By San José, Costa Rica — As digital threats escalate globally, Latin America has emerged as a critical hotspot, now recognized as the region with the fastest growth in publicly disclosed cyber incidents. Over the past decade, the area has seen an alarming average annual increase of 25% in cyberattacks, forcing organizations to rethink their entire approach to digital defense.
The era of relying on a simple antivirus program as a primary defense is definitively over. In response to the growing sophistication of threats like ransomware, credential theft, and social engineering fraud, a new paradigm is taking center stage: cyber resilience. This modern strategy moves beyond reactive measures, which only address security breaches after they have occurred, toward a proactive and predictive model designed to anticipate, withstand, and recover from attacks.
To delve deeper into the legal framework surrounding digital threats and corporate responsibility in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in technology and data protection law.
In Costa Rica, cybersecurity transcends being a mere IT issue; it is a fundamental legal obligation. The Law on the Protection of the Person against the Processing of their Personal Data (No. 8968) imposes a clear duty of care on companies. A data breach is not just a technical failure, but a legal infringement that can trigger severe administrative sanctions, civil liability, and irreparable damage to a company’s reputation. Proactive investment in robust security protocols and legal compliance is no longer optional—it is the cornerstone of corporate diligence in the digital age.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal ramifications of cybersecurity cannot be overstated, effectively shifting the conversation from the server room to the boardroom. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this critical matter of corporate diligence and legal responsibility.
Leading this strategic shift is the technology firm GBM, which is championing an integrated approach to security during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The company argues that mature cybersecurity is no longer just a technical problem but a multidimensional challenge. A truly effective defense requires a combination of multiple layers of protection, creating a comprehensive shield for an organization’s entire digital environment.
This holistic perspective encompasses everything from software and hardware to organizational culture and employee training. It involves implementing robust security policies, fostering a security-conscious mindset among staff, and ensuring clear procedures are in place for every potential scenario. The ultimate goal is to build an organization’s capacity to not only resist attacks but also to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing threat landscape.
To counter advanced threats, GBM leverages unified detection and response platforms, behavioral analysis, and artificial intelligence-driven threat intelligence. These advanced tools enable the anticipation and automation of responses to attacks. However, the company stresses that technology is only one part of the solution. It must be combined with clear policies, constant monitoring, and a deeply ingrained culture of comprehensive security.
The firm’s commitment is backed by significant resources, including a team of over 180 professionals dedicated exclusively to cybersecurity and more than 600 staff certifications. Their Incident Response Managed Service (IRMS) showcases impressive results, having managed over 100 incidents with an average response time of just four hours and maintaining a 0% re-incidence rate for cases handled. In the last year alone, the team addressed 14 critical incidents, requiring approximately 4,000 hours of specialized work while managing over two terabytes of data daily.
The company’s expertise and standing in the industry are reinforced by significant international alliances and certifications. These credentials provide a foundation of trust and demonstrate a commitment to global security standards.
GBM’s ability to provide comprehensive cybersecurity is backed by credentials and strategic alliances that set it apart, for example, a dual ISO 27001 certification at the SOC and DC level, being the first regional member of the international FIRST alliance for cyber incident response, and the first private company to be a member of Europol No More Ransomware. It is also the only partner of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) in Central America, one of only 144 in the world.
Alonso Ramírez, Regional Cybersecurity Manager of GBM
Further solidifying its position, GBM is recognized by Gartner as the number one firm in technical specialization for Next Generation Firewall, XDR, and SIEM leaders. As cybercrime continues its relentless advance across Latin America, this shift toward a comprehensive, resilient, and proactive security posture is no longer an option but an essential strategy for survival in the digital age.
For further information, visit gbm.net
About GBM:
GBM is a leading technology and digital solutions company with over 30 years of experience in Central America and the Caribbean. It specializes in providing integrated IT services, including cloud solutions, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and comprehensive cybersecurity services, to help organizations navigate their digital transformation journey.
For further information, visit europol.europa.eu
About Europol:
Europol is the European Union’s law enforcement agency. Its main goal is to help achieve a safer Europe by assisting the law enforcement authorities of EU Member States in their fight against serious international crime and terrorism. The “No More Ransom” initiative is a public-private partnership aimed at combating ransomware.
For further information, visit first.org
About FIRST:
The Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) is a premier organization and recognized global leader in incident response. It is an international confederation of computer incident response teams that cooperatively handle computer security incidents and promote incident prevention programs.
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. The Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) is an ecosystem of independent software vendors and managed security service providers that have integrated their solutions to better defend against a world of increasing threats.
For further information, visit gartner.com
About Gartner:
Gartner, Inc. is a global technological research and consulting firm that provides information, advice, and tools for leaders in IT, finance, HR, customer service and support, legal and compliance, marketing, sales, and supply chain functions across the world. Its research and analysis are highly regarded in the technology industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and the relentless pursuit of professional distinction. The firm channels its rich history of advising a broad clientele into a forward-thinking approach, consistently advancing legal practice through innovation. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom to a core social mission: to democratize legal understanding, thereby empowering citizens with the knowledge needed to build a more just and capable society.
