# Cybersecurity and AI risks in Latin America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cybersecurity-and-ai-risks-in-latin-america
> Updated: 2026-08-27T13:00:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Cybersecurity threats in Latin America are evolving through the use of artificial intelligence and sophisticated digital tactics. Early reports highlighted rising extortion and scam activities across Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. In Mexico, authorities warned of psychological pressure used in extortion calls, while Argentina saw over 2.3 billion cyberattack attempts in the first half of 2026. Experts noted that 65 percent of ransomware victims believe AI has increased attack effectiveness through convincing phishing and identity theft.

As the situation progressed, the focus expanded to include vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and specific demographic risks. In the healthcare sector, ransomware poses threats to hospital operations and patient data privacy, prompting calls for comprehensive cyber resilience models. Additionally, research into digital habits shows that a significant portion of Generation Z in the region uses AI for emotional support, with approximately 21 percent sharing sensitive information with chatbots despite low levels of cybersecurity awareness.

## Claims

- 22% of Generation Z youth in Latin America use artificial intelligence as a friend for casual conversation or emotional support. (single source)
- 21% of users trust chatbots with sensitive matters they would prefer not to share with other people. (single source)
- Only 41% of Latin American youth surveyed say they take vital precautions to validate sources or protect sensitive data. (single source)
- Ransomware is a major risk for hospitals, involving both system encryption and the theft of data for extortion. (single source)
- Only 41% of Latin American youth report taking vital precautions to validate sources or protect sensitive data when using AI. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Latin America faces digital risks in healthcare and AI usage

Latin American digital trends show rising cybersecurity risks in healthcare and a growing tendency among Gen Z to use AI for emotional support, often without adequate data protection measures.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/digital-transformation-and-cybersecurity-trends-in-latin-america

### 2026-08-16: Cybersecurity threats rise across Latin America amid AI-driven scams

Authorities in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia are warning of rising cyber threats, including AI-driven ransomware, sophisticated phishing, and extortion tactics targeting mobile devices and families.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cybercrime-alert-new-scams-target-bank-accounts-via-psychological-manipulation

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Cite as: Cybersecurity and AI risks in Latin America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cybersecurity-and-ai-risks-in-latin-america