The Central Bank of Costa Rica published an update from the Interinstitutional Commission to address Electronic Frauds and Cybersecurity Threats, summarising priority measures already implemented by participating bodies to curb electronic fraud and cyber risks. For the central bank, the package focuses on further developing and strengthening the GAUDI platform for standardised authentication and digital signing of financial transactions, alongside changes to better protect Simplified File Accounts (CES). GAUDI is being expanded by integrating additional financial institutions and enhancing functionality to support digital identity and digital signature use via Gaudi Móvil on mobile phones or the Gaudi Agent on computers, under the legal framework set by Law 8454 on digital certificates, signatures and electronic documents. The account-opening process for CES is also being strengthened to preserve simple onboarding while improving safeguards for payments system security. The release also reports actions by other participants, including banks expanding customer debit and credit alerts, rolling out alternative authentication options such as GAUDI, increasing customer education and promoting specialised anti-fraud insurance; CONASSIF approving a comprehensive reform to SUGEF’s information technology management regulation aligned with cybersecurity practices; the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) completing nationwide fraud data coverage and analytics with periodic reporting; and the Public Prosecutor’s cybercrime unit streamlining complaint handling with the OIJ and developing early-warning and organised-crime investigation approaches, including assessing potential money laundering investigations that could lead to freezes and asset seizures. The commission frames these as short-term priority actions within a broader work programme spanning short, medium and long-term measures, with GAUDI development and onboarding of new entities continuing alongside further interagency coordination through 2024 and the current year.
Central Bank of Costa Rica 2025-03-13
Central Bank of Costa Rica strengthens GAUDI digital authentication and tightens simplified account controls in interagency anti-fraud drive
The Central Bank of Costa Rica updated measures by the Interinstitutional Commission to combat electronic fraud and cybersecurity threats, focusing on enhancing the GAUDI platform for secure transactions and improving Simplified File Accounts (CES) protection. The update includes actions by banks, CONASSIF, the Judicial Investigation Agency, and the Public Prosecutor’s cybercrime unit, emphasizing short-term priorities within a broader work programme.