Why did you decide to join this training in Montevideo? 

We decided to join these sessions because Santiago (Chile) is undergoing a rapid digital transformation where the services we provide now depend on interconnected systems. Our goal was to move from a purely reactive cybersecurity approach to a cyber resilience model. It’s not just about “putting up digital barriers,” but about ensuring that, as those responsible, we have the strategic tools to keep our municipality functioning and delivering services even in the event of an incident. The Montevideo City Hall, under the auspices of LAC4, offered the perfect space for this high-level exchange between the most important cities in the Southern Cone.  

What did you hope to learn, gain, or understand?  

Our expectations was twofold: to obtain technical tools for risk analysis and governance based on successful models like those presented by Berlin and Porto, and at the same time, to apply that theory to the reality of our municipality. I sought to understand how to transform security gaps into opportunities for improvement. In short, I wanted to move beyond the technical aspects to understand the more human and operational side of crisis management: knowing what to do, who to call, and how to lead when systems fail. 

What are Santiago’s challenges, and how do they compare to those of other cities in the Southern Cone? 

Our city faces constant pressure from ransomware and sophisticated attacks (in recent years, only attempts), in addition to the challenge of implementing the new Cybersecurity Framework Law. Talking with colleagues at this event, we confirmed that we share the vulnerability of the critical infrastructure that provides services to our residents. However, while some cities are still struggling to define their governance, Santiago faces the challenge of implementing an advanced and current legal framework. The major shared challenge remains the gap in specialized human talent and the need to create a security culture that permeates all municipal levels (employees and managers).  

What is the most important lesson you plan to implement immediately in Santiago?  

The most valuable lesson is the methodology of simulation exercises. We are planning to propose conducting these drills periodically in our municipality to evaluate our response to a “cascading crisis.” We learned that technique is only 50% of the solution; the rest is coordination and clear communication. Our priority will be to strengthen these human response protocols so that, in the event of an incident, the reaction is methodical and not based on panic, always keeping the public informed clearly and transparently, and providing senior management with the correct information.  

How many capital cities are cooperating, and what is achieved by working together? 

We managed to consolidate a strategic network among the officials and members of the local governments present. Beyond the official protocols, we are leaving with a network of direct contacts with whom to share early warnings quickly. Working together allows us to avoid “reinventing the wheel” every time; if a neighboring city solves an infrastructure problem, that lesson learned protects us all. Cooperation under the LAC4 framework gives us a solid bloc to face challenges that respect no borders.  

What makes Santiago’s resilience stand out as a model for other cities? 

Chile stands out for its institutional framework and long-term vision. Our National Cybersecurity Strategy 2023-2028 and our position in global rankings are benchmarks for integrating security into the heart of the country’s development. Other cities can draw inspiration from our methodical approach: in Chile, cybersecurity is not a band-aid solution, it is a pillar of our national sovereignty. This legal and technical framework is what allows us to be a model of maturity for the region and to continue fostering a cyber-resilient culture. 

We would like to express our gratitude to the LAC4 teams and the Montevideo City Hall for the impeccable organization and warmth of this meeting. It was a brilliant experience that not only provided us with tools but also strengthened the human and professional bonds between colleagues from the other cities. We return to Santiago with a renewed vision and a firm commitment to applying these lessons to build a more resilient and secure community for all our residents. 

Background 

Training “Is Your City Cyber Safe?”, taking place from 4 to 6 March 2026 in Montevideo, was attended by officials, policymakers and cybersecurity professionals from Southern Cone capitals Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago and Montevideo as well as Uruguay’s cities like Canelones, Paysandú, Florida, Maldonado, Levalleja and Rivera, and national authorities of Uruguay.    

Training was led by EU CyberNet experts Alexander Maaß, Paulo Calçada and Armani Pogosjan who shared perspectives from Germany, Portugal and Estonia. LAC4 extends its gratitude for co-organisers: the Intendancy of the Department of Montevideo  (Intendencia  Departamental  de Montevideo),  the Agency for Electronic Government and Information and Knowledge Society of Uruguay  (AGESIC, Agencia de Gobierno Electrónico y Sociedad de la Información y del Conocimiento),  National Administration of Telecommunications of Uruguay  (ANTEL,  Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)  and the Delegation of the European Union to Uruguay.