Uruguay is considered one of the safest countries within the Latin American region, with low crime rates, a stable economic landscape, and a steady political environment. However, like any other country, it is not 100% immune to cyber threats and hacker attacks. This means Uruguay produces hundreds of cybersecurity experts annually, thanks to a robust education system and government-funded cyber defense initiatives. This small nation in South America has a growing tech industry that has attracted international attention.

Thanks to the increasingly urgent need to hire cybersecurity experts with the necessary skills and knowledge to safeguard their networks and data, companies worldwide are looking for more affordable and innovative cybersecurity solutions. As such, nearshore cybersecurity staffing fits the norm, and Uruguay is one of the best options for doing so. That’s why in this article, we’ll go over what you need to know about how to hire cybersecurity experts in Uruguay.

The cybersecurity sector in Uruguay

Companies looking to hire Uruguayan cybersecurity experts will be happy to learn that Uruguay has made significant progress in developing its IT cybersecurity infrastructure in recent years. According to a report published by the National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII) in 2020, the information and communication technology sector in Uruguay has experienced steady growth in recent years. The report indicated that the information and communication technology sector represent around 3.8% of the country’s GDP and provides employment for approximately 2.6% of the population.

The ANII report also stated that cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses and individuals in Uruguay and that there is a need for greater investment in this area. This is true in many countries, including those in North America, as there is a global IT talent shortage, especially in the cybersecurity area. Still, Uruguay has certainly been putting a lot of focus on this particular sector. As local businesses have become more mindful of the risks posed by hackers and other cyber attackers, there has been a rise in demand for cybersecurity specialists in Uruguay. Network analysis and penetration testing, ethical hacking, application security testing, and digital forensic analysis are among the most in-demand areas of expertise. Moreover, there is an increased focus on cloud computing and software development, which has created employment opportunities for skilled workers in the sector.

At a nationwide level, the country has established several cybersecurity institutions, including the National Cybersecurity Directorate (DNC) and the Cyber Defense Unit (UDC), to combat cyber threats. The DNC is responsible for creating cybersecurity policies, strategies, and regulations, while the UDC is tasked with defending the country’s cyber networks and infrastructure. But the Uruguayan government has also made efforts across borders to ensure the local cybersecurity sector thrives. The Organization of American States (OAS) Cybersecurity Initiative, with the goal of encouraging global cybersecurity awareness, capacity building, and information sharing among member governments, is one of the different regional cybersecurity programs in which Uruguay has participated in recent years. Uruguay and the United States also agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding in 2018 to improve their cybersecurity cooperation. This effectively helped the Uruguayan cybersecurity industry progress and paved the way for US companies to partner with IT and cybersecurity professionals in Uruguay on a regular basis.

IT and cybersecurity education in Uruguay

Uruguay is known as one of the Latin American countries with the most solid education systems within the region. This reputation has in big part to do with the fact that the Uruguayan government has been heavily investing in education in recent years, with a particular emphasis on IT and cybersecurity education. The country’s education system is divided into three levels of education – primary, secondary, and tertiary.

For starters, at the primary and secondary levels, the government has long implemented a nationwide initiative called Plan Ceibal, which provides free laptops and internet access to all students in public schools. This has helped to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all students have access to technology and the internet in such an interconnected, 21st-century world we live in.

Now, at the tertiary or college level, there are several universities and technical schools in Uruguay that offer IT and cybersecurity programs. These include the University of the Republic, the Universidad Católica del Uruguay, and the Universidad ORT Uruguay. These institutions offer quality education at affordable prices, and according to data from the National Institute of Statistics of Uruguay, the number of students enrolled in IT and related fields in tertiary education has been steadily increasing over the past decade. In 2011, there were 8,554 students enrolled in IT programs, and by 2020, this number had increased to 14,918. It is safe to say the pandemic has also heightened the interest in tech-related careers that are remote work friendly, as the world transitions into more flexible employment arrangements.

Over the years, Uruguay has made significant strides in cybersecurity education beyond the traditional IT curriculum. In 2017, the government launched the Cybersecurity National Plan, which aims to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity capabilities and develop a workforce of cybersecurity professionals. As part of this plan, the government has implemented several initiatives to promote continuous cybersecurity education. This not only benefits aspiring cybersecurity experts but also companies looking to hire these specialists, as the talent pool from Uruguay is bound to have received proper training.

