Executive Summary

On March 5, 2026, Check Point Research highlighted findings from a new threat report indicating that Latin America (LATAM) has become the global epicenter for cyberattacks. The research shows that organizations in the region are experiencing an average of 3,100 cyber threats per week. This attack volume is more than double the average of just under 1,500 weekly attacks targeting organizations in the United States. This data, which follows a previous report noting a 53% year-over-year increase in attacks in LATAM, signals a significant and sustained escalation of malicious activity targeting the region.

Threat Overview

The report's key finding is the sheer volume of attacks directed at Latin America, making it the most besieged region globally. This trend is driven by several factors:

• Rapid Digitalization: Many LATAM countries are undergoing rapid digital transformation, expanding their digital footprint and creating a larger attack surface.
• Maturation Gap: The growth in cybersecurity infrastructure, skilled professionals, and security awareness has not always kept pace with this digitalization, creating a target-rich, defense-poor environment.
• Economic Factors: Emerging economies can be seen as lucrative targets by cybercriminals, who may perceive them as having less resilient defenses.

The attacks are varied and span all major categories, including ransomware, banking trojans, information stealers, and mobile malware.

Impact Assessment

The disproportionately high volume of attacks places immense pressure on businesses and government agencies across Latin America. This can lead to increased financial losses from fraud and ransomware, disruption of critical services, and theft of sensitive government and corporate data. The trend indicates a strategic pivot by global cybercriminal groups to focus on regions where they perceive a higher chance of success. This necessitates a corresponding pivot from regional governments and businesses to prioritize cybersecurity investment, capacity building, and international cooperation to build a more resilient defensive posture.

Mitigation Recommendations

While the report is informational, the implications for organizations in Latin America are clear:

• Invest in Foundational Security: Prioritize cybersecurity fundamentals, including robust patch management, network segmentation, and strong access controls.
• Enhance Threat Detection: Deploy modern security solutions like EDR and NDR that can provide better visibility and detect threats that bypass traditional defenses.
• Develop Local Talent: Invest in training and education to close the cybersecurity skills gap within the region.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Foster greater collaboration between governments, law enforcement, and the private sector to share threat intelligence and coordinate responses.