In Mexico, ransomware is no longer just a technical problem; it has become a threat with much more profound consequences. It is no longer just a matter of blocked systems or hijacked files: cyberattacks are affecting the emotional stability of IT teams, eroding trust within organizations, and causing economic losses that can jeopardize an entire company.
More and more Mexican companies (especially in the technology sector) are facing prolonged crises after falling victim to this type of cyberattack. Not only are they forced to interrupt their operations, but they also have to deal with weeks of constant pressure, work-related stress, and a digital reputation at stake. Ransomware does not discriminate: it can affect both startups and established companies, and its impact can be felt long after systems are back up and running.
Are Mexican companies really prepared to face this threat? In this article, we explore the current ransomware landscape in Mexico, why the IT sector is one of the most vulnerable, and what measures can be taken to prevent a major disaster.
Ransomware in Mexico: A burden that goes beyond systems
When we talk about ransomware in Mexico, we tend to focus on the technical damage: encrypted data, blocked networks, halted operations. But the reality is that the impact goes far beyond servers. It also hits hard where it hurts most: people.
A recent report by Sophos, entitled State of Ransomware 2025, makes this very clear. The study, based on a global survey of more than 3,400 IT and cybersecurity leaders (including 111 Mexican organizations), reveals figures that should give us pause for thought. Not only because of the level of exposure that companies have, but also because of the emotional and human cost that these attacks are leaving behind.
For example, 21% of Mexican companies affected by ransomware reported absences in their IT teams due to stress or mental health issues following an attack. In other words, those responsible for keeping the technological infrastructure secure not only face the pressure of protecting the systems, but also the emotional aftermath when they fail to contain a threat.
And that's not all. The report also reveals that:
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39% of cybersecurity managers saw their workload increase after an attack.
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32% said they felt more anxious about possible future incidents.
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30% confessed to feeling guilty for not being able to prevent the cyberattack.
Rodolfo Castro, Sophos Engineering Manager for Latin America, explains this reality well:
"There are IT professionals who carry a strong sense of guilt because they knew the network was vulnerable. They said so, they warned about it, but they were not listened to due to a lack of budget or resources. When the attack occurs, they think, ‘I knew it was going to happen... and it did.’ That pressure is not insignificant. People end up taking time off work due to stress or mental health issues."
Testimonials like these remind us that behind every cyberattack there are real people dealing with consequences that go far beyond the technical. Ransomware in Mexico not only paralyzes systems, it also undermines the emotional health of those on the front line of defense: IT professionals.
The real cost of ransomware in Mexico: More than just numbers, a direct hit to business
When we talk about ransomware, the impact is not limited to encrypted servers or operational chaos. There is also a heavy financial blow. And in Mexico, the numbers speak for themselves.
According to the Sophos report, the average cost of recovery after a ransomware attack on Mexican companies was $1.35 million. This figure includes everything from operational losses and technical resources to downtime. Although this number is slightly below the global average ($1.53 million), it is still alarming, especially for medium-sized companies, where a loss of this size can mean the difference between recovering or closing down operations.
And when it comes to ransoms demanded by attackers, things don't get much better.
Seventy percent of demands exceeded $1 million, and on average, cybercriminals asked for around $2 million from affected Mexican companies. These amounts represent a serious threat to business continuity, even for large corporations.
It's not all bad news: Resilience is beginning to pay off
Despite the economic impact, there are positive signs. Only 23% of companies in Mexico agreed to pay the ransom, demonstrating a growing level of awareness and preparedness. In contrast, 68% managed to recover their information thanks to well-implemented backups, highlighting the importance of having a solid strategy for up-to-date backups that are isolated from the main environment.
And there's more: 64% of Mexican organizations managed to fully recover from the attack in less than a week. This figure is not only encouraging, but also exceeds the global average of 53%, indicating that the country's response and recovery capabilities are improving.
What does all this mean for Mexican companies?
That although ransomware remains a costly threat, preparedness makes all the difference. Having clear security policies, functional backups, and a trained team can drastically reduce damage, both financial and operational.
That said, there is still a long way to go. Organizations that have not yet strengthened their cybersecurity posture are playing with fire. Prevention is much cheaper (and less stressful) than recovering from an attack.
How to prevent ransomware attacks in Mexico: Practical recommendations to protect your company
Cyberattacks continue unabated, and Mexican companies can no longer afford to react on the fly. Ransomware remains one of the most common and costly threats, and the only real way to deal with it is to anticipate it. It all starts with good preparation.
At TecnetOne, we are clear about one thing: prevention does not start with technology, but with strategy. Before investing in advanced tools, you need to review your processes, define responsibilities, and be very clear about what to do if something goes wrong. Where to start?
1. Plan and prepare before the attack hits
Most companies that manage to overcome a ransomware attack do so because they already had a plan in place. The key is to build (and maintain) a clear, up-to-date, and tested incident response plan. This includes knowing who does what, how teams communicate, and what the critical steps are for containment and recovery.
2. Make reliable backups... and test them
Having backups is essential, but it's not enough to just “make backups.” It's just as important to verify that they work and are protected against attacks. This is where TecnetProtect comes in, TecnetOne's solution based on Acronis technology, designed specifically to protect companies from cyberattacks such as ransomware.
Its main features include:
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Real-time detection and blocking of suspicious encryption processes
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Automatic restoration of files affected by ransomware
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Encrypted backup stored in secure locations outside the production environment
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Proactive protection with integrated artificial intelligence
With a solution like this, many companies have managed to recover without paying ransoms or losing critical information.
3. Strengthen your endpoints and servers
One of the most common mistakes is to think that traditional antivirus software is sufficient. It is not. Today, more robust tools are needed that include specific protection against ransomware, real-time monitoring, and automatic response. This helps close the weak points that cybercriminals often exploit, such as outdated configurations or vulnerable software.
TecnetProtect also offers advanced endpoint protection, which means that your devices (from computers to servers) are covered against malicious encryption, unauthorized access, and vulnerabilities that cybercriminals often exploit, such as outdated software or weak configurations.
4. Reduce entry points
Every exposed system, every weak password, every misconfigured port is an invitation to ransomware. Review your infrastructure, limit unnecessary access, and enforce security policies that include multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and regular updates.
5. Train your team and define clear roles
Many attacks start with a simple click on a malicious email. That's why training your staff in cybersecurity is as important as having a good firewall. In addition, everyone should know what to do if something happens: from reporting an incident to how to act if the system crashes.
Read more: How to Protect Your Business from Ransomware Attack with TecnetProtect
Conclusion
Ransomware in Mexico shows no signs of slowing down. But companies that anticipate threats, invest in prevention, and adopt solutions such as TecnetProtect have a huge advantage: they can continue operating even if an attack occurs. Remember: the best attack is the one that never happens, and that can only be achieved when you combine strategy, advanced technology, and an organizational culture focused on cybersecurity.
