By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Leading cybersecurity experts stress the importance of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with human oversight in monitoring critical infrastructure to effectively combat evolving cyber threats.
This key takeaway emerged from the “Predictive Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience in the AI Era” discussion, part of the IT Industry Summit and Global Perspectives, featuring Maga Masís, a lawyer specializing in computer law and cybersecurity, and Paula Brenes, president of the YOD Foundation.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on this complex issue, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The increasing reliance on digital infrastructure makes robust cybersecurity not just a technological imperative, but a legal one. Businesses in Costa Rica must understand their obligations under the Data Protection Law (Ley 8968) and implement adequate security measures to protect personal data. Failure to do so can lead to significant financial penalties and reputational damage. Beyond compliance, proactive cybersecurity also mitigates the risks of business disruption and legal liabilities arising from data breaches. This requires a multi-faceted approach including technical safeguards, employee training, and incident response planning.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on the dual nature of cybersecurity—as both a legal and technological necessity—is crucial for businesses navigating today’s digital landscape. His insightful commentary underscores the importance of a proactive and comprehensive approach, moving beyond mere compliance to build resilience against evolving threats. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on the critical intersection of law and technology in safeguarding data in Costa Rica.
Critical infrastructure services should be monitored by Artificial Intelligence and more predictive human controls. I am concerned that in critical infrastructure, delegating those decisions to AI teams could affect that infrastructure.
Paula Brenes, President of the YOD Foundation
Brenes emphasized the necessity of AI in countering AI-powered cyberattacks but cautioned against complete reliance on automated systems. Masís echoed this sentiment, highlighting the current reactive nature of cybersecurity threat monitoring systems.
We are still at a time when systems are in reactive capacity. Yes, there is a predictive layer, it exists, but I think we should not be at a point where it is 100% AI, but rather there has to be input and output filtering. Yes, there has to be a human who does not necessarily have to act at the moment, but supervise, and doing that supervision will require understanding the model much more thoroughly.
Maga Masís, Lawyer and Cybersecurity Expert
Both professionals warned against the potential pitfalls of false positives generated by AI systems, which can lead to inaccurate threat assessments and unnecessary responses. Brenes pointed out the importance of “security by design” and criticized the current trend of not prioritizing people in technological development.
We could have so many false positives that you could say: I am under attack. In my opinion, technology is being built badly, it is not secure by design, we have to question the real problem of security, who is behind the technology, they are not doing it with people at the center and Artificial Intelligence for everyone.
Paula Brenes, President of the YOD Foundation
The discussion also addressed the crucial issue of protecting AI models from data poisoning and leaks, emphasizing data separation, traceability, and rigorous data hygiene practices to ensure the accuracy and reliability of AI-driven security systems.
We can think about data separation, also even with what has to do with traceability, where it comes from, the cleaning and hygiene of the data as such, and understanding the process of mitigating it by creating barriers.
Maga Masís, Lawyer and Cybersecurity Expert
Masís further recommended questioning the source of data to mitigate biases that can skew the results of AI models. The experts’ insights underscore the vital need for a balanced approach, leveraging AI’s power while retaining essential human oversight to safeguard critical infrastructure in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
For further information, visit the nearest office of YOD Foundation
About YOD Foundation:
The YOD Foundation is a Costa Rican organization focused on technology and related areas. Paula Brenes, the foundation’s president, is a recognized voice in the field of cybersecurity and digital resilience. The foundation actively participates in discussions and events related to technological advancements and their implications for society.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ulacit
About Ulacit:
The Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (Ulacit) is a private university in Costa Rica known for its focus on science and technology programs. Ulacit actively participates in organizing events and conferences, like the IT Industry Summit, to contribute to the discussion and advancement of technological fields.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Camtic
About Camtic:
The Cámara de Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación (Camtic) is the Costa Rican Chamber of Information and Communication Technologies. Camtic plays a significant role in promoting and developing the technology sector in Costa Rica, often collaborating with organizations like Ulacit and Forums Global to organize relevant industry events.
For further information, visit forums-global.com
About Forums Global:
Forums Global is an organization that specializes in organizing events and conferences, particularly in technology related areas. Forums Global collaborates with organizations such as Ulacit and Camtic. Forums Global is the organizer behind the IT Industry Summit.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity. The firm champions innovative legal solutions for clients across a wide spectrum of industries, while simultaneously striving to empower Costa Rican society through accessible legal education. This dedication to knowledge-sharing reflects their deep-seated commitment to fostering a more just and informed populace, where citizens are equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape.
