Ends 2025 with a huge amount of stories and reviews of events related to vulnerabilities in the computer security of organizations, institutions, or individuals, and of scams, thefts, and other damages caused by cybercrime.

On the eve of 2026, Unión Radio interviewed Rafael Núñez Aponte, in his capacity as an expert on the subject; the dialogue revealed the relationship between the rise of e-commerce and cyberattacks in Venezuela, both for seasonal reasons and in general.

E-commerce in Venezuela has seen a 95% growth, which is actually a very positive thing, but the phenomenon has been exploited for negative purposes by cybercriminals, who have triggered a proportional increase in cyber-attack cases.

Rafael Núñez, director of MásQueSeguridad and a cybersecurity specialist, explained that this high traffic creates more opportunities for cybercrime, as it uses this flow to spread malware and steal data.

According to the expert, Venezuela’s position on the international geopolitical agenda also draws the attention of criminals from other countries who operate without borders.

– Venezuela is in the news, so cybercriminals from any other country also come, we call their attention, and since there are no borders in the digital realm, they can launch attacks by fishing in troubled waters. What does that mean? Well, let’s see how Venezuela’s systems are, let’s see what IP addresses are and they start attacking remotely, details Núñez.

Cyberattacks and their methods

One of the most common vectors of cyberattacks in the banking sector, for example, is phishing, a technique that uses identity theft to obtain, steal, confidential information, which Núñez calls “decoy traps.”This method is based on social engineering, defined s the art of tricking people’s cognitive biases into voluntarily giving up data.

Rafael Núñez points out that these cyberattacks use psychological manipulation through emails, text messages, WhatsApp, or Telegram.

“They pose as a friend, an employee, or a trusted person, but they play with emotions (exploiting them); that is, psychological manipulation, using fear, joy, hurry, urgency, and people fall quickly,” he reasons.

The Venezuelan expert warns that criminals have become more sophisticated in their methods, going so far as to block a user’s access to their bank, then calling them and impersonating the institution to ask for passwords or coordinate cards, data that “the bank will never ask for over the phone.”

The rise of ransomware

One of the main concerns currently for digital security in the country is the increase of ransomware cases by 30 % to 40 %. This technical term refers to a malicious computer program that blocks and encrypts a company’s information, then demands a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, to release it and return things to normal.

The specialist reveals and highlights preventively that this type of “virtual kidnapping” has already affected a large-scale telephone operator and a relevant private banking institution, with attacks that come mostly from Eastern Europe. Something that should undoubtedly prompt caution.

Given this reality, Núñez emphasizes the need for immutable and encrypted backup systems, as well as data segmentation, since “nothing is 100% secure” and current attacks can even be rented, enhanced, and programmed with the support of artificial intelligence.

Legislation and shortage of professionals

Institutionally, Núñez, who is also the director of security and a member of the board of the Venezuelan Chamber of E-commerce (Cavecom), said that legal reforms are being pushed forward.

The current Law against Computer Crimes dates back to 2001, so new regulations are being proposed to regulate artificial intelligence and to classify modern crimes such as bullying, grooming, and cyberbullying.

However, another obstacle is added to the convenient and necessary update of the legal framework: the lack of specialized human capital. Núñez emphasized that in Latin America, there is a shortage of nearly four million information security professionals.

“Many times the bank asks for a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) and it can’t be found,” he added.

Although there are academic programs at universities located in San Antonio de Los Altos and Maracay, the specialist insists that there is a need for greater impetus and training that generates enough professionals to meet the labor demand in this field.

“I created a portal called másquecampus.com, with some updated and high-quality courses, but more initiatives and opportunities are needed. Personally, we attend, we go to international master’s programs, but there is still a need for more drive, not just in Venezuela, but in Latin America,” concludes expert Rafael Núñez Aponte.

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With information from Unión Radio, other media, and social media

Main reference image source: Freepik

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La entrada Cybersecurity: Let’s aim for strategies to be more effective in 2026 apareció primero en Bitfinance.

The Venezuelan International Telecommunications Fair (FITELVEN) 2024 began on Wednesday, September 18 and ended on Saturday, September 21. The main players in the technology and telecommunications industry met there, in an environment conducive to the exchange of ideas as well as the discovery and use of new technologies.

Event with abundant public attendance

The event and fair of international projection plays a relevant role in the technicalization of the country, since Venezuela lives a crucial moment of its technological development. The Poliedro de Caracas was the epicenter of this event and space for collaboration, innovation and secure technicalization: 200 brand stands, some forty conferences and more than ten certified courses were materialized in it.

Companies and professionals must stay both updated and at the forefront

MásQueSeguridad presented its latest solutions in cybersecurity, strengthening its commitment to data protection and system integrity.

Regarding mitigation and protection strategies, Rafael Núñez Aponte, who is CEO of MQS, gave a conference in his role as a specialist or expert, in which he addressed highly current issues and shared suggestions for protection as well as for the optimization of preventive tasks.

