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Undervalued and informally trained cybersecurity talent in Latin America drives regional hiring challenges amid surge in attacks

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1 unique sources, 1 articles

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Latin American organizations face a 40% higher rate of cyberattacks than the global average, yet must adapt hiring practices to access an underutilized cybersecurity talent pool dominated by self-taught professionals and part-time practitioners. Regional threat trends—such as Brazil’s Pix payment system fueling banking trojans and phishing campaigns—outpace defensive capabilities, while conventional hiring demands for formal degrees and extensive experience deter qualified but non-traditional candidates. The mismatch exacerbates staffing shortages and increases organizational exposure to fast-evolving threats.

Timeline

  1. 01.04.2026 22:00 1 articles · 4h ago

    Ekoparty report reveals gap between Latin American cybersecurity hiring practices and self-taught talent pool amid rising regional attacks

    A survey of 605 Latin American cybersecurity professionals finds 70% are self-taught, 44% hold second cybersecurity-related roles, and 35% have fewer than three years of experience. The report links Brazil’s Pix-driven financial threat surge to broader regional attack trends, noting a 40% higher-than-global attack rate. Organizations relying on traditional hiring criteria risk exacerbating talent shortages.

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Information Snippets

  • 70% of Latin American cybersecurity professionals reported acquiring their skills through informal learning (e.g., online courses, on-the-job training), while only 44% held a university degree and 53% held at least one certification.

    First reported: 01.04.2026 22:00
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Latin America experiences 40% more cyberattacks than the global average, with Brazil’s Pix mobile payment system contributing to a surge in banking trojans and phishing attacks due to the widespread availability of low-skill hacking kits.

    First reported: 01.04.2026 22:00
    1 source, 1 article
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  • 44% of surveyed professionals maintain a second occupation related to cybersecurity (e.g., research, teaching, bug bounties), while 35% have fewer than three years of experience, highlighting a gap between hiring expectations and available talent.

    First reported: 01.04.2026 22:00
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Women enter the cybersecurity field in Latin America between seven and 10 years later than men on average, indicating structural barriers to entry and an opportunity to expand the talent pipeline.

    First reported: 01.04.2026 22:00
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Compensation alone is insufficient to attract talent; professionals prioritize wellbeing, flexible work arrangements, recognition of expertise, and job stability when evaluating potential employers.

    First reported: 01.04.2026 22:00
    1 source, 1 article
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