AI-Driven Cyberattacks Put Panama Financial Center on Alert
PANAMA CITY, August 1, 2026 – Cybersecurity specialists are warning that artificial intelligence is increasing both the speed and sophistication of cyberattacks in Panama, with phishing campaigns and malicious code becoming easier for criminals to produce.
TVN Noticias reported that experts see a sharp rise in attack attempts as AI tools become more accessible. The warning is especially relevant for Panama because the country international banking center makes it an attractive target for financial and data-driven threats.
Fortinet Panama country manager Carolina Velasco told TVN that Panama recorded about 45 trillion attempted cyberattacks in 2025 and 1.9 trillion attempts in the first half of 2026. Specialists emphasized that most attempts do not succeed, but the volume shows why stronger defenses are needed.
The risk is not limited to large institutions. Anyone who uses email, banking apps, messaging platforms or cloud services can be exposed when automated tools make scams more convincing and cheaper to launch.
Security specialists recommended basic cyberhygiene, including using different passwords for different platforms and strengthening personal digital habits. For companies, the message is broader: investment in prevention is becoming a business continuity issue.
The August 1 news cycle puts cyber risk next to Panama new technology ambitions. As the country pursues AI and semiconductor strategies, the same technology shift is also raising the stakes for digital security.
Why it matters
Cyberattacks threaten banking, public services, business continuity and personal data, especially in a country with a major financial-services footprint.
What happens next
Public and private institutions are expected to keep increasing cybersecurity investment while users are urged to tighten password and account practices.
