News and Insights – November 2018

2018 Cybersecurity Trends: What Argentine SMBs Must Watch

As 2018 draws to a close, cybersecurity continues to dominate IT conversations across Latin America. In Argentina, SMBs are facing unprecedented threats—ranging from ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) kits to social engineering attacks targeting financial transactions. Cybercrime tactics are evolving faster than many small businesses can adapt.

This deep dive explores the key trends shaping the security landscape and what Argentine SMBs must do to stay secure.

1. Ransomware is Evolving

While many SMBs invested in backups and perimeter defenses, ransomware kits have grown more intelligent, targeting cloud apps, shared folders, and legacy protocols. Small teams with no centralized monitoring often remain vulnerable.

2. Supply Chain Attacks Are Rising

Third-party vendors and software updates are becoming attack vectors. If you’re trusting a partner with access to your systems, ensure they follow solid cyber hygiene practices and conduct regular audits.

3. Phishing Campaigns Now Use Local Lures

From false AFIP alerts to fake YPF invoices, attackers are localizing phishing emails with convincing branding and language. Staff training and spam filters aren’t enough—multifactor authentication and verification procedures are essential.

4. Shadow IT Exposes Blind Spots

Employees using unapproved tools like free file-sharing apps or browser plugins can inadvertently introduce malware or leak sensitive data. Visibility and policy enforcement are critical.

5. Small Businesses Are Now Primary Targets

Large enterprises may have better security postures, pushing cybercriminals toward softer targets—like SMBs with outdated antivirus or no SIEM solutions. A shift in mindset is needed: “we’re too small to be attacked” no longer applies.

We’ve assembled a security checklist to help Argentine SMBs assess their posture and prepare for 2019. Here is the Cybersecurity Readiness Checklist.