The digital transformation has brought significant advantages across nearly every sector: remote work, one-click shopping, cloud-based collaborative work, data storage and analysis, among others. Looking back, many of our daily actions or protocols within companies and industries have been transformed and digitized in recent years.
However, these opportunities have also generated major challenges in terms of security and cybersecurity. From access to inappropriate content to fraud and scams, including data theft, the digital environment multiplies risks. Moreover, this field is continuously growing and expanding, as technological advancements never cease, bringing forth new areas where it’s necessary to implement tools that ensure operational security.
According to S21sec’s semi-annual report, the Threat Landscape Report, Spain was the eighth most attacked country by cybercriminals in 2023. This underscores the need for technological competency training among the general population.
Real cases documented by the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) highlight that no one is beyond the reach of these cybercriminals, with campaigns targeting businesses, children, the elderly, and any internet user.
Therefore, the importance of protecting the data we operate with online and the integrity of all users who could be victims of these types of crimes has been proven. The need to implement this type of technology in homes, companies, and industries creates business opportunities in the sector for startups and is reflected in the increase of companies developing these applications. According to data from the Valencian Community Startup Observatory, created by Startup Valencia, cybersecurity was ranked fifth in the list of new startups created in 2023 in their classification by technologies. Last year, cybersecurity startups grew by 6.67%.
As examples of the solutions being developed in the innovative and technological ecosystem of Valencia, we can highlight some Valencian startups such as Barbara, the Edge AI platform that improves operational efficiency and minimizes financial and reputational risks with enhanced cybersecurity in Edge Computing; Secture, which offers software services, digital security, and technical scalability; or Minteandome, a technological infrastructure solution focused on startups and business models, enabling the creation, management, and deployment of digital assets.
We also find Internxt, a cloud service creating tools for a safer, more private internet that respects its users, and Datamaran, which has developed a SaaS that automates processes to identify and monitor external risks and opportunities linked to ESG issues. Also noteworthy is Trustworks, providing technology to privacy teams, powered by a community of human privacy experts.
In conclusion, the current digital landscape, characterized by constant evolution and growing dependence on advanced technologies, underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity. It’s not just about protecting digital assets, but ensuring a future where innovation and security go hand in hand. The initiatives and companies mentioned, from Barbara to QueryLayer, illustrate the sector’s dynamism and adaptability to emerging challenges, proving that investment in cybersecurity is not just a defensive measure but a fundamental pillar for sustainable growth in the digital era.
As we move towards an increasingly connected world, the responsibility to protect our digital infrastructure lies with both individuals and organizations, making cybersecurity not just an indispensable tool, but a collective commitment to a safe and resilient digital ecosystem.
