At Baufest, we firmly believe in the transformative power of technology, and also in the shared responsibility its use entails. While the internet has opened the door to knowledge, new forms of work, and unprecedented economic opportunities, it has also brought challenges that we cannot ignore: the digital divide and cybersecurity are among the most pressing.
In Mexico, for example, 18.8% of the population still does not access the internet, according to the 2023 National Survey on Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Households (ENDUTIH). This reality is compounded by a rising wave of cyberattacks: in 2024 alone, incidents increased by 78%, according to a report from Check Point Software.
As connectivity becomes an essential component of everyday life, we at Baufest understand that cybersecurity can no longer be seen as merely a technical issue. It is, above all, a social matter.
“We live in an era where being connected is synonymous with living, working, learning, and connecting with others. But it is also an era where personal data has become a valuable asset, and every click can carry significant consequences.” – Matías Szmulewiez, Cybersecurity Practice Head at Baufest
How to Strengthen Our Digital Security
From our cybersecurity practice, we share six key practices to help both companies and users stay safer online:
1. Beware of AI-powered social engineering
Advances in artificial intelligence have made social engineering attacks harder to detect. Today, it is possible to create highly personalized messages that even mimic real communication patterns.
These attacks are no longer limited to emails — they can spread via social media and instant messaging as well. That’s why ongoing training and multi-channel identity verification are essential.
2. Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Using more than one authentication factor —such as a password and a code from your phone— adds an extra layer of protection.
Although many platforms still use SMS, we recommend using time-based code apps like Google Authenticator for greater security.
3. Keep your software up to date
Updating operating systems, antivirus programs, apps, and web platforms reduces the chance that known vulnerabilities will be exploited by cybercriminals.
Updates not only improve performance — they fix security flaws that could have serious consequences if left unaddressed.
4. Promote cybersecurity education
95% of security incidents begin with human error. That’s why investing in education —through public campaigns, internal simulations, or continuous training— is key to strengthening the first line of defense.
5. Use strong and unique passwords
Creating complex and different passwords for each service is a simple measure that can prevent large-scale attacks. Complementing this with password managers and MFA reinforces protection even more.
6. Regularly back up your data
In the face of threats like ransomware, technical failures, or human error, having regular backups of your data can mean the difference between recovering and losing everything. The ideal strategy includes automated copies stored both in the cloud and on offline physical devices.
A Shared Commitment
World Internet Day not only invites us to celebrate progress in connectivity but also to embrace a collective commitment: governments, companies, educational institutions, and citizens must work together to create a more resilient digital environment.
At Baufest, we believe that continuous training and responsible use of technology are fundamental pillars to achieve this. As we continue developing innovative solutions, we never lose sight of the fact that security and digital inclusion are part of our purpose too.
“Cybersecurity is no longer an exclusive concern of IT departments — it is a shared responsibility.” – Matías Szmulewiez.