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Experts from the Latin American NRENs discussed the challenges of protecting  critical information infrastructures in the region and how these networks are overcoming them, in an event supported by RedCLARA and attended by its Services Manager, Carlos Gonzalez.

The webinar "Strategies for the Protection of Critical Information Infrastructures" was held on October 31, in virtual format, as part of the celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. On behalf of the Latin American NRENs, Ivonne Muñoz, Consultant in Computer Law and Cybersecurity from the Mexican network CUDI, and André R. Landim, Information Security Expert from Brazilian network, RNP  participated. Landim highlighted the work done in Brazil to mitigate cybersecurity risks: “Networks  don´t just provide 'connectivity'; they provide services that have become very important for society as a whole, and this is why cybersecurity is so important.”

Landim cited the example of university hospitals in the northern region of Brazil that provide remote care so that people who live far away do not have to move to large cities. According to the expert, the work of the advanced network ranges from strengthening human resources and CSIRTs (Security Incident Response Groups) to collaborating with CSIRTs of other networks in the region. "The education sector is quite targeted by hackers, and our region has some of the countries with the highest incidence of attacks such as phishing and ransomware. Working together, sharing information, and getting help from other experts in the region is essential to face this challenges," said Landim.

Ivonne Muñoz addressed the issue from a legal perspective. Professor Manuel Pérez from the University of Vigo, Spain, also participated  in a presentation on general aspects of cyber security and the challenges faced in the context of industrial networks. According to Carlos Gonzalez, discussions on the topic come at a very relevant time. “Information security is no longer about protecting assets, it is about protecting people and their most precious assets, including their privacy,” he explained.

The webinar was organized by the Cybersecurity Group of the Research and Education Networks of Latin America and the Caribbean (EduLACSeg), the Network of Excellence in Cybersecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean (Red CiberLAC) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with the support of RedCLARA.