The growing use of artificial intelligence and automated systems, together with the increasing interconnectedness of economies and digital infrastructure, is transforming the scale and speed of cyber threats. How to prepare for this new landscape and strengthen countries' resilience is the central focus of the first edition of the Cyber Americas Forum, organized by the Organization of American States (OAS) and Panama's Ministry of Public Security, taking place from October 28 to 30 in Panama City.
A cyberattack can spread rapidly, cross borders and sectors, and trigger cascading impacts across multiple countries. These are known as "hyperthreats": highly scalable, increasingly automated, cross-border threats whose reach and potential impact can be amplified by technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation, as well as the growing interdependence of the digital ecosystem.
Under the theme "Hyperthreats: Securing Regional Innovation in a Borderless Cyber Ecosystem," the event brings together policymakers, cybersecurity experts, and representatives from industry, civil society, and academia.
The Forum addresses one of the region's main cybersecurity challenges: developing the capabilities needed to anticipate, withstand, and respond to threats whose speed and reach can transcend borders and simultaneously affect multiple sectors.
The opening session was attended by Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, Panama's Minister of Foreign Affairs; Juan Carlos Rodríguez, Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Security; Sarah B. Rogers, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy; Kevin Marino Cabrera, U.S. Ambassador to Panama; Patricia Atkinson, Canadian Ambassador to Panama; and Guillermo Moncayo, Deputy Executive Secretary of the OAS Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE).
During his remarks, Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha Vásquez emphasized that defending sovereignty also extends to cyberspace and that trust among nations requires the responsible use of technological power. He also stressed that security and innovation must advance together, as an insecure digital environment undermines trust, discourages investment, and limits development opportunities.
Meanwhile, Under Secretary Rogers warned of the risks to freedom of expression posed by attempts by some governments to control political debate on digital platforms. The U.S. diplomat noted that while major technology companies should be subject to regulations in areas such as online fraud and child protection, such regulations must not be used as tools to censor political opinions under the pretext of protecting security, sovereignty, or democracy. "Let's be clear: a government that tells you it has to censor its political opposition to protect democracy is telling you what it really thinks of democracy, and it's telling you what it really fears: a public that can see and say what it wants and vote accordingly," she stated.
Building Resilience Against Threats That Cross Borders
Artificial intelligence is a major focus of the Forum. Its rapid evolution is creating new opportunities to strengthen cybersecurity while also enabling malicious actors to automate and scale certain capabilities.
This landscape presents a challenge that goes beyond the capacity of any single institution. The interdependence of digital infrastructure and services means that the security of governments, businesses, and citizens is increasingly interconnected. A vulnerability can have consequences far beyond the organization or country where it first emerges.
In response, the Cyber Americas Forum focuses on building resilience by strengthening national capabilities, improving information sharing, connecting cybersecurity teams, and deepening cooperation among governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
For his part, Deputy Executive Secretary Moncayo stated that "our hemisphere encompasses diverse realities, resources, and levels of preparedness. This diversity calls for cooperation that responds to each country's priorities and expands opportunities for participation and learning."
"One of the OAS's strengths is its ability to connect countries, languages, and professional communities. We want to build on that strength to reduce barriers and make knowledge and tools more accessible to those who need them," the OAS representative added.
A New Regional Platform for Cybersecurity
The Cyber Americas Forum 2026 represents the evolution of the traditional OAS Cybersecurity Symposium and aims to establish itself as a regional platform for fostering partnerships, exchanging knowledge, and sharing best practices to address emerging challenges in the digital environment.
This first edition also incorporates CIBERCOM, Panama's national cybersecurity conference, strengthening exchanges among the public, private, and academic sectors and connecting national and regional capabilities.
Over three days, more than 600 participants are gathering to examine how artificial intelligence and other technologies are reshaping the threat landscape. They are also discussing policies, capabilities, and cooperation models that can help harness innovation while strengthening cybersecurity and digital resilience across the hemisphere.
