AMLO’s impact: Mexico’s National Cybersecurity Policy progress has stalled

TLDR:

• Mexico’s National Cybersecurity Policy has stalled under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) due to lack of political prioritization.
• The implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy (ENCS) has been neglected under AMLO’s presidency, despite the rising cyber threats faced by Mexico.

Mexico’s cyber policy faces challenges such as a lack of coordination, corruption, and human rights abuses. The 2017 ENCS provides a starting point for improving cybersecurity in Mexico, but progress has been slow. The new administration taking office in October 2024 will need to reinvigorate the national approach to cyber to address the country’s cybersecurity challenges.

The US and other external actors can provide assistance in areas such as national strategic coordination, education, and skills to support Mexico in improving its cybersecurity capacity. Mexico’s cyber diplomacy has been consistent, but its domestic cybersecurity policies lag behind. The upcoming presidential election in Mexico presents an opportunity for a reset in cyber policy to address the country’s cybersecurity challenges.