An Unexpected Leader In Cybersecurity: One Latin Country's Exemplary Approach To The Issue

In recent years, cybersecurity policy and strategy have become pivotal for the sovereignty and protection of national infrastructures worldwide. With Latin America experiencing a staggering 1,600 cyber-attack attempts per second, it's particularly insightful to consider Chile's experience in this realm, especially given the country's concerted efforts to bolster its cybersecurity stance.

In 2017, Chile unveiled an ambitious national cybersecurity strategy with clear goals. These included building a robust and resilient information infrastructure, safeguarding rights in cyberspace, promoting a culture of digital security and fostering a national cybersecurity industry. Progress toward these objectives has been significant, with evidence suggesting that Chile has moved more decisively in this direction than Argentina.

Chile has institutionalized cybersecurity by appointing a direct presidential advisor and restructuring the Subsecretariat of the Interior, thus strengthening entities like the Government's CSIRT. Collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) further underscores a commitment to secure and resilient cyberspace.

The Andean nation's approach has been comprehensive, encompassing cyber defense policies and cross-sector collaboration, as well as establishing a regulatory framework for critical infrastructure. The Chilean Cybersecurity Alliance exemplifies this collaborative spirit, promoting education and responsible technology use.

Chile's legal efforts to update its regulatory framework regarding cybercrimes and personal data protection, alongside constitutional reform to include data protection, demonstrate leadership and a deep understanding that cybersecurity extends beyond technical infrastructure. It's a reminder that laws and the state often lag behind technological changes.

Moreover, Chile's recognition by the United Nations for its advancements in e-government and the inclusion of digital transformation in its "Digital Agenda 2020" indicate a cybersecurity strategy aligned with its future vision.

Notably, Chile, with a population of 18.4 million and an internet penetration rate of 82% (15.2 million users), underscores the importance of cybersecurity in protecting a highly digitalized population. The number of mobile devices, exceeding the total population at 23 million reflects a culture of connectivity and the need for security policies that address this technological omnipresence.

In comparison, while Argentina is also making progress in cybersecurity, Chile's initiatives suggest a more robust and holistic strategy. This comprehensive approach, combining legislation, infrastructure, education and international cooperation, not only positions Chile as a regional leader in cybersecurity but also offers a viable model for other countries like Argentina to enhance their own cybersecurity in an ever-evolving and increasingly challenging digital world.

Finally, Chilean information security chiefs understand that cybersecurity awareness is key in combating cybercrime. Emphasizing and educating the organizational 'layer 8' (the end-user) is crucial for a country's cybersecurity. In other Latin American countries, cybersecurity awareness is often seen as a cost, not as a necessary investment to protect customers, employees, and the brand. Here again, Chile demonstrates a step ahead of other Hispanic nations in Latin America.

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