Research consultancy

Cybersecurity in the Spanish National Security Framework: An Analysis of Strategic Developments and Geopolitical Implications

1. Background to the Study

Cybersecurity has emerged as a central pillar of national security in an increasingly digitized and interconnected world. Spain, recognizing the growing threat of cyber attacks and the strategic importance of cyberspace, incorporated cyber threats into its 2011 National Security Strategy and subsequently established its first National Cybersecurity Strategy in 2013. The strategy was anticipated by the 2012 National Defence Directive and marked a significant shift in Spanish defense policy (Cendoya, 2016).

Spain’s approach to cybersecurity has since evolved, with the 2017 National Security Strategy officially classifying cyberspace as a critical and vulnerable global domain alongside maritime, air, and outer space. The strategy identifies various cyber threats—ranging from data theft and infrastructure sabotage to disinformation campaigns and terrorism—as serious concerns requiring a coordinated national response (Presidency of the Government, 2017).

Spain holds a high global cybersecurity ranking, placing 7th worldwide and 5th in Europe according to the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index, with an impressive CGI score of 0.896 (ITU, 2019). Spain’s position is strengthened by its robust legal and organizational cybersecurity frameworks and its active membership in international bodies such as the Freedom Online Coalition.

Geographically, Spain’s strategic location connecting Europe, North Africa, and the Atlantic makes it a vital hub in global communications. It possesses significant physical infrastructure, including undersea and terrestrial fiber-optic cables, that supports internet connectivity and national digital security. However, the private ownership of much of this infrastructure presents complex sovereignty challenges, particularly concerning critical assets such as the MAREA transatlantic cable and others managed by international corporations.

2. Problem Statement

Despite significant advances in Spain’s cybersecurity policies, several challenges persist. These include:

Increasing dependency on privately-owned infrastructure for national connectivity and security;
Growing geopolitical vulnerabilities due to Spain’s strategic location and the global nature of cyber threats;
The evolving nature of cyber-attacks targeting democratic processes, critical infrastructure, and emerging technologies such as 5G;
Limited academic analysis of how Spain’s cybersecurity strategies integrate geopolitical, technological, and legal considerations.

This study aims to bridge that gap by critically analyzing the evolution of Spain’s national cybersecurity framework within the broader context of national and global security.

3. Objectives of the Study

General Objective:
To examine the role of cybersecurity within the Spanish national security framework and assess how Spain addresses associated geopolitical and infrastructural vulnerabilities.

Specific Objectives:

To analyze the evolution and components of Spain’s National Cybersecurity Strategy from 2013 to 2019.
To assess Spain’s performance and standing in global cybersecurity rankings and frameworks.
To examine the implications of private ownership of critical communication infrastructure on Spain’s strategic autonomy.
To evaluate Spain’s preparedness to address emerging threats such as disinformation, electoral interference, and 5G vulnerabilities.

4. Research Questions

How has Spain’s cybersecurity strategy evolved over the past decade?
What role does geography and infrastructure play in shaping Spain’s cyber defense posture?
How does Spain’s cybersecurity governance structure compare to global standards?
What are the implications of private sector involvement in critical infrastructure on national cybersecurity?
How does Spain address emerging cyber threats such as those targeting elections and 5G networks?

5. Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons:

Academic Contribution: It will contribute to cybersecurity policy literature by analyzing a European case study with global implications.
Policy Relevance: The findings may inform policymakers in Spain and beyond on effective cybersecurity governance and strategic planning.
Geostrategic Insights: By highlighting the intersection between cyber infrastructure and geopolitics, the study provides a deeper understanding of sovereignty in the digital age.
Public Awareness: It enhances public discourse on cybersecurity, infrastructure ownership, and national digital resilience.

6. Methodology

This research will adopt a qualitative, descriptive, and analytical approach, using the following methods:

Document Analysis: Review of Spain’s National Security and Cybersecurity Strategies (2011, 2013, 2017, and 2019), legal texts, ITU reports, and publications from the National Cybersecurity Council.
Comparative Analysis: Benchmarking Spain’s cybersecurity policies against other top-ranked nations in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index.
Case Studies: Analysis of specific infrastructure such as the MAREA cable and incidents involving election cybersecurity or 5G policy discussions.
Expert Interviews (if feasible): Conduct semi-structured interviews with policy experts, cybersecurity professionals, and government officials.

7. References

Cendoya, Á. (2016). Cybersecurity and National Security Strategy: Spain’s Evolving Approach.
Carter, B., & Burnett, D. R. (2015). Submarine Cables and the Oceans: Connecting the World.
Departamento de Seguridad Nacional. (2013). Spanish Maritime Security Strategy.
DSN. (2019a–2019c). Reports of the National Cybersecurity Council.
Gobierno de España. (2013). Estrategia de Seguridad Marítima Nacional.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU). (2019). Global Cybersecurity Index.
Presidency of the Government. (2017). Spanish National Security Strategy.
Sheldon, J. (2014). Geopolitics and Cyberpower: Why Geography Still Matters.