A Global Wake-Up Call with Focus on Latin America and the Caribbean

As organizations around the world deepen their digital footprints, the frequency, scale, and sophistication of cyber threats have reached unprecedented levels in 2025. Businesses are accelerating their digital transformations, governments are expanding e-services, and individuals are increasingly reliant on online platforms. However, with these advancements come significant vulnerabilities. In particular, regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are experiencing a growing share of cyberattacks, which highlights the urgent need for robust cybersecurity strategies.

Grant Thornton, in collaboration with VARS Trinidad and Tobago, brings global and regional expertise to the forefront to help organizations address these challenges through scalable and strategic cybersecurity solutions.

The Global Surge in Cyber Threats

Across the globe, cyberattacks have become more frequent and severe. According to Check Point Research, organizations are now experiencing over 1,800 cyberattacks per week on average. These attacks target a broad range of industries, including education, energy, healthcare, and government.

Among the most prominent threats in 2025 are AI-driven phishing and impersonation scams. These leverage generative artificial intelligence to convincingly mimic executives, officials, and trusted services. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platforms are enabling even inexperienced cybercriminals to launch sophisticated attacks. The potential rise of quantum computing also presents looming risks, with traditional encryption systems becoming increasingly inadequate. Meanwhile, zero-day exploits—attacks that take advantage of software vulnerabilities before developers can patch them—continue to be a top concern.

The State of Cybersecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean

While these global threats are escalating, Latin America and the Caribbean remain particularly vulnerable due to underinvestment in cybersecurity infrastructure, limited regional collaboration, and emerging digital economies.

The World Bank reports that LAC has experienced a 25 percent average annual growth rate in disclosed cyber incidents over the past ten years. In Jamaica alone, more than 4 million cyberattack attempts were recorded in the first half of 2024. Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia consistently rank among the most targeted countries in the world for ransomware. In the Caribbean, small island states have seen cyberattacks directed at government portals, financial institutions, and utility companies.

Many of the region’s challenges stem from outdated digital infrastructure. Legacy systems, often unsupported by current security updates, are common across both public and private institutions. Limited budgets mean that cybersecurity often takes a backseat to more immediate business concerns.

Another key challenge is the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Across LAC, there is a significant talent gap. Estimates suggest that the region needs over 500,000 qualified professionals to meet current cybersecurity demands. This gap leaves many institutions unprepared to respond to increasingly complex threats.

Cybersecurity governance also remains weak in many organizations. A study by the University of the West Indies’ Lok Jack GSB found that fewer than 35 percent of corporate boards regularly discuss cybersecurity risks. In addition, cyber insurance adoption in the region remains below 10 percent, reflecting a broader lack of proactive risk planning.

Organized crime networks have also expanded their operations into the digital space. Cybercriminals in the region are leveraging technology to conduct data theft, extortion, financial fraud, and even money laundering and terrorism financing. With weak enforcement mechanisms and limited cross-border coordination, the region remains a soft target.

A Strategic Approach to Cybersecurity

Grant Thornton’s cybersecurity solutions, supported by VARS Trinidad and Tobago, are designed to strengthen resilience across industries and regions.

Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing are used to proactively identify system weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services provide 24/7 monitoring and rapid threat containment using AI-powered threat intelligence.

Cybersecurity strategy development services help organizations create tailored, actionable plans aligned with global standards and local regulations. Compliance and risk management offerings ensure ongoing adherence to financial, operational, and data security requirements, especially in sectors such as banking, health, and energy.

Together, these services offer organizations a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity—one that extends beyond technology to encompass people, processes, and policy.

Grant Thornton Trinidad and Tobago 2025 Cybersecurity Webinar

Grant Thornton, in collaboration with VARS Trinidad and Tobago, will be hosting an exclusive webinar that will explore the latest cybersecurity threats in 2025. The event will feature insights from global experts and regional leaders, with a focus on how businesses and governments can protect their digital environments in an era of rapidly evolving threats.

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity in 2025 is no longer just an IT function it is a strategic priority. As global and regional threats evolve in complexity and frequency, organizations must take a proactive, holistic approach to digital security.

By working with our industry experts, institutions in Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond can position themselves to not only respond to today’s challenges but anticipate and prepare for the threats of tomorrow.