Public Documents Linked to a Panama State Supplier Hacked: AIG Investigates Alleged Leak
A new cyberattack has reportedly exposed information from several public institutions in Panama. According to the announcement, the set of files would include records of contracting entities, purchase orders, supplier data, invoices, procurement reports, meeting minutes, approval documents and other documentation related to public procurement processes.
AIG
In Panama, AIG refers to the Autoridad Nacional para la Innovación Gubernamental (National Authority for Government Innovation). Established in 2009, it is the central government agency tasked with driving the country’s digital transformation, modernizing public services, and overseeing national cybersecurity and information technology initiatives.
(Note: While the global insurance company American International Group (AIG) previously operated in the country, they sold their Central American operations—including Panama—to the Panamanian conglomerate Grupo ASSA in 2015.)
Panama Government Procurements
Public documents linked to a Panama state supplier are primarily processed through the official PanamaCompra centralized purchasing portal. This system tracks vendor registries, bidding records, purchase orders, administrative documentation, and contract values across state and government entities.
Panama has the best prospect for economic growth in Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC). From 2014 to 2019, Panama had one of the strongest growths in the region with 4.7% on average, while LAC grew 0.9%. For 2022, the Economic Commission for Latin America (CEPAL) estimates that Panama will have an economic growth of 8.2%, which will lead Latin America with the best prospects for economic growth for this year.
This growth represents a wide range of opportunities for businesses and investments that are open for American companies who can compete for contracts regardless of whether they are based in Panama or the United States. The Panamanian central purchasing portal, PanamaCompra, frequently posts tender opportunities in all industries sectors. This is an official, free, internet-based electronic tendering service, where vendors can bid on the tenders by registering on the website. Below you can find the industries with most tenders open:
- Health: Caja del Seguro Social / Ministry of Health
- Engineering, investigation, and technology services
- Construction and maintenance services
- Manufacturing supplies, structures, works, and construction
- Telecommunications and information technology broadcasting
The U.S. Commercial Service in Panama City stands ready to support U.S. companies in their government procurement pursuits in Panama. For further information please contact your local USEAC and Commercial Specialist Jeane Zuniga at Jeane.Zuniga@trade.gov.
