José Simón Fuertes argues that the growth of digital banking will depend on strengthening cybersecurity, risk management, and information protection
SANTO DOMINGO.– As financial institutions accelerate the digitization of their services, cybersecurity has ceased to be an exclusively technological component and has become one of the main factors that will determine user confidence and the sustainability of the financial system.
This was stated by José Simón Fuertes, senior manager of Cybersecurity and Information Security at the La Vega Real Savings and Loan Association (ALAVER), during his participation in the Dominican Republic's Trust Services and Digital Certification Congress, organized by the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL).
As the executive explained, the growth of digital financial services is forcing institutions to strengthen their protection schemes against cyber threats, while developing mechanisms that guarantee digital identity, electronic certification, and transaction security.
"Digital trust is one of the pillars on which the next stage of evolution of the financial system will be based," he explained during the meeting.
Cybersecurity is shifting from a technological issue to a strategic one
During the congress, where he moderated one of the discussion panels, Fuertes pointed out that organizations face an increasingly complex digital environment, in which risks evolve at the same pace as the technologies used by companies and consumers.
He indicated that this scenario requires combining technological tools, regulatory frameworks, and risk management models capable of protecting both user information and the continuity of financial operations.
In his view, the preparedness of institutions should focus not only on responding to incidents, but also on developing capabilities to anticipate potential threats and reduce their impact.
Digital services require greater trust
The executive argued that the expansion of solutions such as digital identity, electronic certification, and other trusted services will depend largely on the perception of security that citizens and businesses have regarding digital channels.
In that context, he considered that the digital transformation of the financial system must be accompanied by permanent investments in cybersecurity and an organizational culture oriented towards prevention and risk management.
Debate on the digital future
During the Trust Services and Digital Certification Congress, representatives from the public and private sectors analyzed the challenges associated with digital transformation, the strengthening of electronic trust, and the evolution of regulatory frameworks to support technological innovation.
The exchange provided an opportunity to discuss topics related to data protection, digital identity, electronic certification, and strategies to strengthen the resilience of organizations in the face of increasing cyber threats.
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