Policy Analysis: Mexico’s National Cybersecurity Strategy (2017)

Title: Mexico’s National Cybersecurity Strategy
Issuing Authority: Government of Mexico
Release Date: 2017
Scope: National policy with implications for the public sector, private sector, critical infrastructure, and international cooperation.
Focus: Strengthening national cybersecurity capabilities, enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure, improving regulatory frameworks, and fostering international collaboration to combat cyber threats.

Improve National Cybersecurity Resilience: Strengthen the ability to protect Mexico’s digital infrastructure from cyberattacks and mitigate risks to critical national systems.
Protect Critical Infrastructure: Safeguard key sectors (e.g., energy, finance, telecommunications) that are vital to national security and economic stability.
Foster a Secure Digital Economy: Promote cybersecurity best practices in the private sector to ensure safe economic activities in the digital realm.
Enhance Government Cybersecurity Capabilities: Strengthen cybersecurity practices within federal government entities and improve coordination across all levels of government.
Develop Cybersecurity Capacity: Build the country’s cybersecurity workforce, including education and training programs to address the growing cybersecurity talent gap.
Promote International Cooperation: Foster international collaborations with allies and global organizations to enhance Mexico’s cyber defense capabilities.

Pillar	Focus Areas	Key Actions
1. Protect Critical Infrastructure	Risk management, public-private partnerships	Develop cybersecurity frameworks for critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, finance, and telecommunications.
2. Enhance Government Cybersecurity	Federal cybersecurity practices, incident response	Establish a national cybersecurity agency and improve coordination of government cyber defenses.
3. Strengthen Private Sector Security	Secure software, cybersecurity best practices	Promote secure-by-design principles and ensure that private companies adopt cybersecurity standards.
4. Build Cybersecurity Capacity	Education, workforce development	Develop specialized cybersecurity training programs and increase public awareness of cyber risks.
5. Foster International Collaboration	Cyber diplomacy, information sharing	Engage in multilateral partnerships, including cooperation with the United Nations and other global cybersecurity initiatives.

Cybersecurity Governance: Establishment of a national cybersecurity authority to oversee and coordinate efforts across government agencies and private sectors.
Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Implementation of laws that mandate security measures for critical infrastructure sectors and enforce penalties for non-compliance.
Privacy and Data Protection: Alignment with Mexico’s Federal Law on Protection of Personal Data Held by Private Parties to ensure that cybersecurity measures also address data privacy concerns.
Cybersecurity Standards: Development of cybersecurity standards for businesses, particularly in industries handling sensitive information, such as banking and telecommunications.

Stakeholder	Impact
Government	Increased capacity for national cybersecurity governance and incident response.
Private Sector	Pressure to adopt cybersecurity standards and implement secure-by-design principles.
Individuals	Higher public awareness of cybersecurity risks and safer online practices.
International Partners	Strengthened partnerships for cyber defense cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Critical Infrastructure Operators	Higher security standards and regulatory compliance requirements.

Coordination Across Government Levels: Ensuring consistent cybersecurity practices across federal, state, and local governments.
Balancing Innovation and Security: Facilitating the digital transformation of Mexican businesses while ensuring cybersecurity is embedded in new technologies.
Private Sector Resistance: Overcoming resistance from private businesses to adopt cybersecurity measures, especially among smaller companies.
Cybersecurity Workforce Shortage: Addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals and ensuring that Mexico has the trained workforce needed to support the strategy.
International Cooperation: Navigating the complexities of international cybersecurity cooperation, especially with neighboring countries and global organizations.

Leadership in Cybersecurity in Latin America: Position Mexico as a regional leader in cybersecurity by developing and implementing robust national cybersecurity practices.
Economic Growth through Secure Digital Innovation: Encourage secure technology innovation that boosts the Mexican economy and enhances digital competitiveness.
International Collaboration on Cyber Defense: Strengthen Mexico’s international partnerships, particularly with Latin American countries, to create a unified regional approach to cybersecurity.
Development of Cybersecurity Talent: Create opportunities for training and development in the cybersecurity sector, addressing global talent shortages.
Enhanced Public-Private Partnerships: Foster a more collaborative approach to cybersecurity, including joint initiatives between the government and private sector.

Strengthen Public-Private Collaboration: Create incentives for private companies to adopt cybersecurity best practices and share threat intelligence with the government.
Expand Cybersecurity Education: Increase investment in cybersecurity education at all levels to address the talent gap and prepare the workforce for future challenges.
Focus on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): Provide targeted resources and support for SMEs to help them meet national cybersecurity standards without creating undue burden.
Enhance Legal Frameworks for Cybersecurity: Strengthen regulations governing the protection of critical infrastructure and private sector compliance with cybersecurity standards.
Engage in Global Cybersecurity Diplomacy: Build on existing international partnerships and create new opportunities for collaboration with global cybersecurity initiatives.

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