Cyber threats are escalating in both complexity and scale across the globe and Spain is no exception. As digital transformation accelerates across industries, the risks associated with cybercrime are becoming more sophisticated, targeted, and frequent. Mastercard’s latest cybersecurity report sheds light on this evolving threat landscape, offering a deep dive in incidents across Spain. This comprehensive analysis reveals the key threat actors, attack methodologies, and vulnerable sectors shaping Spain’s digital risk environment with a particular focus on financial services, retail & commerce, and public administration. Below is a preview of the report.  

 

Threat Insight Overview

Spain ranks as the fifth most targeted country in Europe. The top three methods used by threat actors are: 

    1. Malware: Often used to gain unauthorized access or disrupt operations.
    2. Ransomware: A growing threat, especially in the financial and healthcare sectors.
    3. Email Phishing: Still one of the most effective and widespread methods for initial compromise.

 

Sector-Specific Threat Profiles

Across the entire European region, as well as in Spain, the public sector is the second most targeted industry in all cyber incidents. However, cyber threats are not one-size-fits-all. The report highlights how different sectors face different risks.

    • 40% of cyber events targeting the public sector in Spain focused on business systems and customer personal information.
    • 25% of of cyber events targeting the financial sector in Spain were directly attributed to Ransomware Groups, highlighting their central role in the threat landscape.
    • 41% of cyber events targeting the retail and commerce sector in Spain were attributed to Black Hat, a prominent and leading threat actor in Spain.

 

Recommended Best Practices

Identifying cyber threats is only the first step. Enhancing defenses against the right threats and in the right places is critical for building cyber resilience.

    • Assess controls regularly to build and maintain a good cybersecurity posture. Organizations must regularly test their existing controls to continuously enhance their cyber posture to prevent, defend, and react against the most common attacks.
    • Prioritize defenses against the most prevalent attack vectors. Organizations in Spain must prioritize malware, ransomware, and email phishing to maximize the impact of their cybersecurity investments and improve their overall risk posture.
    • Follow best practices to enhance cyber posture. From defining an organization’s cyber perimeter to fostering a culture where cybersecurity is non-negotiable, this report outlines seven essential best practices for organizations in Spain to strengthen their cyber resilience. To explore these practices in detail, download the full report below.

 

Why This Matters

Spain’s digital economy is growing rapidly, and with it, the stakes for cybersecurity. Whether you're a CISO, IT leader, or policymaker, understanding the nuances of the threat landscape is essential for making informed decisions and protecting critical infrastructure. This report provides visibility into current risks but also equips organizations with actionable strategies to build resilience and stay ahead of adversaries.

Download the full report to explore detailed threat profiles, actor insights, and strategic recommendations tailored to Spain’s unique cybersecurity challenges.