The most popular cybersecurity technologies with Uruguayan cybersecurity experts

When hiring cybersecurity professionals in Uruguay, it is essential to be familiar with the most popular cybersecurity technologies used in the country. These specialists have often received well-rounded cybersecurity training that allows them to be proficient in multiple technologies at once. Because of this, organizations should carefully evaluate their needs before deciding on which technologies they should use to ensure they are investing in the right solutions for their particular requirements. The following are some of the most widely used technologies by cybersecurity experts in Uruguay:

• Firewalls
• Antivirus software
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS)
• Virtual private networks (VPNs)
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
• Identity and access management (IAM) solutions
• Zero Trust
• Manufacturer Usage Description

The average English proficiency level of cybersecurity experts in Uruguay

English proficiency is a deciding factor in hiring cybersecurity professionals in Uruguay and anywhere else in the world, as most cybersecurity technologies and frameworks are developed and documented in this language. Moreover, it is necessary to communicate with your outsourced cybersecurity team properly. According to the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) 2022, Uruguay has a moderate English proficiency level, ranking 49th out of 111 countries. With an EF EPI score of 521 and the 8th highest ranking within Latin America, Uruguay has a decent English level amongst its professionals. The country’s English proficiency level has remained stable over the past few years, indicating a steady language-learning process and the potential for Uruguayan cybersecurity specialists to have solid overall skills.dfdfd

How to hire cybersecurity specialists in Uruguay

1. Find an experienced independent contractor.

If you are looking to hire cybersecurity experts in Uruguay without any third-party interactions or already have experience with outsourcing to LATAN, working with an experienced independent contractor can be an effective approach. This method eliminates every single intermediary and allows you to deal with the specialist directly. Just keep in mind that there are a variety of independent contractors with cybersecurity expertise available, and it is important to do your research to find the right fit.

2. Try freelancing platforms.

Freelancing platforms can be a great place to look for cybersecurity experts in Uruguay, especially if your company is seeking a more flexible or project-based approach to cybersecurity staffing. There are a considerable number of freelancing platforms available, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr, so it’s best to research each platform to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.

3. Leverage job boards and online resources/communities.

Leveraging job boards and online resources or communities can be a highly effective way to hire qualified cybersecurity experts in Uruguay. Start by browsing some of the major Uruguayan job boards including Empleos.net, Computrabajo, and Trabajo.gub.uy. These websites, which are made with the specific purpose of connecting international companies and local job seekers, frequently have a wide variety of job posts across numerous industries, including the cybersecurity sector.

4. Ask for referrals.

Asking your personal or company network for referrals is a valuable tool in the hiring process that can help you identify top talent and build a dedicated team. This will give you access to a larger pool of candidates and find individuals who fit your company culture and goals well. Just be clear about what you are looking for and provide detailed information about the position and company culture. This will help ensure that the referrals you receive are qualified and aligned with your company’s values and goals.

5. Hire cybersecurity staff augmentation services.

Cybersecurity staffing is our method of choice when recommending ways to hire cybersecurity experts in Uruguay. Nearshore staff augmentation agencies can help you find qualified candidates for your cybersecurity roles thanks to their years-long access to a wider pool of talent. They can also help you screen and select candidates, handling the heavy lifting of the technical vetting for you. No matter how much support you need when hiring Uruguayan cybersecurity experts, staffing agencies will aid you in making your dream hire a reality.

Ready to hire cybersecurity experts in Uruguay with the help of cybersecurity staffing?

Overall, Uruguay is one of the top nearshore locations to find qualified cybersecurity experts due to its strong presence in the field of technology and cybersecurity, a large talent market, the low cost of living compared to other countries, and its easy access to skilled personnel through staff augmentation services. Now, before hiring cybersecurity experts in Uruguay, organizations should consider the skillsets required for their specific project at hand as well as look for candidates with experience in specific technologies and a proven record of accomplishment in the industry.

At CyberWarrior, we can help you hire the perfect cybersecurity experts in Uruguay. We offer cybersecurity solutions through IT staff augmentation and nearshoring and can connect you with our large network of cybersecurity experts in Latin America and across the world to help you find the right candidate for your company. Thanks to our team’s Massachusetts headquarters location and partnerships with IT firms and cybersecurity specialists around South America and the United States, we can quickly link you to our extensive international network and assist you in hiring cybersecurity experts in Uruguay. Contact us today to learn more about our services!