhancing STEM education.
• Building robust digital infrastructure.
• Creating innovation centers and technology clusters.
• Establishing regulatory frameworks to support innovation.
• Modernizing cybersecurity capabilities for critical infrastructure.
• Developing expertise to counter cyber threats.
• Fostering international cooperation.

The future of digital transformation and cybersecurity points toward complete convergence, where both disciplines merge into a holistic approach to digital resilience. This future will be characterized by:

• Integrated teams: A gradual dissolution of barriers between development, operations, and security teams.
• Unified platforms: Solutions that combine development, deployment, and security functionalities within a single ecosystem.
• Adaptive security: Protective systems that continually evolve in response to new threats and changes in the business environment.

Batuta centralizes the management and control of IT infrastructure and cybersecurity technologies within organizations, enabling these three conditions to be met. In this way, it provides clarity and control, facilitating the transition from a reactive security strategy to a proactive one.

Integrating cybersecurity strategies into digital transformation projects not only protects companies against cyber threats but also enables continuous and secure progress toward the digital future. In Latin America, where digitization is booming, companies must adopt these best practices to remain competitive and secure in the global landscape. Ultimately, the path to the digital future is neither linear nor predictable, but one thing is certain: digital transformation and cybersecurity must walk hand in hand to meet challenges and seize opportunities that tomorrow holds.

Managing efforts for cybersecurity incident detection and response involves defining multiple elements of strategic, tactical, and operational nature to ensure an effective response within the organization. Below are these elements, integrating specialized solutions like Batuta to optimize protection and response on endpoints.

Policy

The Incident Management Policy is a strategic element that establishes the guidelines and roles necessary for implementing response processes. This policy clarifies who is responsible for what and organizes communication across different phases, from preparation through recovery.

Operational Model

The operating model determines the structure and coordination of the incident response team. 

Local Response Model	Global Response Model
Local Coordination with Global Support. Local teams can handle incidents without compromising security.	Global Coordination with Local Support. Major incidents requiring a unified response.

Beyond defining roles and procedures, it is crucial to have tools that allow continuous security monitoring of endpoints. In this context, Batuta integrates as a solution that:

• Enables real-time monitoring of the security posture of each endpoint.
• Facilitates the immediate implementation of corrective actions upon detecting anomalies.
• Effectively connects local and global teams through a centralized view of the situation.

While local teams can have permanent staff (fixed roles), virtual staff (not exclusively dedicated to incidents), or hybrid members (both permanent and virtual), the expected structure typically includes the following core members:

Given the need for global coordination in crisis management, it is common to create one or more committees that provide a cross-organizational view of incidents and their impacts. The structure of participating roles involves considering the following management aspects within the organization:

Global Standards

To ensure a coherent response aligned with international best practices, organizations must adhere to recognized standards, such as:

• NIST SP 800-61: Computer Security Incident Handling Guide.
• ISO/IEC 27035: Information security incident management.

Compliance with these standards establishes clear rules for coordination and delineation of efforts, ensuring that every action is backed by proven processes.

Incident Management Plans

Traditionally, incident management plans rely on structures such as Security Operations Centers (SOCs) to monitor, analyze, and respond to threats. However, the integration of Batuta allows for:

• Centralized incident management through continuous endpoint monitoring, eliminating sole dependence on a SOC.
• Automation of incident responses via preconfigured scripts, accelerating threat containment and remediation.
• Real-time audits and validations that significantly reduce response times to any anomalies.

Thus, Batuta positions itself as a solution capable of optimizing and complementing traditional response processes, providing agility and precision in incident management.

Playbook Management

A security playbook defines the procedures an organization will follow in various incidents. Implementing playbooks becomes even more effective by incorporating solutions like Batuta, as it:

• Allows the management and execution of playbooks directly on endpoints, ensuring that each action is automated and executed in real-time.
• Facilitates the adaptation and customization of playbooks according to the specific needs of the environment, covering scenarios such as malware infections, ransomware attacks, credential theft, or cloud incidents.
• Offers continuous updating and validation of playbooks through simulations and audits, ensuring their effectiveness against emerging threats.

Cyber Exercises

Cyber exercises are a vital element, providing methods to familiarize roles with different threats, as well as testing, validating, and enhancing incident management plans and playbook definitions, ensuring their implementation remains relevant and effective.

Conclusions

Incident detection and response is an integral process encompassing the definition of policies and operating models, the implementation of global standards, and the execution of cyber exercises. In this framework, endpoint management becomes a critical component. Integrating specialized solutions like Batuta enables:

• Real-time monitoring of endpoint security.
• Automation of responses through preconfigured scripts and immediate actions.
• Management of playbooks and validation of responses to incidents.

