33% of Argentinians who use the internet have suffered a cyberattack in the last year.
Concerns about sensitive data collection and the advancement of AI are alarming users, who are demanding greater investment in defensive technologies and transparency. Ninety-eight percent say they use security tools.
33% of internet users in Argentina have been victims of some type of cyberattack or fraud in the last year, amidst a context of continued digitalization, massive adoption of artificial intelligence, and the progressive incorporation of new security tools, but also marked by a growing sense of vulnerability, according to CertiSur, which provides security certificates for websites.
Distrust of corporate protection has deepened. According to Néstor Markowicz, director of operations at CertiSur, “awareness about protection is growing, but it’s not enough because many people have suffered fraud. Furthermore, they still feel distrust because their companies don’t guarantee that their data and privacy are being protected.”
In the same comment, shared by the NA news agency, he added: “There is a widespread feeling of vulnerability, and companies that offer cybersecurity solutions have an obligation to help with education and transparency so that this gap between perception and protection becomes real.”
According to the report, user concerns have evolved in line with the rise in attacks. Around 33% of users surveyed acknowledged having recently experienced hacking or fraud, despite the fact that 98% use some type of security tool.
74% of those surveyed also demand “greater investment in brand and user protection”, while 53% mention security as the main criterion for choosing a method.
The advance of digitalization is reflected in the fact that 89% of people have been using the Internet for more than fifteen years, and the average number of connected devices per household reaches five.
However, significant barriers to completing online procedures remain, especially regarding digital signatures and identity validation processes.
While 75% identified what a digital contract is, only 27% of users generated or received one in the last year. Within that group, more than 80% expressed uncertainty about its authenticity or formality; many also lack knowledge of how to verify the validity of these documents or the mechanisms for filing a complaint regarding problems with their recognition.
Ninety-eight percent of survey participants are familiar with or use security tools, and the use of methods such as multi-factor authentication and biometrics is increasing. However, only four out of ten users trust that companies truly protect their information.
The protection of personal data appears to be one of the main outstanding issues. 70% of respondents expressed concern about the amount of sensitive information that artificial intelligence can collect about each user.
Meanwhile, 94% demand greater investment in defensive technologies aimed at preventing threats such as phishing or identity theft. Of those who were victims of unauthorized use of their data, only 11% received a satisfactory resolution.
Likewise, 70% believe AI can increase the risk of cyberattacks, and 62% are uncomfortable with facial recognition systems. This tension between the usefulness of automation and the protection of privacy represents a new challenge for those who manage sensitive information.
The report detailed that security is emerging as a key factor in user loyalty. According to Armando Carratalá, CTO of CertiSur: “These results are not just data, but also an opportunity. Previously, companies believed they were secure by having an active antivirus. Today, they know they must have a certificate.”