Cyberattacks rise across Latin America as Mexico and Chile face increased ransomware threats

Latin America is experiencing a critical acceleration in digital threats. According to a report by SCILabs for the first half of 2026, ransomware incidents in the region increased by 25.54 percent compared to the previous semester, with at least 290 formal attacks recorded.

Mexico has emerged as the second most targeted country in Latin America, accounting for approximately 18 percent of the total attacks. The most affected sectors include services (19.66 percent), manufacturing, and government entities (11.72 percent).

Cybercriminals are shifting from noisy brute-force methods to stealthy “low-and-slow” intrusion strategies. A report from Lumu Technologies notes that attackers are increasingly using legitimate tools and VPNs to evade detection, assuming that adversaries may already be inside organizational networks.

In Chile, a recent ransomware attack on a multinational subsidiary in Quilicura reportedly resulted in the theft of over one terabyte of data. This case highlights the trend of “double extortion,” where criminals not only lock systems but also steal sensitive information—such as identity documents and credentials—to demand payment and threaten public disclosure.