This way, Batuta complements and enhances traditional processes, offering a centralized, agile response aligned with international best practices.

When we talk about education, we talk about digitalization. Nowadays, it is impossible to separate technological development from the educational field. An increasing number of elements in our lives depend on the use of technological tools, so education must integrate the technological realm to be considered quality education.

The right to education is recognized by Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which establishes the right to the “full development of the human personality.” At the core of this article lies a fundamental aspect of education: literacy.

Literacy, understood as the ability to read and write, is the fundamental pillar of education because it is through these skills that we can name, know, interact, and communicate with our world. In this way, individuals can build identity and autonomy, thereby developing fully. Now, we face an even greater challenge for our time: digital literacy.

Similar to the traditional definition of the word, digital literacy refers to the ability to perform various tasks in a digital environment. This can range from the most basic levels of interaction with technology to the ability to locate, research, and analyze information using these tools. Beyond communication, digital literacy becomes the ability to create and understand information through digital means.

More and more aspects of our lives transcend the digital environment. According to the World Bank, some of the most digitized sectors in recent years (according to the number of downloads of applications in those sectors) are: business, shopping, finance, tools, medicine, and food services, with entertainment coming in seventh place. This demonstrates that technology is becoming increasingly important in vital aspects of our daily lives and human development. In this situation, digital illiteracy can result in the development of inequalities, lack of access to resources or services to meet basic needs, and even social isolation.

Exploring the world of digital education also brings a series of new challenges and definitions to consider. For example, there is a difference between the aforementioned digital literacy and e-learning or virtual learning. The former refers to the actions we can take to develop the technological capabilities mentioned earlier, while e-learning refers to the integration of technology into the educational field. An example of this is the virtual libraries integrated by many educational institutions. In the case of Latin America, e-learning represents an increasing challenge. With private universities integrating these tools more easily, e-learning becomes a transformative element of the social structure and a determining factor for access to aspects of society, generating or widening inequalities among individuals.

At the core of digital education, cybersecurity becomes indispensable. More than a luxury, anyone or any organization that engages in any kind of activity in the digital space must be informed about the risks involved and how to protect themselves from them. According to data from Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), in 2021, nearly 60% of the child population were victims of some type of cyberbullying. Cyberattacks on individuals reached up to 16.8 million in 2022, and finally, in 2024, there were up to 467,000 attacks aimed at businesses or organizations daily. All of us, who inhabit the digital environment in some way, are susceptible to being victims of some type of attack or violence.

Thus, digital education is also relevant for organizations. Like anyone else, there can be companies with high rates of digital illiteracy, limiting their growth and making them more prone to suffering some type of cyberattack.

In conclusion, the intersection of education and digitalization represents a crucial aspect of our contemporary development. The integration of digital literacy into education is not only essential for equipping individuals with the necessary skills to navigate an increasingly technological world, but is also fundamental for promoting equity and social inclusion.

As we move toward a society where digitalization permeates almost every aspect of life, it is vital that education addresses not only technical capabilities but also incorporates elements of cybersecurity to protect users. Without a comprehensive approach that considers both digital literacy and cybersecurity, we risk exacerbating existing inequalities and limiting individuals’ potential for full development in a digital environment. Therefore, digital education must be a global priority, ensuring that all citizens are prepared to face the challenges of the future.

In the fast-paced world of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a crucial role in transforming various sectors, and cybersecurity is no exception. While AI’s capabilities promise enhanced protection against cyber threats, they also create new challenges as they are used as tools to perpetrate attacks. Is AI an ally in the fight against cybercriminals, or is it also driving the evolution of more sophisticated cyber threats? We will explore both sides of this coin to understand better how AI is impacting the field of cybersecurity.

AI as an Ally in Cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence is positioning itself as an indispensable tool for detecting and mitigating cyber threats. Among its most notable applications is the detection of advanced threats. AI-based systems can analyze large volumes of data in real-time, identifying anomalous patterns that may indicate the presence of malware, phishing attempts, or suspicious network activities. Additionally, thanks to machine learning, it is possible to detect unknown threats, commonly referred to as “zero-day” attacks.

Another key capability is automated response. AI systems can make quick decisions to contain attacks in real-time, such as isolating compromised devices or blocking malicious traffic. AI is also strengthening security in authentication systems through the use of biometric technologies, thereby reducing dependence on vulnerable passwords. Finally, AI offers predictive analysis, allowing organizations to anticipate malicious behaviors and prepare preventive strategies.

