Supporting a more secure and resilient future
The digital world is undergoing constant transformation, and with it, threats are also evolving. In response to this landscape, the Government of Spain has approved a set of strategic measures to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity and cyber defense capabilities, backed by an unprecedented investment of €1.157 billion. This effort is part of the National Cybersecurity Plan and aligns with the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense, reinforcing Spain’s position as a key player in protecting Europe’s cyberspace.
Digital transformation and growing risks
With more than 100,000 cyberattacks recorded in Spain in 2024—one of them classified as “very serious” every three days—digital threats have become a national security concern. Disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing, combined with expanding digital infrastructure and geopolitical tensions, are pushing nations to rethink their cyber resilience strategies.
“The increase in cyberattacks and the shift in targets are primarily driven by widespread digitalization and the high sophistication of threat actors. Cybercrime has become a profitable business—and cybercriminals never rest.”
— Álvaro Núñez, cybersecurity expert at Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR).
Spain’s new approach addresses the full cyber incident lifecycle: from prevention and detection to rapid response and recovery. Key actions include the expansion of the 5G Security Operations Center (SOC 5G), automated audits of digital public services, AI-enhanced threat detection systems, and advanced coordination between public and private cybersecurity centers.
Alignment with European initiatives
“Europe is still heavily reliant on technological solutions from the U.S. and Israel. Euskadi proposed the creation of a dedicated European investment fund in cybersecurity five years ago—but the lack of political momentum has cost us valuable time in building our own capabilities.”
— Javier Diéguez, Director of Cyberzaintza (Basque Cybersecurity Agency)
Spain’s strategy does not exist in a vacuum. It directly supports broader European initiatives such as the EU Cybersecurity Strategy and the work of ENISA (the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity). In particular, the plan reinforces key mandates of the NIS 2 Directive, which requires Member States to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure, improve incident response, and foster greater cooperation between public and private stakeholders across borders.
Spain’s Minister for Digital Transformation, Óscar López, stated that Spain is the second country in the world with the highest number of cybersecurity centers—behind only the United States. This highlights the country’s growing strategic role in European cyber defense and its commitment to a secure digital ecosystem.
Multisectoral and long-term commitment
The €1.157 billion budget will be implemented through a broad network of institutions. The Ministry of Defense, including the National Intelligence Center (CNI-CCN) and the Joint Cyber Space Command, will manage 60% of the investment. Other key stakeholders include the Ministry of the Interior, the Secretary of State for Telecommunications, Red.es, and the State Agency for Digital Administration (AEAD).
At ACK3, we welcome this coordinated approach across government sectors. In today’s world, cybersecurity is not just a technical issue—it is a strategic imperative, deeply intertwined with the protection of democratic values, personal data, and national sovereignty.
Key challenges in the evolving cybersecurity landscape
While Spain’s investment marks a significant step forward, the cybersecurity landscape remains complex and rapidly evolving. Several challenges must be addressed to ensure that this strategy translates into long-term resilience:
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Talent shortage: The demand for highly qualified cybersecurity professionals continues to outpace supply across Europe. Ensuring that new investments are matched with workforce development and specialized training will be critical.
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Technology adoption gaps: Incorporating cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum encryption, and automated threat detection systems requires not only infrastructure, but also interoperability, standards, and robust testing environments.
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Quantum computing risks: Advances in quantum computing pose a long-term but critical challenge. Once mature, quantum systems could break widely used encryption protocols, potentially compromising sensitive data on a massive scale. Preparing for a post-quantum cryptographic era must begin now.
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Coordination across sectors: Effective cybersecurity relies on close cooperation between public institutions, private operators, and academia. Bridging operational silos remains a significant challenge for rapid threat response and information sharing.
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Regulatory compliance: As directives like NIS 2 come into force, organizations face increasing pressure to meet stringent cybersecurity and reporting obligations, which may require structural and procedural transformations.
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Evolving threat actors: From state-sponsored campaigns to sophisticated ransomware groups, threat actors are adapting quickly, using AI and deepfakes to enhance social engineering or evade detection.
Spain’s bold investment marks a significant step forward in ensuring a secure, resilient, and trustworthy digital environment—both nationally and across Europe. At ACK3, we remain committed to contributing through cutting-edge solutions and strategic advisory services that safeguard what matters most: the integrity of systems, the privacy of citizens, and the stability of institutions.
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