Núñez explained how teams focused on prevention, protection and security are currently organized; commenting, although it is a separate and different issue, but related to the risks, on the recent detonation of thousands of communication devices in Lebanon.

“We must take great care, monitor and verify the supply chain,” this applies to both telecommunications and IT activities. And in general it covers and is valid in all sensitive operations susceptible to attacks or sabotage, “trust but verify.”

Video news coverage

Here is a video summary of the interesting experience, which we invite you to listen to and watch.

Live and in-person coverage / Grupo de Comunicación Digital EL SUMARIO

Audiovisual production: Ida Febres

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These days the use of terms such as “cyber defense”, “digital war” or “cyberattacks” has been part of the national information agenda. From a strictly technical point of view, how much they contain myth and how much reality, we asked Rafael Núñez Aponte, in knowledge of his significant experience as well as his career in the fields of the web and computing.

“These terms are very real and fundamental in the current context of cybersecurity. Although sometimes they can be given a touch of sensationalism in the media, or we come across some exaggerated statements, they represent critical and priority aspects of defense in an increasingly digitalized world.” “Digital war” and “cyberattacks” are terms that describe activities that range from simple intrusions to sophisticated espionage and digital sabotage campaigns, used by both state and non-state actors, the specialist in information technology responds in a personal conversation. digital information and communication.

Venezuela as a scene of cyberattacks

Does it seem to you that Venezuela is currently a field or scenario where actions, battles, strategies or tactics are developed that put the cybersecurity of civil, private and public institutions at risk?

For Rafael Núñez, Venezuela, like many other countries, is a scenario where various activities are carried out that can compromise the cybersecurity of both public and private institutions. These activities can be of both internal and external origin, and affect everything from critical infrastructure to the daily operations of small and large companies.

How to improve data security?

“Improving data security is achieved through a comprehensive strategy that includes both cutting-edge technology and constant education and training for users. It is essential to implement clear security policies, conduct regular audits, and adopt a risk-based security posture. In addition, the use of encryption, multifactor authentication and other technologies is crucial to protect the integrity and also the confidentiality of data, when it is confidential.”

And how important is prevention over reactive measures that are known to be post-event or episode…

Núñez explains that prevention is always more effective and less costly than reactive measures. Proactive strategies allow organizations to anticipate threats and mitigate them before they cause harm. This includes continually updating systems, regularly training employees in good cybersecurity practices, and implementing advanced security solutions that can detect and block threats in real time.

Just as there is the concept of institutional cyberdefense, can we also speak of citizen cyberdefense?

“While the concepts of institutional and governmental cyber defense are solidly established, the idea of ​​citizen cyber defense is equally vital. This refers to educating and equipping ordinary citizens with the tools and knowledge necessary to protect their own interests, devices and personal data. Promoting a culture of cybersecurity at a personal level is crucial for global national security,” adding and highlighting that: this always gives preeminence or preponderance to the common good, the well-being of all, as well as respect for laws and legality.

Any advice for citizens regarding overinformation, saturation, misinformation or attacks directed at people on social networks…

-I recommend that citizens exercise maximum prudence and balance, avoid falling into currents or trends that can make use of hate speech, and I especially advise always verifying the source of information before sharing it, using fact-checking tools, and being skeptical about to news that seems designed to generate an emotional response. In addition, it is important to properly configure privacy on social networks and be aware of the risks of sharing personal information online, says the expert in digital security issues.

Would you like to add anything else to what was discussed?

-Despite being a professional in the technical area, one has a comprehensive perception (…) this seems to me to be a time for prayer, peace, moderation, reconciliation and truth.

Taken and with DOBLE LLAVE information

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La entrada Rafael Nuñez: In an increasingly digitalized world, cyber defense is of decisive importance apareció primero en Bitfinance.

For Fundasitio and its founder and mentor, technology entrepreneur and social entrepreneur Rafael Núñez Aponte, being resilient is the positive attitude that invites us to emerge and prevail over all evil. For this reason, the logo of the institution that identifies and accompanies it since its origin, nine years ago, is a representation of the Flor de Loto.

“The opportunity to start over always arises, to blossom towards the light”

No matter how many disturbances exist in social environments, there are invariably favorable moments to see light, to illuminate ourselves in the dark. “We envision and are committed to rebirth and hope, to continue on this generous path of helping, linking, educating, and transforming.”

On Friday, April 14, the Fundasitio team baptized and presented the editorial work «Corazones con Voluntad, ecos de transformación», a book that precisely links, educates and transforms, with a focus on social responsibility; reference and collection piece achieved thanks to the accompaniment of Ediciones Kitzalet.

This meeting and blessing, carried out in the spaces of Hacienda La Trinidad – Cultural Park (in Caracas), celebrated the memories and results as well as the triple impact: social, environmental and economic promoted by more than 30 organizations, foundations and social leaders In our country.

The event included the testimony and life story of Guillermo Sfiligoy (GS Metas), a promoter of improvement that multiplies inclusion. An explorer, who, with his resilience and his unprecedented kilometers of life, provides experience to promote and accompany people or companies on their way.