AI as a Weapon for Cybercriminals

While AI offers undeniable benefits for cybersecurity, it is also being exploited by malicious actors to develop more effective and harder-to-detect attacks. For example, personalized phishing attacks are becoming increasingly common. AI allows the analysis of public information from social networks and other sources to create highly targeted emails and messages, increasing the chances of success.

Moreover, cybercriminals are using AI to create next-generation malware that constantly evolves, adapting to traditional defenses and evading detection. Automated attacks have also increased, with AI-driven “bots” executing mass password-guessing attempts or exploiting vulnerabilities. Additionally, the use of deepfakes and other manipulated content can be employed for extortion, the spread of misinformation, or reputational damage.

The Balance Between Risk and Benefit

The use of AI in cybersecurity represents a constantly evolving battleground. Organizations must implement balanced strategies to harness the advantages of AI without falling victim to its potential risks. This includes investing in defensive technologies that can evolve at the pace of emerging threats, as well as educating employees and users about the risks associated with AI-enhanced attacks. Furthermore, international collaboration among companies, governments, and cybersecurity experts is essential for sharing intelligence and developing effective countermeasures.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence is redefining how we confront cyber threats. While it offers innovative solutions to protect digital assets, it also poses risks by enabling more sophisticated attacks. In this context, the key question is not whether AI is a friend or foe, but how we can leverage its capabilities while mitigating its dangers. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with organizations and cybersecurity professionals to ensure that AI remains an ally rather than becoming a weapon in the wrong hands.

In 2024, the world witnessed the largest cyber blackout in history. This critical event paralyzed infrastructures across key sectors such as air transport, financial services, media, healthcare, and electronic payment systems, resulting in estimated economic losses of $5 billion. The lesson is clear: enhanced technological resilience and a robust risk management strategy are necessary.

Technological risk encompasses the vulnerabilities associated with an organization’s information technology (IT), operational technology (OT), and communications technology (CT). Given that technology influences every aspect of an organization—from its physical and digital assets to its personnel, processes, and systems—managing these technological risks is essential.

Technological Risk Management (TRM) is a process that organizations use to identify, evaluate, mitigate, and monitor IT risks, including cybersecurity threats, system failures, data vulnerabilities, and potential compliance breaches.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2025, the most critical technological risks in the short and long term include misinformation, cyber espionage, and cyber warfare, highlighting the increasing complexity of today’s technological landscape. Here are several key concepts to consider:

Proactive Risk Identification

Effective risk management begins with the proactive identification of potential technological threats. This includes cyberattacks, system disruptions, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and other risks that may impact the organization. A thorough assessment of these risks is essential for an efficient and effective response.

Resilience Against Cyber Threats

Cyber threats are a constant reality. Technological risk management involves protecting against attacks and building resilience that enables quick recovery in the event of incidents.

Adoption of Emerging Technologies

The introduction of new technologies presents both opportunities and risks. Organizations must balance the adoption of emerging technologies with proper risk management, ensuring alignment with business objectives. This includes the continual updating of software and systems, as well as training and raising awareness among staff about best practices.

To prepare organizations for a disruptive future, it is vital to adopt resilience strategies. According to the World Economic Forum, companies must adapt to rapid digital advancements and climate threats through fundamental changes in structure and operations. 

Key strategies include:  

• Digital Transformation and Innovation: Embracing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, risk management platforms, and big data analytics to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
• Sustainability: Implementing sustainable practices that meet the demands of consumers and regulators.
• Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and global organizations, to ensure innovative and sustainable solutions.

In summary, to effectively manage technological risk, it is essential to understand its nature, identify the affected areas, and agree upon appropriate categorization. With this foundation, significant steps can be taken to assess and manage risks, align priorities, and allocate necessary resources. For more information on this topic, please consult our latest e-book.

A recent federal indictment exposed a wide-reaching operation by North Korean operatives and their accomplices, who infiltrated U.S. companies to generate revenue and intelligence for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) regime.

This operation began with North Korean operatives applying for remote IT jobs in the United States using stolen (American) identities. Once hired, their company-issued devices were shipped to laptop farms in the U.S. The laptop farm operators exploited weaknesses in corporate endpoint security controls. They immediately installed remote access software (e.g., AnyDesk) on the company endpoints—giving threat actors the ability to operate the devices from North Korea.

Had sufficiently hardened endpoints been delivered to these laptop farms, the North Koreans would have struggled to launch their insider threat campaign and likely would have been detected right away. For example, had these newly issued devices been issued with strict security controls that prevented end users from installing unauthorized or unmanaged software, the North Koreans would not have been able to leverage such a simple (yet extremely risky) product like AnyDesk to facilitate their malicious operations. 

