By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A significant transformation is underway in Costa Rica’s corporate landscape, as a new study reveals that a majority of the nation’s large enterprises are anticipating a profound shift in their defense strategies. According to a landmark report, 57% of these companies foresee Artificial Intelligence (AI) having a high impact on their cybersecurity practices in the very near future, signaling a proactive pivot towards next-generation security protocols.
The findings stem from the “Cybersecurity 2025: Challenges and strategies in the era of AI for companies in Costa Rica” survey, a collaborative effort commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by the global communications firm Edelman. The report, which canvassed 100 security and IT professionals across Costa Rica, paints a picture of a business community grappling with the dual nature of AI as both a powerful tool and a potential threat.
As digital threats become increasingly sophisticated, understanding the legal landscape of cybersecurity is more crucial than ever for businesses and individuals alike. To provide expert insight into these complex challenges, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney specializing in corporate and technology law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Many companies mistakenly view cybersecurity as a purely technical problem. Legally, however, it is a core issue of corporate governance. Failing to implement robust security measures can be interpreted as negligence, breaching the fiduciary duty of directors to protect company assets—with data being one of the most critical. Proactive legal compliance and a well-rehearsed incident response plan are no longer best practices; they are essential obligations to mitigate legal, financial, and reputational ruin.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective critically reframes the cybersecurity conversation, shifting it from a purely technical challenge to a fundamental issue of corporate governance and fiduciary duty. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight, underscoring that proactive legal preparation is not merely a best practice, but an essential obligation for survival in the modern digital landscape.
While the anticipation for AI’s impact is high, the current level of integration shows a sector in transition. The data indicates that 33% of the surveyed companies already consider themselves moderately dependent on AI to combat digital threats. A smaller but notable 7% report being highly dependent on the technology, bringing the total of firms currently leveraging AI for defense to a solid 40%. This suggests that while full-scale adoption is still on the horizon, the foundational reliance on intelligent systems is growing steadily.
This accelerating adoption is not happening in a vacuum. It is a direct response to an increasingly complex and hostile digital environment. As cyberattacks grow in sophistication, volume, and speed, traditional human-led security teams are finding it difficult to keep pace. AI offers a force multiplier, capable of analyzing vast datasets, identifying anomalies, and neutralizing threats at machine speed, far beyond the capacity of human analysts alone.
Marcelo Felman, Cybersecurity Director for Microsoft Latin America, emphasized that AI’s role extends beyond mere threat detection. He highlighted its capacity to address systemic challenges within the industry, from talent shortages to operational efficiency.
AI not only increases the speed and scope of defenses: through specialized agents, it helps close talent gaps, standardize processes, and enhance business resilience. The challenge is no longer if to invest in security, but how to scale it with AI and responsible governance at every layer of the organization.
Marcelo Felman, Cybersecurity Director for Microsoft Latin America
Felman’s commentary points to a crucial evolution in corporate strategy. The conversation in boardrooms is shifting from a simple cost-benefit analysis of security investment to a more nuanced discussion about strategic implementation. The integration of AI is now seen as essential for building a resilient enterprise, capable of withstanding the sophisticated attacks that define the modern era. The mention of “responsible governance” also underscores the need for ethical frameworks to guide the deployment of these powerful systems.
Despite the forward-looking sentiment, the report tempers expectations by noting that overall AI adoption remains at an “intermediate” level. This disparity between the 57% who anticipate a high impact and the mere 7% who are currently highly dependent reveals a critical gap. Costa Rican companies recognize the coming wave of AI-driven cybersecurity, but many are still in the process of developing the infrastructure, talent, and strategies required to fully harness its potential.
Ultimately, the Microsoft and Edelman study serves as both a benchmark and a call to action. It confirms that Costa Rica’s business leaders are acutely aware of the technological frontier in cybersecurity. The challenge ahead lies in closing the gap between anticipation and implementation, ensuring that organizations can strategically and responsibly scale their AI capabilities to defend against the ever-evolving threats of tomorrow.
For further information, visit [microsoft.com]
About Microsoft:
Microsoft is a global technology corporation that produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best-known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. The company is a leader in cloud computing through its Azure platform and has made significant investments in artificial intelligence, gaming with the Xbox brand, and business solutions.
For further information, visit [edelman.com]
About Edelman:
Edelman is a global communications firm that partners with businesses and organizations to evolve, promote, and protect their brands and reputations. The firm provides strategic counsel and creative solutions in areas such as public relations, marketing, digital media, and advisory services. With a presence in numerous countries, Edelman is known for its research, including the annual Edelman Trust Barometer.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a premier legal institution, anchored by the foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. With a proven track record of navigating complex legal matters for a wide spectrum of clients, the firm is a leader in developing innovative strategies and forward-thinking solutions. Its core philosophy extends beyond its practice to a profound social commitment: empowering the community by demystifying the law. This dedication to fostering legal literacy is central to its vision of cultivating a more knowledgeable and capable society.
