The collaboration involves threat intelligence sharing, secure use of cloud services, and specialized training aligned with the National Security Scheme (ENS).
In a context of increasing cyber threats and accelerated digitalization within the public sector, the National Cryptologic Center (CCN), under the National Intelligence Center (CNI), has signed a new cooperation agreement with Microsoft Spain to strengthen the protection of public digital systems in Spain. The focus of this partnership will be on the application of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, under the framework of the recently announced Microsoft European Security Program.
The purpose of this alliance is to enhance the digital resilience of the Spanish public sector against complex threats, improve incident response capabilities, and promote secure adoption of cloud services through a shared security approach.
Critical infrastructure and SOCs under scrutiny
One of the agreement’s priorities is to reinforce the National Cybersecurity Operations Centers Network (SOCs), which oversee critical infrastructure, government systems, and public agencies. The deal will enable threat intelligence sharing, pilot testing with ENS-certified cloud technologies, and deployment of advanced detection and response tools.
The collaboration also includes the joint development and maintenance of technical guidelines for the secure use of cloud services, in line with the standards of the STIC Product and Service Catalog (CPSTIC). This will accelerate the adoption of secure technological solutions, reducing regulatory barriers without compromising technological sovereignty.
“Our commitment is to ensure that public administrations have access to the most advanced technology without sacrificing security, data control, or digital sovereignty,” said Paco Salcedo, President of Microsoft Spain.
AI as a digital shield
Central to the agreement is the use of artificial intelligence as a key tool to detect, disrupt, and respond to sophisticated cyberattacks. Microsoft will assist in developing specialized training materials focused on technical professionals in the public sector, covering areas such as cyber defense, secure cloud, and AI applied to security.
Over 170 Microsoft cloud and AI services are ENS-certified, facilitating their use in both training and operational deployments. Additionally, the agreement promotes increased exchange of threat intelligence based on AI, in coordination with CCN teams.
“This type of public-private collaboration is essential to increase national resilience in cybersecurity, especially in a context where artificial intelligence can serve both as a threat and a defense,” stated Esperanza Casteleiro, Secretary of State and Director of the CNI and CCN.
Advancing European digital sovereignty
This agreement expands the existing cooperation between the entities, which is currently operational through Microsoft’s international Government Security Program (GSP). The new European program now incorporates key components such as strengthening secure infrastructures, strategic alliances to disrupt criminal networks, and deploying cloud environments compliant with European regulations.
The agreement also emphasizes the commitment to sovereign solutions that align with the EU’s goals for digital autonomy, cyber resilience, and the protection of public data. According to the CCN, this initiative is crucial for ensuring operational continuity and safeguarding Spain’s institutional cyberspace.
Source: Security News