Even with strict endpoint security rules and configurations, it is still critical that security teams audit what newly onboarded users are attempting to bring into the organization. End users with malicious intent are determined to bypass your security controls—they come up with creative (oftentimes simple) ways to bypass even the most sophisticated endpoint security technologies. Ensure your teams are continuously auditing endpoints for newly onboarded software, and treat findings seriously. If unmanaged software is being installed in your environment, it means that either security policies aren’t functioning or an end user has bypassed security controls. 

We should all be concerned by how such rudimentary techniques enabled a sophisticated threat actor to compromise and disrupt the U.S. private sector — there were no mind-blowing exploits used in this intrusion. The North Koreans simply took advantage of absent endpoint security controls and monitoring capabilities. Now is the time to assemble your security teams and vet your capabilities and defenses in the following areas: 

1. Device Provisioning / Device Imaging: When your organization builds a laptop for a new hire, can you audit the endpoint to ensure that all security configurations are enabled and all endpoint security software is installed? If not, it is time to meet with your IT teams and identify ways your security analysts can begin to audit endpoint security health and remediate broken controls or missing security coverage. 
2. Attack Surface Reduction: Reducing an organization’s attack surface starts on the endpoint level. Ensure your IT and Security teams are proactively working to identify redundant, outdated, or unmanaged applications. Cleaning up unnecessary programs and applications on end-user devices is a great way to improve security and privacy posture. 
3. Continuity of Coverage: Security teams should be able to quickly identify when endpoint security controls and software are missing or malfunctioning, and should have the tools to immediately re-deploy security coverage. In today’s world, it may take security teams weeks to identify and remediate misconfigured endpoints. If this is the case for your organization, it is time to start identifying ways to manage devices in real time. 
4. Metrics and Reporting: Including detailed information on your organization’s overall endpoint health and security posture is key to ensuring accountability and proactivity in your endpoint management practices. Quantify your EDR coverage across all endpoints, grade compliance with critical endpoint security controls, and report on how long it takes your teams to identify and resolve endpoint security misconfigurations.

2025 has begun with significant political upheavals that have generated uncertainty in many critical sectors of society. International markets, business leaders, and the global community anticipate the possibility of drastic and sudden changes each day. Such events highlight the resilience of organizations to adapt to change and can often result in the total failure of a company. In these scenarios, cybersecurity usually becomes a lower priority when, in reality, it should be the most important ally for companies amidst uncertainty.

The most substantial change currently facing the international system involves a trend of moving away from multilateralism and other forms of cooperation. For many, this implies imminent cybersecurity risks. In the realm of cybersecurity, some of the recommended best practices include transparency, multi-sector collaboration, and information sharing. As governments and markets around the world close, while digital threats continue to evolve, we need to reinforce our security more than ever.

Moreover, the growing polarization in international politics creates an environment where cyber espionage, cybercrime, and disinformation campaigns can flourish. These tools may become part of the strategies of relevant actors aiming to effect change in the system, but along the way, they generate negative impacts across various sectors. In this context, cybersecurity must not be sidelined. Rather, it should be considered a strategic priority. A solid cybersecurity strategy goes beyond protecting organizations from attacks; it safeguards economic stability and public trust. Organizations that fail to adapt to this new paradigm may face risks that extend beyond mere data loss; they could encounter profound impacts that threaten their long-term viability. Here, we outline several considerations for reinforcing cybersecurity in the face of instability:

Strengthening Cybersecurity Systems

Many cyber attackers exploit instability in the international landscape to enhance the execution of attacks such as phishing and ransomware. In an environment where digital coercion is used as a tool of geopolitical pressure, organizations must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any eventuality. This includes implementing advanced defense technologies and preparing incident response protocols. Platforms like Batuta aim to help organizations streamline their cybersecurity strategy by providing greater visibility of their assets and enabling rapid adaptation to these types of changes.

Developing an Organization-wide Cybersecurity Strategy

Increasingly, decision-making processes are influenced by misleading information and lax security controls, making it essential to foster an organizational culture that values cybersecurity. Companies should implement cybersecurity training programs that raise awareness among all employees regarding best practices and potential risks. A well-informed workforce serves as the first line of defense in the fight against cyber threats.

