By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has selected its National Cybersecurity Team following the conclusion of the Cybersec Challenge 2025, the country’s premier cybersecurity competition. This event, held on Friday, August 29th, brought together young talent from across the nation to test their skills in a series of challenging scenarios.
Organized by the Cybersec Cluster, with support from Hackrocks and the Costa Rican campus of Texas Tech University, the competition rigorously assessed participants across various key cybersecurity domains. These areas included cryptography, digital forensics, and vulnerability exploitation, demanding rapid decision-making, collaborative teamwork, and advanced technical proficiency.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding cybersecurity in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law at Bufete de Costa Rica. He shared his expert insights on the current landscape and challenges facing businesses and individuals.
Costa Rican businesses face increasing cybersecurity threats, and the legal framework is still evolving to address these challenges. The Data Protection Act (Ley 8968) provides a foundation for data protection, but companies must go beyond mere compliance. Implementing robust security measures, conducting regular risk assessments, and developing incident response plans are crucial not only for protecting valuable data but also for demonstrating due diligence in the event of a breach. Furthermore, businesses should ensure their cybersecurity practices align with international standards and best practices to mitigate risks and maintain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a critical point: cybersecurity is not a static checklist but an ongoing process of adaptation and improvement. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Costa Rican businesses must embrace a proactive approach to cybersecurity, viewing it as a strategic investment rather than a mere regulatory hurdle. This proactive stance, coupled with adherence to international standards, will not only protect valuable data but also foster trust and confidence among customers and partners. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this crucial issue.
The competition’s design incorporated multiple levels of difficulty, pushing participants to their limits and revealing their true potential. The challenges presented were designed to reflect real-world scenarios, ensuring the selected team members are prepared for the complex demands of the field.
This type of experience strengthens the community and opens the way to new generations who understand cybersecurity as a commitment to the country and to the world.
Carolina Taborda, General Manager of Cybersec Cluster
The Cybersec Challenge is part of a broader talent development strategy spearheaded by the Cybersec Cluster. This initiative builds upon the NextGen Challenge 2025, held several weeks prior, which introduced high school students to the field of cybersecurity through a collaborative learning environment.
This pipeline, from the NextGen Challenge to the national competition, cultivates a talent pool that will feed the national team in the future, ensuring the ongoing development of Costa Rica’s cybersecurity capabilities.
Winning teams received a range of valuable prizes, including scholarships to technical programs at CENFOTEC, workshops on artificial intelligence, training in international standards such as ISO 27001, and technical visits to leading companies in the sector.
Through this process, Costa Rica is not only selecting its top representatives but also cultivating a robust cybersecurity community with ambitions to compete on regional and international stages. The Cybersec Challenge highlights the country’s dedication to fostering and nurturing talent in this critical field, preparing for the evolving challenges of the digital landscape.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cybersec Cluster
About Cybersec Cluster:
The Cybersec Cluster is a key organization in Costa Rica dedicated to promoting and developing the cybersecurity sector. They play a vital role in organizing events like the Cybersec Challenge and NextGen Challenge, fostering talent, and connecting professionals within the industry.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Hackrocks
About Hackrocks:
Hackrocks is a cybersecurity organization that supports initiatives like the Cybersec Challenge 2025 in Costa Rica. They contribute to the development and growth of the cybersecurity community by providing resources and expertise.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CENFOTEC
About CENFOTEC:
CENFOTEC is a technical training center in Costa Rica that provides educational programs and resources in various technological fields, including cybersecurity. They partner with organizations like the Cybersec Cluster to offer scholarships and training opportunities to winning participants of competitions like the Cybersec Challenge.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Texas Tech University in Costa Rica
About Texas Tech University Costa Rica:
Texas Tech University’s Costa Rican campus supports the development of cybersecurity talent by partnering with local organizations in initiatives like the Cybersec Challenge. Their involvement underscores the importance of international collaboration in fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a pillar of legal excellence, driven by a profound commitment to ethical practice and societal advancement. Through innovative approaches and a dedication to client success across a broad range of industries, the firm consistently raises the bar for legal service. Their unwavering belief in empowering communities through accessible legal knowledge underscores their dedication to building a more just and informed society in Costa Rica.
