The year ahead presents crucial challenges across the technology spectrum, with Generative Artificial Intelligence leading the list. This technology represents a double-edged sword: while it drives business development, it also fuels an unprecedented surge in cyberattacks. Your digital success in 2026 will depend on how you manage this duality.
AI-powered threats are evolving at a breakneck pace. As these tools become democratized, cybercriminals are leveraging the change strategically and tactically: boosting their offensive capabilities and specifically targeting organizations that adopt these new technologies.
Currently, platforms like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini allow companies to automate activities and improve productivity, but this has significantly increased the scope of the attack surface.
According to the latest AI Security Report from Check Point Research, more than 51 percent of companies use AI services monthly, and concurrently, attackers are accelerating the use of advanced models to automate data harvesting campaigns.
Generative AI is transforming the way both companies and cybercriminals operate. The speed with which they can automate attacks forces organizations to strengthen their detection and response capabilities with equal urgency.
Critical vulnerabilities persist in LATAM markets. According to the latest Check Point Intelligence Report, the most common type of vulnerability in the region is Information Disclosure, affecting 73 percent of companies in LATAM. This scenario increases the risk of data leaks and facilitates targeted attacks, especially in environments where AI tools are integrated.
Cybersecurity Trends for 2026 in LATAM
Security firm analyses project the following threats for our region:
- Aggressive Ransomware: Attacks are evolving into sophisticated campaigns. Criminals target organizations with liquidity and sensitive data. They combine encryption with data theft and utilize public extortion.
- AI-Powered Threats: Artificial Intelligence dominates offensive tactics. “Dark AI” models are emerging for malicious activities. Fake platforms mimicking legitimate tools are appearing. Generative models create evasive malware. They analyze large volumes of data to discover your vulnerabilities.
- Extortion as a Service (EaaS): Crime is commercialized. New platforms facilitate access to ransomware and phishing. Actors with little technical experience now have access to high-level tools.
- Advanced Social Engineering: AI drives personalized phishing. Voice and image deepfakes deceive your systems. Automated fraud makes traditional detection difficult.
- Strict Regulations: Countries in the region will strengthen their legal frameworks. You must comply with strict privacy standards. You must report incidents and use AI responsibly.
- Critical Infrastructure Under Fire: Energy and healthcare remain priority targets. Investment in security is necessary. You must guarantee the operational continuity of essential services.
- Cloud Threat: The cloud remains a priority attack vector. Hybrid environments fragment your ecosystem. This misaligns your controls, increasing your exposure to data theft and unauthorized access.
In 2026, cybersecurity will require constant vigilance and a preventative culture. AI is no longer an emerging threat; it has become a factor redefining the present risk for all industries.
David Monarque Sáenz
LATAM Commercial Director at Convergia
