On August 26, 2024, the Ministry of Defense published Governmental Agreement 122-2024 , which creates the Communications Brigade of the Guatemalan Army. The government states that this is part of the modernization process of the armed forces and that "it was determined that it is necessary to have a military unit in charge of the defense of cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum, in the face of any threat, in defense of internal and external security" is required.
The purpose of the Brigade will be “to assist in the defense of cyberspace and electromagnetic space against any threat or violation of diverse nature and multidimensional scope, in defense of the critical infrastructure, means and systems of communications and information of internal and external security”. The Brigade will have jurisdiction throughout the national territory and will operate under the National Defense Chief of Staff (Estado Mayor de la Defensa).
The Brigade will start operations 30 days after the Agreement was published and the Chief of Staff must prepare and publish the organizational and functional regulations within 60 days of publication.
Cybersecurity is a major concern at the international level, which is why different countries have created administrative offices to combat and prevent the commission of these crimes. For example, the United States created the American Cyber Defense Agency to strengthen the security and resilience of cyberspace, offering a range of cybersecurity services and resources focused on operational resilience, cybersecurity practices, organizational management of external agencies and other key elements of a robust and resilient cyber framework.
According to the European Commission, the electromagnetic spectrum is the set of wavelengths of all electromagnetic radiation, including gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible light, infrared radiation and radio waves.
According to the U.S. Computer Security Resource Center, cyberspace is defined as “a global domain within the information environment consisting of the interdependent network of information systems infrastructures, including the Internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers.”
Cybersecurity has become a fundamental pillar of society, where dependence on technology and connectivity is increasing. Protecting personal and corporate information, preserving trust in digital services and preventing economic damage are essential. Given the constant change in cyber threats and cybercrime, cybersecurity requires continuous adaptation to mitigate emerging risks.
We will be awaiting the publication of the Brigade's regulations and its operation.
