Ransomware Groups Intensify Cyber Espionage in Latin America Amidst Surge in Attacks

In early 2026, Latin America has emerged as a focal point for cyber espionage activities, with ransomware groups expanding their operations beyond traditional financial motives to include intelligence collection and corporate espionage. This shift is facilitated by the region's rapid digital adoption and relatively immature cybersecurity defenses.

Surge in Cyberattacks

Recent data indicates a significant uptick in cyberattacks across Latin America. In December 2025, organizations in the region experienced an average of 3,065 attacks per week, marking a 26% increase year-over-year and surpassing global averages. This surge is primarily driven by ransomware operations and the expanding exposure linked to enterprise adoption of generative AI technologies. (blog.checkpoint.com)

Ransomware Groups' Evolving Tactics

Ransomware groups are increasingly targeting government agencies, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure in Latin America. Notably, the group known as APT-C-36, also referred to as Blind Eagle, has been active since 2018, focusing on South American entities. Their operations blend financial-driven campaigns with espionage objectives, reflecting a maturation of cyber actors within the region. (brandefense.io)

Additionally, the Akira ransomware group has been observed exploiting vulnerabilities in public-facing applications and Linux systems to gain initial access. Their tactics include credential theft and the deployment of remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools, enabling them to establish persistence and conduct lateral movement within compromised networks. (ics-cert.kaspersky.com)

Challenges in Cybersecurity Maturity

Despite the escalating threat landscape, Latin American organizations exhibit a lack of confidence in their cybersecurity defenses. A recent report highlights that only 13% of organizations in the region are confident in their country's ability to defend critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, with nearly half expressing a lack of confidence. (darkreading.com)

Recommendations for Mitigation

To address the evolving cyber espionage threat, organizations in Latin America should consider the following measures:

• Enhance Cybersecurity Awareness: Implement comprehensive training programs to educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.

• Strengthen Incident Response Plans: Develop and regularly update incident response protocols to ensure swift and coordinated reactions to cyber incidents.

• Invest in Advanced Security Solutions: Deploy advanced threat detection and response tools capable of identifying and mitigating sophisticated cyber threats.

• Collaborate with International Partners: Engage in information sharing and collaborative defense initiatives with international cybersecurity organizations to stay abreast of emerging threats and best practices.

By proactively addressing these challenges, Latin American organizations can bolster their defenses against the growing threat of cyber espionage and ransomware activities.