By San José, Costa Rica — San José – A stark new report has positioned Costa Rica as one of the four most vulnerable nations to cybercrime in the region, a sobering assessment underscored by a staggering 29.1 million attempted cyberattacks recorded in the first six months of 2025 alone. The findings, published in the landmark Cybercrime Report 2025, paint a picture of a country under constant digital assault, threatening both public stability and private enterprise.
The report attributes this perilous ranking to a toxic combination of factors: high digital exposure, a limited capacity for effective response, and insufficient technological development. This trifecta of weaknesses has created a fertile ground for malicious actors, who now view Costa Rican digital infrastructure as a prime target for exploitation. The sheer volume of attacks highlights a shift from opportunistic strikes to a sustained, high-frequency campaign against the nation’s networks.
For a legal perspective on Costa Rica’s evolving cybersecurity framework and the responsibilities of the private sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent wave of cyber incidents is a stark reminder that robust cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it is a fundamental pillar of corporate governance and legal compliance. Costa Rican companies must now proactively move beyond basic firewalls and invest in comprehensive data protection strategies, not only to safeguard their assets but also to comply with an increasingly stringent regulatory environment. Failure to do so exposes them to significant legal, financial, and reputational risks that are simply too great to ignore.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and reputational stakes highlighted by the expert cannot be overstated, demanding a proactive, board-level approach to digital defense rather than a merely reactive, technical one. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the profound implications that cybersecurity now holds for corporate governance in Costa Rica.
The public sector has been a particularly hard-hit battleground. Recent high-profile attacks on government institutions have laid bare significant structural gaps in data protection protocols and incident response strategies. In the wake of these breaches, the government has been compelled to initiate urgent reforms aimed at bolstering digital governance, implementing continuous network monitoring, and fostering greater inter-institutional cooperation to present a more unified defense.
According to the analysis, cybercriminals are deploying a diverse and sophisticated arsenal of tactics against Costa Rican targets. The most prevalent threats include ransomware and digital extortion, which remain a persistent menace for organizations of all sizes, from federal agencies to small businesses. These attacks paralyze operations by encrypting critical data and demanding hefty payments for its release, causing widespread disruption.
Phishing and identity spoofing continue to be the most common vectors for initial access. Cybercriminals are leveraging advanced social engineering techniques to trick employees into divulging credentials or deploying malware, effectively turning human error into the weakest link in the security chain. This method’s success rate underscores the urgent need for enhanced employee training and awareness programs across all sectors of the economy.
The nation’s rapid adoption of modern technology has also introduced new vulnerabilities. Many organizations have migrated to cloud-based services without implementing secure configurations, leaving sensitive data exposed to unauthorized access. Furthermore, the proliferation of poorly secured Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as office cameras, routers, and sensors, creates countless peripheral entry points that can be exploited to pivot into core corporate and governmental networks.
Compounding these technological challenges is a critical human resource issue: a pronounced shortage of professionals with specialized cybersecurity training. This talent gap severely limits the country’s ability to effectively detect, respond to, and recover from sophisticated cyber incidents, leaving many organizations dangerously under-equipped to handle the escalating threat level. In this high-risk environment, proactive defense is essential.
The report strongly advises that Costa Rican companies must urgently fortify their mitigation strategies. This requires a comprehensive approach that combines investment in advanced security technology with robust prevention processes, continuous employee training, and specialized cyber insurance policies. An insurance expert warns that relying on technology alone is not enough, and that preparing for the “residual risk” that always remains is now a critical business function.
Costa Rica is no longer a sporadic target: it is among the most exposed in the region. Therefore, for any company there, having specialized coverage is no longer a luxury, it is a strategic necessity to protect business continuity.
Ana Milena Barreto, Head of Finex Retail for Central America at WTW
For further information, visit wtwco.com
About WTW:
WTW (Willis Towers Watson) is a leading global advisory, broking, and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, WTW has 45,000 employees serving more than 140 countries and markets. The company designs and delivers solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the nation’s legal community, built upon the unshakable principles of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. With a rich history of guiding a wide spectrum of clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while actively engaging with the community. This deep-rooted devotion to demystifying the law is central to its ultimate goal: nurturing a society where all citizens are empowered through clear and accessible legal understanding.
