Massive Failures in SAT Electronic Signature System

Recent massive failures in the Mexican Tax Authority's (SAT) electronic signature system have revoked valid e.signatures for thousands of businesses, causing significant concern among taxpayers about potential security breaches. Experts urge SAT to provide transparency about the issue.


Massive Failures in SAT Electronic Signature System

The computer systems of the SAT have experienced new massive failures in recent days by revoking the e.firma of thousands of companies and taxpayers, even though the digital certificate remains valid. Although the SAT acknowledged the problem, it did not clarify whether it is due to hacking or an internal failure in its systems.

Edilberto Castro, a tax specialist, mentioned that if the failure is due to technical problems, it would be less concerning than if it were due to hacking, given that the SAT manages sensitive information of taxpayers. He highlighted that, being the first time these failures have occurred, it is important for the SAT to inform transparently about what happened.

Rafael Lores, president of CPA Visión, warned that thousands of companies and individuals in Mexico have had their e.firma revoked in the SAT systems, which could affect the filing of declarations and invoicing. He recommended that taxpayers take precautions in light of this situation.

The SAT issued a statement indicating that electronic signatures related to foreign trade are functioning normally and that the others are expected to be restored during the day. They assured that taxpayers will not need to carry out additional procedures once the situation is corrected.

Héctor Amaya, president of the Mexican Institute of Public Accountants (IMCP), informed that the SAT has assured them that the problem is being prioritized and that soon the certificates will reflect active status without the need for additional actions from taxpayers.

Edilberto Castro emphasized that the e.firma is used in most tax procedures, such as address changes, tax refund requests, and business transactions. He underscored that the electronic signature is unique per document and per signer, providing security and integrity to the processes.