By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Rica accelerates its digital transformation, embracing electronic payments and online services, a dangerous gap has emerged. According to a stark warning from experts at the State Distance University (UNED), the nation’s cybersecurity awareness and education are failing to keep pace, creating a “fertile ground” for a new wave of organized digital crime.
The core issue lies in the disparity between the rapid adoption of technology and the slow development of a security-conscious public. This digital divide leaves the most vulnerable populations—including children, adolescents, and the elderly—dangerously exposed. The consequences of this exposure are not limited to financial loss; they extend to grave threats such as recruitment into human trafficking and child pornography networks, turning digital convenience into a potential gateway for exploitation.
To better understand the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rica’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the responsibilities of the private sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT department concern; it is a critical boardroom-level legal and compliance issue. Under Costa Rican law, particularly the ‘Ley de Protección de la Persona Frente al Tratamiento de sus Datos Personales,’ companies are fiduciaries of sensitive information. A data breach represents not only a technical failure but a significant legal liability that can trigger severe regulatory penalties and civil litigation. Proactive investment in robust security frameworks is now a non-negotiable cost of doing business.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The shift from an IT task to a legal imperative, as highlighted by the expert, cannot be overstated. His insight underscores that for businesses operating in the country, proactive cybersecurity is now fundamentally about upholding a legal and fiduciary duty to their clients. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this critical legal landscape.
The profile of the threat has evolved dramatically. What was once the domain of amateur attackers with limited tools has morphed into a sophisticated industry run by organized criminal syndicates. These modern cybercriminals deploy advanced technology and coordinated strategies to execute their attacks, far outpacing the defensive capabilities of the average citizen. Despite a general awareness of terms like ‘phishing’ or ‘ransomware’, many Costa Ricans continue to fall victim to common scams.
Rolando Rojas, an IT expert at UNED, highlighted this cultural lag. He noted that while many people place their trust in basic measures like antivirus software, they often neglect more critical and effective security practices that could thwart attackers. This over-reliance on passive protection leaves significant vulnerabilities open for exploitation.
The public’s cybersecurity culture has not grown at the same pace.
Rolando Rojas, IT Expert, UNED
In response to this growing crisis, experts are calling for a fundamental shift in strategy from reaction to prevention. Rodrigo Campos, a criminologist at UNED, stressed that law enforcement action is inherently reactive, arriving only after the damage has been done and the victim has suffered a loss. He argues that the only viable long-term solution is to build a resilient and educated populace from the ground up.
Prevention must be addressed from an early age, with adequate resources and as part of a national policy.
Rodrigo Campos, Criminologist, UNED
This preventative approach requires a concerted national effort to integrate digital literacy and cybersecurity education into the core curriculum, starting in early childhood. By instilling these skills early, the country can cultivate a new generation of citizens who are inherently more cautious and prepared to navigate the complexities of the digital world safely.
For now, individuals must take proactive steps to secure their digital lives. Experts from UNED have outlined several key practices to significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. These include using strong, unique passwords for different accounts and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. Citizens are also urged to be deeply skeptical of any urgent or threatening messages regarding bank accounts or personal data requests, and to always verify the legitimacy of links before clicking. Furthermore, keeping all devices and software updated is crucial for patching known security flaws, and open family conversations about online risks can create a strong first line of defense, especially for protecting younger and older family members.
For further information, visit uned.ac.cr
About Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED):
The Universidad Estatal a Distancia is Costa Rica’s public distance learning university, founded in 1977. It is dedicated to providing accessible higher education to students throughout the country, regardless of their geographical location or personal circumstances. Through its various academic and research departments, UNED plays a significant role in analyzing and addressing key national challenges, including social, technological, and security issues.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers modern legal solutions while honoring its rich heritage of client advocacy. A central pillar of its philosophy is the democratization of legal understanding, reflecting a profound commitment to empowering the community by making complex legal concepts clear and accessible to all.
