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Cybersecurity threats rise across Latin America amid AI-driven scams
Cybersecurity experts and authorities are warning of evolving digital threats across Latin America, specifically highlighting the role of artificial intelligence in sophisticated criminal activities.
In Mexico, the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública (SSP) has urged families to establish communication protocols to combat extortion calls. Criminals often use psychological pressure, claiming relatives are in danger to coerce victims into making bank transfers. Similarly, in Colombia, new scam modalities are targeting mobile users through deceptive messages and calls designed to drain bank accounts without requiring passwords.
In Argentina, cybersecurity specialists warned of increased risks associated with technological gifts, such as gaming consoles and smartphones. Data from Fortinet indicates that Argentina recorded over 2.3 billion cyberattack attempts in the first half of 2026, ranking it third in Latin America for threat volume.
A report by Proofpoint highlights that ransomware is evolving into sustained extortion campaigns. The study notes that 65 percent of victims believe AI has increased the effectiveness of attacks, particularly through highly convincing phishing and identity theft attempts.
Entities
Colombia · Cybercriminals · Fortinet · Proofpoint · Secretaría de Seguridad Pública
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Scammers send messages impersonating known companies regarding deliveries, pending payments, or account issues. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] Cybercriminals are using psychological manipulation to steal sensitive data. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] Criminals use phone calls to impersonate bank or company employees to request security codes. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] Fraudulent links in messages lead to fake pages designed to steal user data. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] Legitimate banks and companies do not request full passwords or security codes via unexpected calls. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] Fraudulent links in messages can lead to fake pages designed to steal user data. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co