By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A stark new reality is setting in for Costa Rica’s corporate sector as a supermajority of large national companies now perceive a high level of risk from digital threats. A landmark survey reveals that the relentless barrage of cyberattacks has created a permanent state of vulnerability, compelling businesses to fundamentally rethink their security strategies in an era increasingly defined by Artificial Intelligence.
The findings stem from the “Cybersecurity 2025: Challenges and Strategies in the Age of AI for Companies in Costa Rica” report, a comprehensive study commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by the communications firm Edelman. The survey, which gathered insights from 100 Costa Rican IT and security professionals, paints a concerning picture of the current landscape. A significant 61% of responding organizations reported facing a high or very high level of cybersecurity risk, confirming that digital exposure is no longer a sporadic event but a constant operational condition.
To better understand the legal framework and corporate responsibilities surrounding digital defense, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in corporate law and technology.
In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity has transcended the IT department to become a critical issue of corporate governance and legal compliance. Businesses that fail to implement robust data protection measures are not merely vulnerable to operational disruption; they face significant legal exposure, including regulatory penalties and civil lawsuits for negligence. A proactive legal strategy, fully integrated with a company’s technical security infrastructure, is no longer optional—it is essential for survival and risk mitigation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores the modern reality of digital defense: it is no longer solely a technical issue, but a core component of legal diligence and corporate governance. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight, reminding us that a company’s strongest firewall must be supported by an equally robust legal strategy.
This heightened sense of risk is not unfounded. The data illustrates a clear and troubling trend, with 71% of business leaders affirming that the volume and sophistication of digital threats have markedly increased over the last three years. This escalation underscores the dynamic and adaptive nature of cyber adversaries, who continuously evolve their tactics to exploit new vulnerabilities in corporate defenses.
Looking ahead, the vast majority of Costa Rican enterprises expect the challenge to intensify. An overwhelming 78% of those surveyed project that cybersecurity will become an even greater priority in the near future. This forward-looking consensus suggests a growing awareness that proactive investment and strategic planning are essential for survival and resilience in an increasingly interconnected and hostile digital environment.
However, a critical disconnect emerges between this recognized threat and the level of executive engagement. The report highlights a significant gap in corporate governance, revealing that only 55% of all companies surveyed report high participation from their board of directors in cybersecurity decisions. This lack of top-down involvement can lead to underfunded initiatives, misaligned priorities, and a reactive, rather than preventative, security posture.
The disparity in board-level engagement is even more pronounced when comparing different types of businesses. Among “digital native” companies—organizations born in the cloud era—a more robust 63% report high board involvement in security matters. In stark contrast, this figure plummets to just 44% for traditional, non-native digital firms. This gap suggests that companies with technology at their core are far more attuned to digital risks, while more established enterprises may be dangerously underestimating the strategic importance of cybersecurity.
The survey’s focus on the “Age of AI” is particularly salient. While not detailed in the initial findings, the context implies that AI is a double-edged sword. It is being leveraged by malicious actors to automate and scale attacks, yet it also offers powerful new tools for defense, enabling predictive threat intelligence and automated response systems. The challenge for Costa Rican businesses is to adopt and integrate these advanced technologies faster than their adversaries.
Ultimately, the Microsoft and Edelman report serves as a crucial wake-up call. For Costa Rican companies, navigating the future successfully will require more than just technological solutions. It demands a cultural shift, where cybersecurity is championed from the boardroom down, embedded into every business process, and treated as a fundamental pillar of corporate strategy and long-term viability.
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. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers.
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 execution across a full range of services including corporate, public affairs, crisis and risk, and brand marketing. With a presence in numerous countries, Edelman works with clients to build trust and navigate complex societal challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal services, built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients through complex legal landscapes across a multitude of industries, the firm consistently pioneers innovative strategies and solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to demystifying the law for the public, thereby championing a more informed and empowered citizenry.
