• https://publications.iadb.org/es/publicacion/17071/ciberseguridad-estamos-preparados-en-america-latina-y-el-caribe

Inter-American Development Bank, et al. (2015). 2016 Cybersecurity Report Data Set. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/ths5uudn

1. English

What is the 2016 Cybersecurity Report Dataset?

The dataset supports the 2016 Cybersecurity Report and provides indicators on cybersecurity maturity across Latin America and the Caribbean.

What information does the dataset include?

The dataset compiles country-level data on five key cybersecurity dimensions:

1. Policy and Strategy Frameworks
2. Cybercrime Legislation and Law Enforcement Capacity
3. Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development
4. Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)
5. Cooperation and Incident Response Readiness

Each dimension encompasses multiple indicators that assess institutional structures, operational practices, and international collaboration.

What is the purpose of this dataset?

The dataset helps governments, researchers, and policymakers understand the state of cybersecurity readiness across countries in LAC.
It supports the design of national strategies, legislative frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives that strengthen resilience to digital threats.

Which countries are included?

The dataset covers 32 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Each country was assessed through structured questionnaires and secondary research to ensure comparability of cybersecurity maturity levels.

Who developed and financed this study?

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Organization of American States (OAS) jointly developed the 2016 Cybersecurity Report.
The analysis was supported by regional cybersecurity experts and national agencies, which contributed official data and documentation.

How was the data collected?

Information was gathered through a standardized survey administered to national cybersecurity authorities, complemented by desk research and expert validation.
The indicators were normalized to produce comparative results across all LAC economies.

What are the main findings of the report?

• Most LAC countries were in the early stages of developing comprehensive cybersecurity policies.
• Only a handful had dedicated national cybersecurity strategies or Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs).
• Regional cooperation was identified as a significant gap, with limited mechanisms for coordinated response to cross-border threats.
• Capacity building in education and professional training remained a top priority for most countries.

How can researchers use this dataset?

Researchers can use the 2016 dataset to:

• Compare cybersecurity maturity across countries and regions.
• Track policy evolution and institutional progress in later years.
• Support academic and policy analysis on digital infrastructure resilience.
• Inform cross-sector initiatives that integrate cybersecurity into energy, transport, and finance infrastructure.

How does this dataset relate to infrastructure resilience?

Cybersecurity is an essential component of digital and critical infrastructure.
The 2016 dataset offers insights into how governments safeguard energy grids, transportation systems, water networks, and communication infrastructure against cyber threats.

What are the dataset’s limitations?

• Reflects the state of cybersecurity as of 2016; more recent developments are not captured.
• Some self-reported indicators may vary in accuracy across participating countries.
• The dataset focuses on institutional readiness, not specific cyber incidents.

What role did phishing and social engineering play in cyber attacks in 2016?

The dataset indicates that phishing and social engineering were among the most common attack vectors, often used to initiate breaches and malware infections.

What were the primary malware delivery methods used by attackers in 2016?

The dataset suggests that email-based delivery and user interaction (such as clicking malicious links or attachments) were key vectors, although it does not provide detailed technical breakdowns.

Why did cybercrime increase in 2016?

The dataset suggests an increase in cybercrime activity, likely driven by the rise of monetizable attacks such as ransomware and phishing, although it does not provide causal analysis.

How did ransomware compare to phishing in terms of impact in 2016?

The dataset indicates that both ransomware and phishing were major threats. Phishing often acted as an entry point, while ransomware represented a key monetization strategy.

What were the top cyber threats for small businesses in 2016?

The dataset suggests that small businesses were exposed to common threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware, though it does not segment data specifically by business size.

What were the primary findings of cybersecurity reports in 2016?

The dataset supports this question by showing trends such as increased ransomware activity, widespread phishing attacks, and a growing overall volume of cyber threats.

What were the key differences between cybersecurity trends in 2015 and 2016?

The dataset indicates growth in cyber threat activity, particularly ransomware, suggesting an escalation in financially motivated attacks compared to earlier periods.

What were the cybercrime statistics in 2016?

The dataset provides statistical insights into attack frequency and types, showing increased activity in phishing, malware, and ransomware incidents.