Fostering and Protecting Collaboration

Given the interconnected nature of global trade and the economy, cybersecurity continues to demand a collaborative approach. Advocating for the protection of multi-sector and international cooperation mechanisms is our best bet for creating a strengthened cybersecurity front. Primarily, the exchange of information between companies, states, and institutions could be crucial in anticipating and neutralizing common threats. Instead of opting for fragmented cybersecurity strategies, our main objective should be to view cybersecurity as a tool for collaboration, thereby mitigating the risks associated with a fragmented and divided world.

Ultimately, organizations must integrate cybersecurity into their strategic and operational planning. This is not just about protecting digital assets; it is about ensuring the continuity of business operations, and critical services, and fostering innovation in an uncertain environment. Companies that recognize and prioritize cybersecurity will be better prepared to face immediate challenges and establish a solid foundation for long-term growth and resilience in an uncertain future. Cybersecurity is not merely a defensive issue, it is a deliberate strategy for thriving in an ever-changing world.

Information security has changed. What was once a technical and operational discipline, focused on protecting networks and systems from within the server room, has now become a strategic component for the continuity and growth of organizations; stemming from the boardroom, where decisions that guide the organization are made. But how do we achieve this transition? How do we become a strategic partner that drives growth and innovation?

The path to this goal requires a focus on two key aspects: translating technological risks into business terms and finding ways to generate value through technology and cybersecurity. All of this, while deeply understanding how to communicate with executive leaders, grasping their priorities, and demonstrating that cybersecurity is a necessary investment and a competitive advantage.

A new role has emerged to reflect this new approach: the Business Information Security Officer (BISO). The BISO is still a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) but with a stronger emphasis on integration with the business. This new title for the same role brings more visibility to the fact that cybersecurity must be woven into the very DNA of the businesses. And we as CISOs/BISOs must be able to communicate the value of cybersecurity in terms that resonate with senior management.

As BISOs (or while retaining our traditional CISO title), we care about protecting information and how security can drive growth, efficiency, and innovation. This is how we become that true strategic partner, collaborating with other areas of the company to identify new opportunities and mitigate risks.

We can be experts in technology and security. We can understand vulnerabilities, threats, and risks in the technological world. However, in senior management, CEOs, CFOs, and other leaders do not always possess the same technical expertise, and this is where our ability to act as a translating bridge among all parties comes into play.

We must be able to convert complicated technical jargon into understandable language that resonates with our peers: the language of financial and business impact. For example:

• Let’s not talk about “technical vulnerabilities,” but about “financial losses.”
• Instead of explaining the complexities of a ransomware attack, let’s discuss the potential cost of business interruption, the loss of sensitive information, and the irreparable damage to reputation.
• We should measure risk in monetary terms; for instance, how much would a cyberattack cost us? How much could we save in the future with an investment in cybersecurity today?
• Let’s present cybersecurity as an investment, not an expense. We must show how security not only protects the company but also enables innovation, efficiency, and senior management’s confidence. Ultimately, a leader who trusts our ability to manage risks and generate value through cybersecurity is a leader who will see us as a key strategic partner.

Imagine our role as CISOs is akin to that of a parent guiding their child in their first steps; we want the company to grow, develop, and reach its maximum potential. But we also want to protect it from the dangers of the world.

We must strike a balance between protection and freedom, between security and innovation. Occasionally, this means allowing certain controlled risks to achieve greater gains while the company learns and strengthens. Other times, it requires setting clear and firm boundaries to prevent irreparable harm.

Our goal is to create a secure environment that allows the company to grow and thrive—an environment where innovation can flourish without jeopardizing information security.

For us, cybersecurity is an enabler of digital transformation: the cloud, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), among others. All these technologies, which are the engines of innovation, require a secure foundation to generate value. Without cybersecurity, digital transformation is like a house of cards.

If we can orchestrate all these strategies, we will be that strategic partner working hand in hand with other areas of the company to help them achieve their objectives, providing security solutions that enable growth and efficiency.

For our message to have a significant impact in the boardroom, the way we communicate it is essential. In my experience, we achieve this when:

• We know our audience very well. Each leader has their priorities, objectives, and communication styles. By tailoring our message to each of them, we can capture their attention and generate interest.
• We use concrete examples, tell a story, use case studies, or use analogies that make ideas easier to understand and remember. A well-told story has much more impact than a presentation filled with data and figures.
• We are concise and clear, without technical jargon or excessive details. We must get to the point and highlight the true impact of our contribution to the business.

Our place in the boardroom is not earned solely through firewalls and antivirus software, but through a more strategic vision, demonstrating leadership and our ability to turn cybersecurity into a growth engine for the organization. Whether we call ourselves CISOs or BISOs, our mission remains the same: “speak the language of business and drive innovation securely.”