Brazil group warns of increasing cybersecurity risks

One the eve of the World Cup, 40 companies, associations, government officials and IT experts in Brazil launched a 'cyber manifesto' warning of security risks and calling for strengthened policies.

Internet steering comittee CGI.br, which worked on the country's Marco Civil da Internet law; online media company Terra; Brazil's federal prosecution office; federal data processing company Serpro, and ICT association ABDTIC were among the document's signatories.

The document's four key points include calls for improving online privacy and collaboration with the public sector, and turning internet users into the web's first line of defense.

"It will be imperative for the continued growth of Brazil and its immersion in a global connected economy that cybersecurity issues are addressed not only from a technical standpoint, but also from governance, corporate and social responsibilities," said William Beer, partner at Alvarez & Marsal consultancy and one of the signatories.

"Cloud computing, mobility, big data, social networks and the Internet of Things require new strategies for investing in cybersecurity, combining technology, business and the interests of the country," added the information security expert Paulo Pagliusi.

The manifesto also recalls that members of Anonymous threatened to attack and disrupt several World Cup-related websites.

The document will be available for public consultation/contribution starting June 16.