Global Cybersecurity Index 2024: Focus on South America and Chile

The Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 (GCI) is a report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that measures the commitment of countries to cybersecurity across five pillars: legal, technical, organizational, capacity-building, and cooperation measures. The report aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of actions countries have implemented to improve their cybersecurity. In this fifth edition, the GCI has introduced a tier-based approach to classify countries according to their cybersecurity commitments.

The main objective of the Global Cybersecurity Index is to promote a global culture of cybersecurity that enables information and communication technologies (ICTs) to develop in a secure environment. The index is designed to:

1. Assess the progress of countries in cybersecurity at both national and regional levels.
2. Identify areas for improvement and encourage countries to act in building proper frameworks and capacities.
3. Provide a tool for governments to understand and strengthen their national cybersecurity policies.

The GCI’s vision is to drive international cooperation in the fight against global cyber threats and provide countries with a benchmarking tool that allows them to evaluate their cybersecurity efforts. The aim is for countries to achieve a safer, more trustworthy, and accessible cyberspace for all, contributing to sustainable development and digital well-being.

The GCI’s mission is to support countries in implementing effective cybersecurity measures aimed at protecting critical infrastructures, training cybersecurity professionals, and creating robust legal frameworks to combat cybercrime effectively. It also promotes intergovernmental collaboration and cooperation with the private sector to mitigate risks and improve incident response capabilities.

Relevance for South America and Chile

In South America, countries have made significant strides in implementing legal and technical frameworks, though challenges remain in capacity-building and cooperation. Brazil and Chile stand out for their progress in organizational measures and their participation in international cooperation initiatives.

In Chile, progress in cybersecurity has been noteworthy in recent years, positioning the country among the leaders in South America in terms of commitment to areas such as critical infrastructure protection and the implementation of national cybersecurity policies. Chile has adopted a national strategy that includes the creation of Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) and actively participates in international cybersecurity cooperation forums.

The Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 highlights the importance for countries, including those in South America and specifically Chile, to continue strengthening their cybersecurity capabilities. Collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with the development of robust legal and technical frameworks, is essential to face the growing cyber threats. Chile, as a regional leader, should continue investing in education, capacity-building, and international cooperation to remain at the forefront of cyberspace protection.

Find all the information here, including the original downloadable document: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Cybersecurity/Pages/global-cybersecurity-index.aspx