Low Digital Literacy and High Caution: Uruguay’s Challenge in Cybersecurity and Data Protection

By Pittaluga Abogados

Uruguayans show a complex mix of caution, skepticism, and limited knowledge when it comes to cybersecurity and personal data protection. According to a recent national study, only two out of every ten people in the country report having strong knowledge of how to protect their personal information online—an indicator of what analysts describe as “low digital literacy” in cybersecurity.

Despite this limited understanding, most Uruguayans remain careful about the information they share online. Still, caution does not translate into confidence: a broad sense of distrust persists, particularly toward social networks and digital applications. Respondents also expressed a clear demand for greater transparency from both private companies and public institutions responsible for managing personal data.

A Population Aware of Risks, but Not Fully Equipped

The study, based on a survey of 900 adults conducted in August, examined behaviors, perceptions, opinions, and emotional responses related to cybersecurity. The results reveal a self-assessment landscape divided into three nearly equal segments:

• 22% believe they have high knowledge of how to protect personal data;

• 39% consider their knowledge moderate;

• 39% rate it as low.

A Trust Gap Driven by Regulation and Transparency

This limited knowledge correlates with a generalized skepticism toward the ability of institutions to protect personal data. Trust varies sharply depending on the type of entity involved, forming what researchers describe as a “clear gradient”:

• Banking sector: 55% of respondents feel their data is well or very well protected.

• Public institutions: Confidence drops to 38%.

• Social networks: Only 14% believe their information is adequately safeguarded.

Highly regulated and transaction-heavy environments, such as banking, tend to inspire more confidence, likely due to visible security measures and frequent user interaction. Public institutions benefit from a similar—though more moderate—effect. In contrast, digital applications and social networks are perceived as opaque in their use of personal information, contributing to a persistent sense of vulnerability among users.

Looking Ahead: Transparency as a Core Demand

The findings highlight a clear opportunity for both public and private actors in Uruguay: improving communication and transparency around data practices may be as important as strengthening the underlying technical protections. As digital services continue to expand, bridging the country’s cybersecurity knowledge gap will be critical for building trust and empowering individuals to better safeguard their own information.