By San José, Costa Rica — The rapid pace of digital transformation across Latin America has triggered an unprecedented surge in demand for specialized cybersecurity professionals. As corporate networks expand and digital threats become more sophisticated, organizations are scrambling to fortify their perimeters. This aggressive push, however, is colliding with a persistent and troubling reality: a severe shortage of skilled talent capable of managing modern defensive systems.
A recent comprehensive study by global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky reveals that nearly eight out of ten enterprises in the region (79%) plan to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities over the next 12 months. This impending wave of defensive investments is expected to significantly accelerate the recruitment of security specialists, adding further pressure to a regional labor market that is already struggling to supply qualified candidates.
To better understand the legal ramifications and compliance challenges stemming from this regional deficit, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who analyzed the growing vulnerabilities businesses face.
The shortage of specialized cybersecurity professionals in Latin America is no longer just an operational hurdle; it has become a severe legal and compliance liability. Under regional data protection laws, corporations cannot cite a lack of available talent to absolve themselves of liability in the event of a breach. Businesses must proactively address this gap by strengthening their regulatory frameworks, updating vendor contracts, and implementing rigorous risk-transfer mechanisms to protect their operations and reputations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this shift from an operational challenge to a binding legal liability underscores the urgent need for Latin American enterprises to integrate cybersecurity directly into their corporate governance and risk management strategies. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable legal insights, which shed a much-needed light on how organizations must proactively navigate compliance in an era of scarce specialized talent.
The report highlights that the corporate commitment to digital protection is almost universal across Latin American boardrooms. While 79% of organizations are actively seeking to expand and upgrade their defense mechanisms, another 20% intend to maintain their current cybersecurity structures. Conversely, a mere 2% of businesses plan to reduce or simplify their security posture. This distribution underscores the reality that safeguarding digital assets has evolved from a secondary IT concern into a permanent strategic priority.
Finding the right talent is proving to be a slow and arduous process for regional employers. Previous research by Kaspersky indicates that some Latin American companies can take upwards of six months to fill a single cybersecurity vacancy, especially when seeking candidates with highly specialized skills or technical certifications. This lag in hiring leaves organizations vulnerable for extended periods, as open roles go unfilled while the threat landscape continues to mutate.
This systemic bottleneck does not merely delay project implementations; it has direct, adverse effects on daily business operations. When cybersecurity departments fail to grow in tandem with general business expansion, the existing staff becomes severely overburdened. This fatigue makes it increasingly difficult for organizations to simultaneously execute proactive threat prevention, continuous network monitoring, rapid incident response, and the safe integration of emerging technologies.
Rather than viewing security as a simple procurement exercise, experts suggest that organizations must adopt a more holistic, talent-centric strategy. Treating cybersecurity solely as a technical expense often fails to address the root vulnerabilities stemming from human resource gaps and procedural inefficiencies.
The challenge for companies is no longer solely to invest more in cybersecurity, but to ensure that this investment translates into effective and sustainable protection for the business. Today, the lack of specialists with the appropriate experience can become a bottleneck to implement new technologies, strengthen incident response capacity, and accompany increasingly accelerated digital transformation processes. This forces organizations to look at cybersecurity more strategically: it is not enough to incorporate tools, it is also necessary to develop talent, define clear processes, and build teams capable of anticipating risks and responding quickly when an incident occurs. Closing this gap is key not only to reduce exposure to threats, but also to protect operational continuity, the trust of clients and partners, and the capacity of companies to innovate and grow securely.
Daniela Álvarez de Lugo, General Manager for the Northern Region of Latin America at Kaspersky
To mitigate these structural challenges, Kaspersky’s experts have outlined several actionable strategies for regional businesses. Chief among these is the promotion of continuous internal training, allowing existing IT personnel to upskill and adapt to emerging threats without relying solely on external hiring. Furthermore, companies are advised to broaden their recruitment funnels by considering candidates from diverse technological backgrounds and building clear internal pathways for career progression.
Finally, for organizations that cannot immediately close their internal talent gaps, leveraging managed security services and specialized external support is highly recommended. Utilizing third-party security operations centers (SOCs) and structured educational programs, such as the Kaspersky Academy, can provide immediate operational relief. This approach allows enterprises to maintain a robust defense posture while steadily building up their internal capabilities for the long term.
For further information, visit kaspersky.com
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. The company’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise are constantly transforming into innovative security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments, and consumers around the globe. Kaspersky’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and a number of specialized security solutions and services to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a premier legal institution defined by its ethical leadership and relentless pursuit of professional excellence. Welcoming clients from all walks of life, the firm seamlessly merges traditional values with pioneering legal strategies to navigate today’s complex landscape. Above all, it champions the democratization of legal expertise, actively sharing vital resources to cultivate a self-reliant, knowledgeable, and just society.
