Title: The 5 Key Cybersecurity Threats That Will Affect Businesses in the Canary Islands in 2025

Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction:

The vibrant and increasingly digitized business fabric of the Canary Islands faces an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. In 2025, technological dependence is greater than ever, from tourist reservation management to local online commerce and internal administration. However, this digitization brings with it significant risks. Ignoring cybersecurity is no longer an option; it is a strategic necessity for survival and growth. This article identifies the top 5 cyber threats that Canary Islands companies must actively monitor and combat this year.

Canarian context:

Although detailed statistics by autonomous community may be scarce, national reports such as those from the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) show an upward trend in incidents targeting SMEs throughout Spain. The Canary Islands, with their heavy reliance on the service sector (especially tourism) and a large proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises, have some unique characteristics: the massive management of customer data (crucial GDPR compliance), high staff turnover in certain sectors that can affect security awareness, and the need to operate online continuously make them an attractive target.

The Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats for Canary Islands Businesses in 2025:

1. Ransomware  Dirigido y de Doble Extorsión:
   • What it is: Malicious software that encrypts a company’s files, demanding a ransom to recover them. “Double extortion” adds the threat of leaking the stolen data if the ransom is not paid.
   • Impact on the Canary Islands: For a hotel company, travel agency, or retailer, a ransomware attack can mean a total shutdown of operations (reservations, sales, management), loss of reputation, and significant financial losses. The threat of customer data leaks adds a devastating legal and trust risk. National statistics indicate that ransomware remains one of the most lucrative threats for cybercriminals.
   • Local Recommendation: Maintaining robust, up-to-date backups that are disconnected from the main network is vital. Segmenting networks can limit damage.
2. Sophisticated Phishing and Social Engineering:
   • What it is: Attempts to deceive employees (via email, text message, or phone call) into revealing credentials, bank details, or downloading malware. These attempts are becoming increasingly personalized and believable.
   • Impact on the Canary Islands: Attackers can pose as local suppliers, well-known banks on the islands, or even simulate urgent internal communications. A single wrong click by an employee can compromise the entire network. The tourism sector is particularly vulnerable to scams involving fake reservations or payments.
   • Local Recommendation: Ongoing training and phishing drills for all staff, from reception to management. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
3. Data Breaches and GDPR Violations:
   
   • What it is: Unauthorized access or leakage of sensitive information (personal data of customers, employees, financial information, trade secrets).
   • Impact on the Canary Islands: Given the concentration of tourism and service companies that handle large volumes of personal data (names, ID numbers, credit cards), the risk is extremely high. Penalties for non-compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can be very high, in addition to irreparable damage to the company’s image.
   • Local Recommendation: Conduct data protection audits, minimize data collection to the minimum necessary, encrypt sensitive information, and strictly control access.
4. Attacks on the Digital Supply Chain:
   
   • What it is: Commitment to a company’s security through an external provider or technology partner (management software, online booking platforms, cloud services).
   • Impact on the Canary Islands: Many Canarian companies rely on third-party software and platforms to operate. If one of these providers is compromised, attackers can use that access to infiltrate their customers’ networks. Trust in technology providers must be accompanied by verification of their security practices.
   • Local Recommendation: Assess the security of critical suppliers. Require contractual clauses on security and breach notification. Limit permissions granted to third-party software.
5. Hidden Malware and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs):
   
   • What it is: Malicious software (Trojans, spyware, keyloggers) designed to remain hidden in systems for long periods of time, stealing information discreetly or waiting for the right moment to act. APTs are more complex and targeted attacks, often with specific objectives.
   • Impact on the Canary Islands: Although APTs tend to target large corporations, stealthy malware tactics affect companies of all sizes. They can steal online banking credentials, spy on communications, or lay the groundwork for a larger attack such as ransomware.
   • Local Recommendation: Use advanced endpoint security solutions (EDR/XDR), keep all software up to date (security patches), and monitor the network for anomalous activity.
6. Conclusion and Next Steps:

Cybersecurity in 2025 is not an expense, but an essential investment for any company in the Canary Islands. The risks are real and the consequences can be devastating. It is essential to take a proactive stance:

• Awareness and Training: The weakest link is often the human factor. Train your staff regularly.
• Technical Measures: Implement strong passwords, MFA, backups, regular updates, and reliable security solutions.
• Planning: Have an incident response plan in place. What to do if you suffer an attack?
• Professional Advice: If you do not have in-house experts, consider hiring managed cybersecurity services or consulting with specialists.

Protecting your digital business means protecting your future in the dynamic business environment of the Canary Islands. Act now!

Pablo Peón Cuartas