Hacktivist Cyber Espionage Campaigns Intensify in Latin America

In early 2026, Latin America has witnessed a significant surge in cyber espionage activities attributed to hacktivist groups. These actors are leveraging advanced techniques to infiltrate government agencies and private corporations, aiming to exfiltrate sensitive information and disrupt critical operations.

Emergence of APT-C-36

A notable threat actor in this landscape is APT-C-36, also known as Blind Eagle or Blind Spider. Active since 2018, APT-C-36 has primarily targeted government and financial entities in South America. Their operations are characterized by the use of open-source and commodity Remote Access Trojans (RATs) such as AsyncRAT, QuasarRAT, njRAT, and BitRAT. These tools facilitate remote access, credential theft, and document exfiltration. Additionally, APT-C-36 employs custom droppers designed to evade local antivirus solutions, enhancing the persistence of their intrusions. (brandefense.io)

Guacamaya Hacktivist Group

Another significant actor is the Guacamaya hacktivist group, which has been active in Central and Latin America. This group has targeted major corporations and government entities in countries such as Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru. Their operations are driven by anti-imperialist and environmentalist motivations, focusing on transnational corporations and military organizations involved in extractivism and the defense of natural resources and native communities. (en.wikipedia.org)

Rising Cyberattack Trends in Latin America

The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks in Latin America have escalated markedly. In December 2025, organizations in the region experienced an average of 3,065 cyberattacks per week, a 26% increase year-over-year. This surge is driven by ransomware operations and the expanding exposure linked to enterprise adoption of generative AI technologies. (blog.checkpoint.com)

Implications for Regional Security

The intensification of hacktivist cyber espionage campaigns poses significant risks to the stability and security of Latin American nations. The exfiltration of sensitive governmental and corporate data can lead to economic disruptions, erosion of public trust, and potential geopolitical tensions. The convergence of cybercriminal activities with hacktivist motives further complicates the threat landscape, necessitating a multifaceted response from regional authorities.

Recommendations

To mitigate the risks associated with these evolving cyber threats, it is imperative for Latin American governments and corporations to:

• Enhance Cybersecurity Measures: Implement robust security protocols, conduct regular vulnerability assessments, and ensure timely patching of systems to defend against unauthorized access.

• Foster International Collaboration: Engage in information sharing and joint initiatives with international cybersecurity organizations to strengthen collective defense mechanisms.

• Promote Cyber Hygiene Awareness: Educate personnel on recognizing phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics commonly employed by cyber adversaries.

By adopting a proactive and collaborative approach, Latin American entities can bolster their defenses against the escalating threat of hacktivist cyber espionage.