Liars gonna Lie; Cybersecurity Congress in Panama; Panama Will Bet on Bioethanol as an Energy Alternative.

Friday, March 28, 2025. On Lies and the People Who Tell Them We’ve all heard it—someone gets caught in a contradiction or a half-truth and suddenly they’re branded with the scarlet letter: Liar. It’s one of the most biting accusations one person can hurl at another. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: everyone lies. Not just the career criminals or cornered suspects. Not just the shady business partner or the cheating spouse. Everyone. Even you. Even me. As someone trained in interrogation and seasoned by decades of investigative work, I’ve learned to watch for the subtle twitch of a lip, the strategic pause before a word, the shifting feet under the table. Lies have fingerprints. But what’s more fascinating than catching a lie is understanding why it was told in the first place. Most lies don’t come from a place of malice. They’re not designed to harm—at least not initially. Lies are often a form of protection, not just from consequences, but from shame, judgment, loss, or vulnerability. They’re little masks people wear to keep their deeper truths hidden. A child lies about eating the cookie because he’s afraid of punishment. A teenager lies about their whereabouts because they fear losing freedom. An adult lies on a résumé because they fear being seen as “less than.” In my experience, the lie is rarely about the fact itself—it’s about the fear behind it. So, how do we deal with lies and liars? In the interrogation room, we’re trained to listen, not just to the words, but to the gaps in between. We observe without judgment, build rapport, and allow space for the truth to emerge. The same approach can be applied outside the professional setting. If someone you trust lies to you, try asking yourself: What are they afraid of? It doesn’t excuse the lie, but it might give you insight into the person behind it. As for breaking the habit of lying—whether in ourselves or in others—it starts with creating environments where honesty is safe. The more people feel secure being vulnerable, the less they’ll feel the need to fabricate a version of themselves. Because while we all lie… we also have the power to choose when to stop. Stay sharp, Brett Mikkelson TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Panama will host the 5th International Cybersecurity Congress Panama will host the 5th International Cybersecurity, Fraud Prevention, and Physical Security Congress, taking place from March 26 to 28, 2025. This event will bring together industry experts and leaders to share knowledge and best practices in the fight against digital fraud and the growing cyber threats. One of the main challenges today is organizations’ ability to respond to and recover from a cyberattack. “It’s not a question of if your organization will be attacked, but when it will happen. The key lies in how you respond to minimize the damage,” said Yasmin Chávez, Manager of the Incident Response and Digital Forensics Department at CERT of Sistemas Aplicativos S.A. Given this scenario, having a solid incident response plan is crucial for detecting, containing, and mitigating cyberattacks. Industry specialists recommend following five key components: • Early detection and continuous monitoring: Organizations should have tools that identify anomalous activities in real time. If an internal monitoring center is unavailable, outsourcing to a SOC that provides 24/7 surveillance is advisable. • Data backups: Keeping encrypted and protected backup copies isolated from the main network ensures operational continuity in case of attacks like ransomware. • Response and containment protocols: Implementing measures to isolate affected systems and prevent threat propagation, along with clear procedures based on the type of incident. • Training and drills: Conducting regular training sessions so employees understand response protocols and improve their reaction to real-life scenarios. • Ongoing review and updates: Regularly adjusting the incident response plan to adapt to new threats and changes in organizational structure. Cybersecurity is more than just a technological investment; it is a fundamental pillar of business resilience. This congress in Panama presents a key opportunity for organizations to strengthen their strategies and prepare for the challenges of the ever-evolving digital world. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Bill on the Use of Child Restraint Seats in Vehicles Approved An important step toward protecting children traveling in private vehicles was taken with the approval of a bill in its third debate in the National Assembly. This bill aims to ensure that all minors traveling in private vehicles properly use child restraint seats, a crucial measure to prevent accidents and safeguard the lives of young children. Deputy Yarielis Rodríguez, from the Vamos party, explained that this legislation applies not only to school transport or selective services but to all private vehicles. “If this bill becomes law, everyone in their private cars—this is not just about schoolchildren or taxis, we’re talking about private vehicles—because we know this must first become part of a culture. Panamanians need to get used to having children in the back seat with their child restraint seat,” Rodríguez emphasized. The regulation establishes that failure to comply will result in fines starting at $100. Additionally, offenders must attend mandatory sessions on the proper use of child restraint seats and road safety. The legislation also includes progressive penalties: if the violation is repeated, the fine increases to $200, and on a third offense, the offender must pay $500 and will also face suspension of their driver’s license. The bill seeks to create a culture of road safety in Panama, where the use of child restraint seats is not just a legal requirement but a common practice among all families. This measure is considered crucial in reducing the rate of child injuries and fatalities in traffic accidents, a problem affecting many countries in the region. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Insurers Could Offer a 25% Discount on Policy Renewal Through Law The National Assembly approved on first reading Bill 53, which proposes to amend the current legislation on the mandatory basic traffic accident insurance policy. This modification aims to encourage responsible behavior among drivers and