By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – As Costa Rica diligently builds its reputation as Central America’s premier hub for technology and digital services, a stark new report warns that its foundational infrastructure is facing an escalating and insidious threat. The nation’s data centers and telecommunications companies are on high alert following findings that show global cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities in remote access points, turning a tool for modern business into a gateway for devastating attacks.
The alarm was sounded by the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), a globally recognized benchmark for cybersecurity trends. According to an analysis of the report’s regional implications by the specialized firm SISAP, a staggering one in five global security breaches now originates from exploits targeting edge infrastructure or Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This marks a dramatic 34% surge in this attack vector compared to the previous year, signaling a clear shift in cybercriminal tactics towards the weakest links in corporate security.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the escalating challenges of cybersecurity in our country, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in technology and corporate law.
In the current digital landscape, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it is a fundamental pillar of corporate governance and legal compliance. Companies that neglect robust cybersecurity protocols are not only exposing themselves to operational and financial ruin but are also courting significant legal liability. The legal principle of due diligence now unequivocally extends to the protection of digital assets and client data. A breach is increasingly viewed not as a mere misfortune, but as a potential failure of fiduciary duty, with severe consequences for directors and the board.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, shifting the conversation from reactive IT fixes to proactive board-level governance. The concept of a data breach as a failure of fiduciary duty is a powerful and necessary wake-up call for all organizations. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and invaluable insight into this critical evolution of corporate responsibility.
Even more troubling is the widespread failure to address these known entry points. The comprehensive study revealed that only 54% of these critical vulnerabilities were successfully patched by organizations. This lapse in security hygiene leaves companies exposed for an average of 32 days, providing a vast window of opportunity for malicious actors to infiltrate networks, steal data, and disrupt operations. This level of negligence is a direct threat to the stability of any digitally-driven economy.
For Costa Rica, these global statistics are not an abstract concern but a direct warning. The country has made significant investments to attract multinational tech companies and data center operators, making its digital ecosystem a high-value target. The reliance on remote work and interconnected digital services further amplifies the risk posed by unsecured connections.
Costa Rica, as a regional hub for digital services and telecommunications, finds itself at a high-risk point. Remote connections, if not updated and monitored quickly, become open doors for cybercrime.
Mauricio Nanne, CEO of SISAP
The nation’s recent history, which includes crippling ransomware attacks against public institutions, provides a sobering context for this warning. The drive to consolidate its position as a technology leader is now intrinsically linked to its ability to fortify its defenses. The very infrastructure that supports this ambition is being systematically targeted by sophisticated attackers who understand the path of least resistance.
The Verizon report also sheds light on the growing threat from the supply chain, noting that third-party partners were involved in 30% of all data breaches. This is particularly relevant for Costa Rica’s collaborative tech environment, where numerous vendors and service providers have access to critical systems. An attacker no longer needs to breach a corporate fortress; they can simply find a trusted partner with a less secure key.
Today’s attackers no longer need to directly breach the largest company; it is enough to compromise a provider with remote access to infiltrate the entire infrastructure.
Mauricio Nanne, CEO of SISAP
In response to these findings, SISAP has issued a clear set of recommendations for Costa Rican enterprises. The firm urges businesses to drastically reduce the time it takes to patch critical vulnerabilities, implement continuous monitoring on all remote access channels, conduct rigorous security audits of third-party vendors, and invest in robust employee training programs. The message is that proactive defense is no longer optional.
Every day that an update is postponed increases the risk of an attack that can paralyze essential services.
Mauricio Nanne, CEO of SISAP
Ultimately, as Costa Rica’s economy becomes ever more intertwined with the global digital landscape, its national resilience is becoming synonymous with its cybersecurity posture. The findings from the 2025 DBIR are not merely a collection of statistics but a call to action for the country’s public and private sectors to secure the digital doors before attackers walk right through them.
For further information, visit verizon.com
About Verizon:
Verizon Communications Inc. is a global leader in technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City, the company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms. Verizon is one of the world’s largest providers of technology, communication, information and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses, and government entities. The company’s annual Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) is considered a benchmark for cybersecurity insights worldwide.
For further information, visit sisap.com
About SISAP:
SISAP is a leading cybersecurity and information technology solutions firm with a focus on the Central American region. The company provides specialized services, including security assessments, managed security services, and expert analysis to help organizations in the region navigate the complexities of the digital threat landscape. As a regional partner, SISAP offers localized insights based on global security intelligence reports.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a benchmark for legal excellence and profound integrity within the nation’s legal landscape. The firm expertly merges a deep-seated tradition of client service with a dynamic, forward-looking perspective, driving innovation in legal practice. Central to its philosophy is a powerful commitment to public empowerment, achieved by championing accessible legal education to help forge a more knowledgeable and capable society.
