The Andalusian city has once again positioned itself on the European cybersecurity map with the celebration of the IV Congress of Cybersecurity in Andalusia. The event, held on April 2 and 3 at the Palace of Fairs and Congresses (FYCMA), brought together more than 3,000 professionals from the technology and healthcare sectors under a slogan as direct as it is compelling: “Cybersecurity: protecting data, saving lives”.
Organized by the Cybersecurity Center of Andalusia (CIAN), the congress focused on one of the most critical and vulnerable sectors: digital healthcare. The program included 23 technical presentations, 9 round tables, 11 practical workshops, and for the first time, activities open to the public.
Healthcare: the frontline against cybercrime
The congress made it clear that hospitals have become prime targets for cybercriminals. Dependent on digital systems and possessing highly sensitive data, healthcare facilities are under scrutiny from ransomware attacks, impersonation, and information theft. Cases such as the 2023 serious incident at the Hospital Clínic in Barcelona served as a stark example of the real impact of these threats: surgical interruptions, massive cancellations, and temporary loss of access to medical records.
According to data presented by INCIBE and CIAN, attacks targeting the healthcare sector have increased by 150% in Europe over the past two years. Spain has reported incidents in healthcare facilities in Valencia, Madrid, and Zaragoza, raising alarms about the urgent need to digitally fortify health infrastructures.
Urgent solutions for a growing challenge
The proposals launched at the congress advocate for a comprehensive and proactive strategy in healthcare cybersecurity. Among the main recommendations are:
- Network segmentation and access control to prevent the spread of attacks.
- Isolated backup copies to ensure rapid recovery.
- Periodic technical audits and simulated attacks.
- Training for healthcare staff as the first line of defense against phishing and digital fraud.
- Clear incident response protocols, especially in ICUs, operating rooms, or laboratories.
Connected medical devices were also under scrutiny. Many of these devices operate with outdated software, making them vulnerable entry points. Experts warned that a failure in a sensor or an infusion pump could have direct clinical consequences.
New infrastructures and regulatory plans
During the opening ceremony, the counselor of the Presidency of the Junta de Andalucía, Antonio Sanz, announced the launch of a cybersecurity laboratory in Málaga, which will focus on testing IoT devices and artificial intelligence solutions before their commercial deployment. This facility will be integrated into the Argos Network and will be open to companies, universities, and research centers.
In parallel, the key role of the new European Cyber Resilience Regulation and the Action Plan for Healthcare Cybersecurity was emphasized, which require member states to review the security of their infrastructures and establish rapid response centers for cyber incidents.
The Andalusian Health Service (SAS) announced an investment of 12 million euros to enhance security measures in all public hospitals, including advanced firewalls and multi-factor authentication to access electronic medical records.
Presentations, workshops, and new paradigms
The event also offered a series of high-level technical presentations. Topics ranged from the analysis of threats in hospitals to cyber intelligence in critical infrastructures, as well as compliance challenges with the NIS2 European Directive.
Particularly striking were the sessions on Zero Trust, offensive security based on AI, and attacks that exploit human errors, such as advanced phishing or social engineering. Real success stories were also presented, such as that of the Virgen del Rocío Hospital, which has fortified its digital environment with pioneering measures.
Málaga, in the race for the National Cybersecurity Center
Taking advantage of the momentum from the congress, Málaga’s mayor, Francisco de la Torre, confirmed that the city will submit its candidacy to host the future National Cybersecurity Center. The proposal is backed by the Junta de Andalucía and is based on the city’s expanding tech ecosystem, along with its ability to attract talent and businesses from the sector.
A congress with a vision for the future
With an exhibition area of over 4,000 square meters, civic activities, intensive networking, and a shared message among institutions and businesses, Málaga is solidifying its position as a strategic player in Europe’s digital defense. Not only as a venue for discussions and strategies but also as a reference point in prevention, training, and innovation in cybersecurity.
The conclusion was unanimous: protecting systems is protecting lives. And in an increasingly interconnected digital era, events like this are essential for building a safer future for all.
Source: cybersecuritynews