Cybersecurity stands as a central objective for businesses across the globe, especially in nations deeply embedded in technology and digital operations. Spain ranks among the top three nations facing cyber threats, following Japan and Turkey, as experts observe a sharp rise in cybercrime. Data from authorities indicates that incidents linked to cybercrime are growing roughly 30 percent each year, a pace unmatched by other crime categories. Yet many people fail to recognize the real danger of online fraud, and a large portion of cybercrimes go unreported. As one senior official notes, complaints are scarce, which emboldens criminals to keep exploiting victims undeterred.
These findings emerged from a roundtable on cybersecurity and the challenge of predicting online crime, organized by N26 in collaboration with IE University. The discussion underscored the need for greater investment in protecting firms from cyber threats and for ongoing professional training to raise defense capabilities.
Illustrating the risk, a recent case involved a gang that operated through an online electronics retailer linked to law enforcement networks. Thousands were deceived and lost funds as orders were never fulfilled. Some victims managed to reclaim portions of their money, but the majority of the proceeds remained with the perpetrators, highlighting a pattern of underreported fraud.
In the corporate sphere, digital banks were cited as attractive targets for criminals. One speaker noted that roughly a quarter of cyberattacks affect financial institutions directly. Criminals now mimic banking behavior, seeking sensitive data with methods that are increasingly sophisticated. A notable example is a German neobank that employs device pairing, two‑factor authentication, biometric login, and real-time alerts to thwart unauthorized access.
Experts also pointed to the shift toward remote work as a growing vector for cyber risk. Extending remote capabilities can widen an organization’s exposure if proper security controls are not in place. The security teams at major technology providers oversee protection for billions of users, emphasizing that safeguarding digital ecosystems requires continuous attention and resources.
Industry leaders emphasize that investing in cybersecurity is necessary but not sufficient. It is comparable to obtaining a driver’s license: preparedness and routine practice are essential. Institutions agree that security literacy must be integrated across organizations, not treated as a niche function.
Another speaker highlighted the urgency of safeguarding younger generations who frequently encounter scams online. Even though the elderly have traditionally faced fewer digital risks, scams have demonstrated that all age groups can fall prey to social engineering and fraud schemes. The message is clear: if fraudulent activity goes unreported, the crime remains unaddressed and the perpetrators continue to operate with impunity.
Recent fraud trends include coordinated efforts that blend new technologies with familiar phishing channels. Customers may receive messages or calls claiming to be bank representatives and prompting them to reveal credentials or install bogus software. The pattern typically starts with alerts about an account issue and directs victims to a counterfeit site or to disclose sensitive data by phone. The goal is to capture access credentials and financial information before securing a laundered windfall.
There is a growing call for greater transparency around data purchases and handling. An international case involving a major technology platform highlighted the consequences of security failures that exposed hundreds of millions of user records. The incident underscored how data breaches can ripple across services and markets, affecting users worldwide and triggering regulatory scrutiny.
Labor Market Gap
Analysts emphasize a pronounced demand for cybersecurity professionals. Industry reports suggest demand far outstrips supply, with some estimates indicating tenfold hiring needs compared with current announcements. Countries have responded by easing visa restrictions to attract skilled experts, while salaries in the sector reach high levels in many regions. In several tech hubs, organizations report large teams dedicated to security operations, illustrating the scale of investment the field now commands.
The interest in cybersecurity has spilled into education and training programs globally. Some regions are expanding curricula to cover security fundamentals, while others emphasize hands-on, practical mastery. Many of the leading security professionals began their journeys as self-taught practitioners who later formalized their expertise, underscoring the value of real-world experience in this evolving field. A notable trend is that many security leaders previously worked as hackers, now channeling that knowledge into defense and prevention.