WILLEMSTAD – Just 19 percent of all ransomware attacks are ever made public, signaling a serious and often underestimated problem that many organizations choose to keep quiet out of fear of reputational damage, according to cybersecurity expert Kevin van den Eshof. 

Ransomware remains the most significant digital threat, experts say. In recent weeks, several major institutions in Curaçao have been targeted, including the Joint Court of Justice of Curaçao and the Curaçao Tax Office. Phishing scams and weak passwords remain key entry points for attackers, while the use of artificial intelligence is making cyberattacks increasingly sophisticated. 

Specialists stress that improving cybersecurity requires more than just technology. Awareness and employee training are crucial to strengthening digital defenses. “Investing in cybersecurity must become a permanent part of policy, as vulnerabilities can exist anywhere in systems and human error can never be fully eliminated,” Van den Eshof said.