Commitment and international vision in support of social responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was a prominent protagonist among the topics addressed at the event.

Félix Ríos, sociologist, president of the Opción Venezuela civil association, and member of the local coordination team of Comunidad B Venezuela, motivated in his speech to resolutely promote Corporate Social Responsibility, because hand in hand with it, they advance and are materializing important and effective solutions to different problems or realities.

Some of the attendees expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for this initiative out loud. Evelyn Guiralt, for Venezuela Free of Drugs; Nahylin Guzmán, for Banplus; and Caroline Ruíz, for Buena Voluntad, offered their impressions within the framework of the event.

Rafel Núñez, when sharing with the guests, pointed out that: “Behind the disturbing emotions, there is an enlightened potential that we must turn into actions for the benefit of Humanity. Today I would say, from the Catholic point of view, that in tribulation or in trial there is God and his pristine soul. With this idea as a guide, Fundasitio will always be by the side of its beneficiaries, as an unconditional support, which will help and encourage them to overcome adversity”.

In a general sense, “Hearts with Will”, is associated with the complexities that human beings must face throughout their lives, shows the capacity of non-profit organizations, faces, social leaders and enterprises with a remarkable sense of commitment, that constantly invite you to grow and survive in difficult environments.

Thank you for having a great Heart with Will!

We invite you to enjoy and learn more about this creative and supportive Fundasitio program, designed to expand and transcend towards new horizons and growth opportunities for social responsibility, as well as for people, of course. Let’s watch and enjoy this informative video coverage.

BitFinance.News

Audiovisual production: Jesús Ramírez

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La entrada Social responsibility in Venezuela: «Corazones con Voluntad, ecos de transformación» apareció primero en Bitfinance.

Rafael Núñez Aponte, computer security expert and director of MásQueDigital, was a guest on the program Entre Palabras, hosted by journalist Jesús López, where he spoke about cybersecurity and how much progress has been achieved in this area.

Núñez began his speech by pointing out that Latin Americans are very reactive. And we would say that little preventive. “We do not take actions or measures until something happens to us, like, for example, until we are hacked or fall into social engineering vectors. We are practically victims of all this.”

He stressed that we are still very vulnerable, especially when managing or sharing content on our social networks, since we believe that the information we publish is ours, when in fact the platforms belong to the proprietary organizations.

Precisely regarding the issue of platforms, he stated convinced that they have forced us to be aware and more secure. “Before they didn’t care what key was placed, now they force you to have a password, special characters, a certain length; they tell you ‘there is multi-factor verification’ in two steps that you can also activate and it’s like a second password.”

He pointed out that in addition to the platforms, the information that is transmitted by word of mouth is important to prevent criminal acts. “There is always a person who is a victim of something, and one begins to take care of oneself through reactivity, or paranoia.”

Computer criminals

Rafa Núñez explained that the first thing computer criminals do is study the victim with passive data collection (social networks). Then comes the active data collection, for which they require the intervention of the attacked and for which they use elaborate techniques in order to obtain the information they want.

In this sense, he stressed: “If we receive a WhatsApp message that says ‘I’m Jesus, I changed my number’, or ‘my wallet was stolen, could you please send me money to Zelle’, what should be done is to verify that the person is who he says he is, call her and see if it’s her voice, use alternate numbers,” he said.

Asked if that kind of paranoia could not lead to a distrustful society, Núñez replied that security has advanced to make it more transparent, so that we do not realize that they take care of us. “The security mechanisms themselves are very transparent. And that is why criminals attack the mind, not the hardware or the technology. They go directly with vectors of deception. We must have more malice, discernment, about what is true or false,” he argued.

Effective and direct communication

On the subject of prevention, Rafael Núñez said that special care must be taken with the children, recommending an effective and direct communication with them all the time. “You have to settle limits and talk to them about the existing risks. That there are adults who pretend to be children. That there are phishing links. That they have to cover the camera because a hacker can take photos of them. That there is the ‘sextortion’. You have to talk to them,” he said.

He also urged parents to measure how many hours their children spend using the phone, check that they do not consume negative content such as pornography, which can lead to addiction, in addition to other dangers. “These are important challenges, but they depend a lot on education, awareness and supervision,” he stressed.

The good and bad of the Metaverse

Núñez also spoke during the Metaverse interview, confessing that for him this concept could hide something called ‘transhumanism’, which is ‘becoming quite robotic’ or ‘technologically tied’. “It is true that there are many exploitable opportunities, but at the same time, the search engines, the apps, they all know a lot about you. Then it will be very easy to strip you technologically,” he said.

He finished by explaining: “The world of cryptocurrencies is going to be very interesting in the Metaverse. The part of human resources; the ventures. But it can also create psychological worries or problems; isolating you from that parallel reality, which can become an addiction. This is a canvas that is being painted.”

With information from MásQueDigital

La entrada Rafael Núñez Aponte: we are still vulnerable in terms of cybersecurity apareció primero en Bitfinance.