“I consider it essential to combine investment in technology with continuous training programs and frameworks for collaboration between the public, private, and academic sectors” says Agustina Falero, a Uruguayan participant of the program, in her interview with LAC4 ahead of the in-person meeting in September in Santo Domingo. With experience as a CISO in the banking sector and active work in compliance with standards such as PCI DSS, PCI PIN, and ISO, she shares how translating complex regulatory frameworks into practical processes has helped strengthen security and business continuity. Her story highlights the importance of training, cross-sector collaboration, and inclusion to build resilient cybersecurity capabilities and empower professionals across the region. 

You applied to the program a while ago – what caught your attention and what drove you to sending your application?    

 What attracted me most to the program was the opportunity to continue learning and growing in an international environment, alongside colleagues from different countries in the region who face similar challenges in cybersecurity. I was especially motivated by the idea of sharing experiences, contributing from my own background, and at the same time gaining new perspectives and practical tools. My expectations were to connect with a network of professionals passionate about the topic and strengthen my skills to apply them in my work and community. 

Her CyberTracks program is more than half way through since its start in April, and we are going to meet soon in Santo Domingo for in-person training. How has it been so far? 

The experience has been very enriching. The content has helped me deepen my understanding of key cybersecurity topics and, above all, has allowed me to reflect on how to apply them in practice. I have really enjoyed interacting with other participants, as it provides a diverse and realistic perspective on the situation in the region. So far, my expectations have been met, and I am very much looking forward to the in-person session in Santo Domingo to continue learning and consolidate the connections we have been building. 

Given your background, what do you think are the greatest challenges in cybersecurity right now? What do you see in your daily work?  

I believe one of the biggest challenges is getting organizations to move from seeing cybersecurity as a technical requirement to understanding it as a strategic axis that directly impacts business continuity and customer trust. In daily practice, I also see the need to strengthen user awareness and reduce the shortage of specialized talent in the region. As possible solutions, I consider it essential to combine investment in technology with continuous training programs and frameworks for collaboration between the public, private, and academic sectors. 

Drawing from your experience, how international organisations like the EU and ITU or initiatives like LAC4 Centre could help to address these challenges?    

These organizations play a fundamental role in promoting cooperation and the exchange of best practices. They can provide resources, training programs, and collaborative platforms that help level knowledge across the region and close capacity gaps. I also believe they have the ability to highlight local initiatives and give them international visibility, generating a multiplier effect that benefits the entire community. 

About Augustina Falero

I am a cybersecurity consultant and serve as a CISO in the banking sector, with over four years of experience supporting organizations in compliance with standards such as PCI DSS, PCI PIN, and the ISO family. I am passionate about translating complex regulatory frameworks into clear, actionable processes, working closely with both technical and management teams to strengthen security and ensure business continuity.

 

In addition to my compliance role, I am interested in automation and developing solutions that facilitate security management. I am committed to continuous learning and participate in regional initiatives such as Her CyberTracks, where I seek to learn, share experiences, and contribute to helping more women find their place in the world of technology.

Her CyberTracks is funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany  and the European Union and co-implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in partnership with the Global Programme on Cybercrime of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the Criminal Justice CyberTrack and the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre (LAC4) for the LAC region. Read more about the program.