Hologic, Inc., a Massachusetts-based titan in medical technology, has announced a significant expansion of its operations in Costa Rica, marking a pioneering step for the country’s life sciences sector. The launch of a new Cybersecurity Operations Center (SOC) in Costa Rica positions Hologic at the forefront of global cybersecurity efforts, underpinning its commitment to safeguarding its network against escalating cyber threats.
A Strategic Expansion in Cybersecurity
The new SOC, nestled in the Coyol Free Zone of Alajuela, is set to become Hologic’s primary command center for cyber incident response—a first-of-its-kind facility in Costa Rica. This initiative expands upon the company’s existing footprint in the country, which includes a medical device manufacturing facility and an international Financial Shared Services Center.
Choosing Costa Rica: A Calculated Move
According to Paul Malenchini, Hologic’s Chief Information Officer, the decision to establish the SOC in Costa Rica was influenced by several strategic factors. “In addition to leveraging the valuable experience gained from our other operations in the country, we chose Costa Rica for our SOC due to its talented workforce and the government’s investment in continuing education programs focused on cybersecurity,” Malenchini stated. The proximity to the United States, where Hologic is headquartered, also plays a critical role, enabling swift and effective responses to the dynamic cyber threat landscape.
The Role of the SOC
The SOC is an integral component of Hologic’s Global Information Technology (IT) Shared Services Center. It is tasked with monitoring, detecting, and responding to cyber threats that could impact Hologic, its employees, clients, and strategic partners. This proactive approach in cybersecurity is designed to align with the business objectives of Hologic, ensuring that operations remain secure and resilient against potential cyber disruptions.
Growing the Team: Opportunities for Local Talent
With the SOC now operational, Hologic plans to enhance its team by adding 40 more professionals experienced in cybersecurity, infrastructure, IT support, process automation, and IT commercial. This expansion not only broadens Hologic’s global IT services but also contributes significantly to local employment opportunities.
Professionals interested in joining this cutting-edge endeavor can find more information and apply through Hologic’s company website. This move underscores Hologic’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce and highlights the attractive career pathways available in the burgeoning field of IT and cybersecurity in Costa Rica.
U.S. Companies and Costa Rican Job Market Dynamics
Hologic is among several U.S. firms expanding their operations in Costa Rica, with Intel also recently announcing growth in its local activities. These expansions are a boon for the local economy, providing much-needed jobs and helping to combat the persistent unemployment issues in the region.
Despite these positive developments, Costa Rica’s unemployment rate remains a challenge. As of the latest data from February to April 2024, the National Employment Survey reports an unemployment rate of 7.9%, translating to over 185,000 people without registered jobs, with men comprising 55% of this demographic.
A Future-Proof Investment
Hologic’s establishment of its SOC in Costa Rica is more than just an expansion—it’s a future-proof investment in the security and integrity of global medical technology operations. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, having a robust, responsive cybersecurity infrastructure becomes imperative, not just for business continuity but for the protection of critical health data and systems.
As we observe the evolving landscape of global business and technology, Hologic’s strategic moves in Costa Rica offer a compelling blueprint for how companies can blend growth with security and local talent development.
