In recent years, cyberattacks have reached unprecedented levels, becoming one of the greatest threats to companies, administrations and citizens. During 2023, security incidents managed by specialized agencies such as INCIBE and CCN-CERT almost doubled, reflecting an increasingly complex and dangerous landscape.
In this article, we look at the factors that have driven the increase in cyberattacks, the main threats we face and how specialized training, such as that offered by CyberForge, is key to strengthening cybersecurity at all levels.
A record year for cyber-attacks
The official data are alarming. In 2023, the CCN-CERT (responsible for cybersecurity in the public sector) handled more than 107,000 incidents, almost double the previous year. For its part, INCIBE (which protects citizens and companies) handled 83,500 incidents, 24% more than in 2022.
This explosive growth is no coincidence. The increasing digitization of companies and administrations has expanded the attack surface, while cybercriminals have refined their tactics, resorting to advanced tools and more aggressive techniques.
In addition, Spain has become one of the most attacked countries in Europe, ranking in 2023 as the third country in the world with the most cyberattacks, behind only the United States and Japan, according to telemetry from the security company ESET.
The most dangerous threats
Computer attacks have evolved, affecting large corporations as well as small businesses and individual users. Some of the most prominent threats are:
- Ransomware: digital data hijacking
Ransomware remains a favorite technique of cybercriminals. This type of attack encrypts the data of a company or institution and demands a ransom of millions of dollars to recover it. During 2023, hundreds of cases were reported in Spain, affecting hospitals, city councils and large companies.
- Phishing: the most common digital scam
Phishing accounts for almost a third of recorded attacks. Through fraudulent emails or messages, cybercriminals impersonate banks, companies or administrations to steal credentials and personal data. In recent months, massive phishing campaigns have been detected targeting customers of financial services and online shopping platforms.
- Cyber espionage and state-sponsored attacks
Spain has also been the target of state-sponsored cyber espionage, with attacks coming from actors linked to countries such as Russia, China or North Korea. These attacks seek to infiltrate government agencies or critical infrastructures to steal sensitive information or sabotage essential services.
- Hacktivism and DDo attacks
Hacktivist groups, often motivated by geopolitical conflicts, have increased their denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against public institutions and private companies, causing disruptions to essential services.
- Vulnerabilities in companies and the human factor
A significant percentage of cyber-attacks continue to exploit basic security flaws: outdated systems, incorrect configurations and the use of weak passwords. In addition, 80% of incidents originate from human error, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity training and awareness.
Training, key to mitigating risk
Against this backdrop, the best defense is prevention. Having well-trained cybersecurity professionals is essential to reduce risks and respond effectively to incidents.
In this regard, initiatives such as CyberForge are making a difference, offering training programs designed to improve the preparedness of companies and professionals against digital threats.
CyberForge: advanced training in cybersecurity
CyberForge is an innovative platform that combines interactive courses, attack simulations and advanced learning tools to train both security experts and employees with no prior knowledge.
Among its initiatives are the following:
- Realistic cyber-attack simulations to train teams in incident detection and response.
- Awareness courses for employees, addressing topics such as phishing, ransomware and data protection.
- Advanced technical training in artificial intelligence applied to cybersecurity, malware analysis and incident management.
CyberForge understands that cybersecurity is not only a technological issue, but a culture that must be integrated into all organizations.
The rise of cyber-attacks in Spain has reached critical levels, affecting companies, citizens and institutions. Without a solid security strategy and continuous training, the risk of suffering incidents will continue to increase.
Now is the time to act. Investment in awareness, training and technology will be key to strengthening digital security and dealing with an increasingly hostile environment.
At CyberForge, we are committed to cybersecurity that is accessible, practical and focused on prevention. Because in a digitally connected world, the best defense is knowledge.
🌐🔐 Discover how CyberForge is revolutionizing cybersecurity training with an innovative approach that combines technology, advanced simulations and interactive learning. 🚀💡
👉 Learn more about our vision and solutions at this link: CyberForge – Taking Cybersecurity to a New Level