Mexico’s Cybersecurity Policy Stalls Amidst Growing Global Threats
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Mexico’s failure to implement its National Cybersecurity Strategy (ENCS) has left the country vulnerable to growing global cyber threats, experts warn.
A Timely Concern
The timing couldn’t be worse for Mexico, as recent global waves of cybercrime have badly hit the country. The ENCS was launched in 2019 with the aim of protecting Mexico’s critical infrastructure and promoting a culture of cybersecurity among citizens. However, under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO)’s administration, progress on implementing the strategy has stalled.
A National Security Issue
“Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue, it’s a national security issue,” said Joe Devanny, lecturer at King’s College London and co-author of a recent report on Mexico’s cybersecurity challenges. “Mexico needs to take a proactive approach to addressing these threats and investing in its cybersecurity infrastructure.”
Concerns about Commercial Spyware
The country’s failure to implement the ENCS has also led to concerns about the use of commercial spyware by government agencies, which has raised questions about human rights violations.
“Mexico’s lack of transparency and accountability on cybersecurity issues is concerning,” said Russell Buchan, professor of international law at the University of Reading. “The country needs to take a more proactive approach to addressing these issues and ensuring that its citizens’ data is protected.”
Opportunities for Improvement
Despite the challenges, experts believe that there are still opportunities for Mexico to improve its cybersecurity posture.
“The ENCS offers a plausible starting point for what needs to be done,” said Devanny. “The next administration should prioritize an actively led, coordinated national approach that pursues further institutionalization and invests effectively in improving education, skills, and the national cybersecurity culture and system.”
Conclusion
Mexico’s failure to implement its National Cybersecurity Strategy has left it vulnerable to growing global cyber threats. The country needs to take a proactive approach to addressing these challenges and investing in its cybersecurity infrastructure to protect its citizens’ data and critical infrastructure.
About the Authors
- Joe Devanny is a lecturer at King’s College London and co-author of a recent report on Mexico’s cybersecurity challenges.
- Russell Buchan is a professor of international law at the University of Reading and co-author of the same report.