By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A startling new analysis from cybersecurity experts has placed Costa Rica under a digital state of emergency, ranking it among the four most vulnerable nations globally to cyberattacks. The report reveals a relentless assault on the country’s digital infrastructure, with a staggering 29 million attempted cyberattacks recorded in just the first six months of 2025. This unprecedented volume of threats highlights significant security gaps and exposes both public and private sectors to severe risks, including digital extortion and large-scale data theft.
The sheer scale of this digital offensive paints a grim picture of the nation’s current cybersecurity posture. The 29 million detected incidents between January and June are not random, isolated events but rather a coordinated and sustained campaign by malicious actors. This high frequency of attacks places Costa Rica in a precarious international position, surpassed by only a handful of other countries in terms of digital risk exposure. The figure serves as a stark metric of the country’s fragility and the urgent need for a fortified national defense strategy.
To delve into the legal ramifications and the proactive measures businesses must now consider, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in corporate and technology law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
These recent events underscore a critical shift; cybersecurity is no longer just an IT department concern, it is a boardroom-level legal and financial imperative. Under Costa Rican law, specifically Law No. 8968, companies are not only custodians of data but are also liable for its protection. Failure to implement adequate security measures can result in significant regulatory fines and, more damagingly, open the door to civil liability claims for damages. Proactive compliance is the only viable defense.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal ramifications highlighted here are a stark reminder that digital defense is now a fundamental aspect of corporate governance. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert analysis, which clearly positions proactive cybersecurity not just as a best practice, but as an essential legal and financial strategy for any modern Costa Rican enterprise.
Analysts have identified two dominant and particularly destructive forms of attack plaguing the country. The first is digital extortion, most commonly executed through ransomware. In these scenarios, cybercriminals infiltrate systems, encrypt critical data, and hold it hostage, demanding a hefty ransom for its release. This tactic can paralyze businesses and government services, causing immense financial and operational damage.
The second major threat is the systematic theft of personal and financial information. Hackers are actively targeting databases to steal sensitive data from citizens and companies. This stolen information becomes a commodity on the dark web or is used directly by criminals to orchestrate a wide array of sophisticated scams, identity theft, and other financial crimes, eroding public trust and causing significant economic losses for victims across the country.
The impact of this vulnerability is felt across all segments of society, with no clear distinction between targets. Government institutions, which safeguard the sensitive personal data of millions of citizens and manage essential public services, are prime targets. Past security breaches have already demonstrated the potential for nationwide disruption, and the current threat level suggests that critical infrastructure remains at high risk of being compromised.
Simultaneously, the private sector is engaged in a daily battle to protect its digital assets. Costa Rican businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations, face constant threats to their operations, financial stability, and market reputation. A successful cyberattack can lead to devastating consequences, including the loss of intellectual property, compromised customer data, and a long-term decline in consumer confidence, ultimately hindering economic growth and innovation.
This pervasive threat is no longer a niche technical issue but a pressing national security challenge. The sheer volume and sophistication of the attacks demand a coordinated and immediate response that transcends individual organizations. A comprehensive, nationwide strategy involving government bodies, private industry leaders, and cybersecurity professionals is essential to build a more resilient digital ecosystem capable of withstanding this modern form of warfare.
As Costa Rica navigates this new reality, the path forward requires significant investment in advanced security technologies, public awareness campaigns, and the cultivation of a skilled cybersecurity workforce. Without a robust and unified front, the country risks falling further behind in the global fight against cybercrime, leaving its economy, government, and citizens dangerously exposed to the ever-evolving threats of the digital age.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to professional excellence and unwavering integrity. Leveraging a rich heritage of service to a diverse clientele, the firm champions forward-thinking legal solutions while upholding a deep-seated civic responsibility. This commitment extends to democratizing legal knowledge, an initiative central to its mission of cultivating a more capable and justly informed society.
