Mastercard Reported Security Hurdles for Small Businesses
A new industry survey revealed that cybersecurity fears have hindered digital growth for many small firms.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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Mastercard recently published its 2026 SME Cybersecurity Outlook, highlighting how security concerns impact small business growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The findings suggest that fraud risks are preventing many companies from fully embracing digital payment tools.
Why it matters
Cybersecurity threats serve as a significant barrier to expansion, with many business owners believing that stronger fraud defenses could unlock substantial additional growth. Many companies have opted to delay new digital investments due to these persistent security concerns.
The survey of 2,400 SME decision-makers found that 97 percent of firms in the region now accept digital payments. Despite high adoption, 40 percent of businesses have actively delayed implementing new digital tools due to security risks.
The players
Mastercard
A global technology company in the payments industry that provides various risk-assessment resources through the Mastercard Trust Center.
Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence
A specialized research firm that partnered with Mastercard to gather data on SME cybersecurity practices.
The details
Mastercard collaborated with Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence to assess security landscapes across 12 markets, including Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. While 93 percent of surveyed SMEs express familiarity with cybersecurity, one in five firms currently lacks any formal response or recovery plan.
Timeline
The survey was conducted during Q2 2026.
Businesses view digital sales as a primary opportunity over the next two years.
The Tech Race
This data marks a pivot point where digital payment adoption has matured, shifting the competitive focus toward security infrastructure and risk mitigation. It highlights a widening gap between companies leveraging secure digital sales and those forced into stagnation by underdeveloped recovery plans.
Small business owners may need to prioritize formal recovery plans to mitigate the risks associated with digital expansion. By utilizing existing tools like the Mastercard Trust Center, firms can potentially secure the infrastructure necessary to capture projected growth.
The takeaway
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern but a critical factor in a business strategy for regional expansion. Implementing a formal incident recovery plan is a vital step for any business aiming to capitalize on digital sales opportunities over the coming years.
Further reading
For more information on digital safety, visit our Cybersecurity section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jamaica Gleaner.
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Do you trust that most small businesses in your area are prepared to handle cyberattacks?
