Cybersecurity has become an essential pillar for Spanish companies. With constant evolution regulations – from NIS2 to Dora – and an increasingly sophisticated threats, managers and professionals seek effective solutions that do not stop the growth of their businesses. In this context, the rapid adoption of AI both by organizations and cybercriminals raises new opportunities and risks that demand dynamic responses.
In this interview, Ricardo MatéRegional Vice President of Sofos Iberia, shares their vision on how companies can face the present and future challenges. From the acquisition of Secureworks and the integration of their technologies, to the keys to boost cybercraft in SMEs and large companies, Maté offers a privileged perspective on the current panorama and the trends that will mark the future of cybersecurity.
(MCPRO) Cybersecurity is constantly evolving and the regulations are not far behind. From Sofos, how do you see what Spanish companies are facing these changes? What are your main challenges?
(Ricardo Maté) Spanish companies are advancing in their adaptation to cybersecurity regulations, but there are still challenges. Many fight against complexity and compliance costs, especially SMEs, which often lack dedicated security equipment. Larger companies are usually better prepared, but they face difficulties adapting to changing requirements such as NIS2 and Dora. The key challenge is to balance regulatory demands with operational efficiency, guaranteeing compliance without curbing business growth.
(MCPRO) The acquisition of Secureworks is a great movement for sophos. What led you to take this step and what impact will have on your cybersecurity strategy?
(Ricardo Maté) First, with this acquisition, Sofos becomes the main cybersecurity provider of Detection and Response Services (MDR) that supports more than 28,000 companies of all sizes worldwide.
Sofos also differs by its very mature competences in ransomware detection, malware analysis and techniques of threat actors. These defenses are reinforced by the native artificial intelligence (AI), innovated by our team of recognized world Threats with greater efficacy.
Sofos and Secureworks are two of the most durable and reliable marks in cybersecurity, which defend more than 600,000 companies of all sizes worldwide. With this installed base, the combination of AI, the intelligence of threats and the investigation of attacks, we have one of the richest and diverse telemetries in the world to defeat the attackers.
(McPro) Taegis XDR is one of the star solutions of Secureworks. How do you plan to integrate it into the Sophos ecosystem? What will contribute to current customers?
(Ricardo Maté) Business clients will continue to benefit from the Taegis XDR technology of Secureworks, but with the option of adopting intercept X sophhos for the protection of Endpoints, and even with more telemetry for the more than 600,000 broad and various clients of Sofos that will allow the defenders to react and respond to more threats. The extensive experience in groups of Secureworks threats will also benefit small and medium enterprises, providing stronger detections. Business customers will also continue to receive the services of operations and detection of personalized and high -end threats they need. Sofos intends to innovate and offer these specialized services to all customers, regardless of their size.
(McPro) AI has completely changed the rules of the game in cybersecurity. Sopos is using it to reinforce the defense of companies, but cybercriminals are also taking advantage of it. What trends are you seeing and how are you being ahead of them?
(Ricardo Maté) The AI has revolutionized both cyber attacks and defenses. Cybercriminals use AI for automated phishing, Deepfake scams and adaptive malware, which makes attacks more sophisticated. Sofos counteracts this trend by detecting threats based on AI, Endpoints protection based on automatic learning and automated response systems. By innovating continuously, we anticipate the evolution of threats and offer proactive safety solutions
(MCPRO) The attacks are increasingly sophisticated and automated. What concrete strategies are using cybercriminals with AI and how can companies protect them?
(Ricardo Maté) Cybercriminals take advantage of AI to automate attacks, customize phishing scams and create malware that evades detection. Deepfakes generated by AI and social engineering tactics make scams more convincing than ever. To defend these threats, companies must adopt safety solutions based on AI, implement multifactor authentication and invest in the training in cybersecurity of employees to recognize and prevent attacks.
(MCPRO) Let’s talk about the local business. In Spain, the digital kit has meant a push for the digitalization of SMEs. Are you really helping to improve your safety or are there still much to do?
(Ricardo Maté) The Spain digital kit has helped SMEs improve cybersecurity, financing essential tools such as firewalls and endpoint protection. However, many small companies continue to lack awareness of cybersecurity and formed personnel. Although the initiative is a step in the right direction, continuous education and proactive security strategies are needed to guarantee long -term resilience.
(McPro) The data corroborates that SMEs still make mistakes by investing in cybersecurity. From your experience, which are the most common and how can they avoid them?
(Ricardo Maté) SMEs often underestimate cybersegos, assuming that they are not priority objectives. Many do not apply basic security measures such as multifactor authentication, periodic updates and employee training. Others invest in security tools, but lack adequate integration and supervision. To improve cybersecurity, SMEs must adopt a proactive approach that combines technology, training and continuous risk assessment.
(MCPRO) Looking at the future, it seems clear that 2025 will bring new challenges in cybersecurity. What do you think will be the main threats and what should companies do to be prepared?
(Ricardo Maté) The panorama of cybersecurity is quickly evolving, and the threats and defenses based on AI are becoming a central element of the fight against cybercrime. Zero Trust and identity safety strategies are gaining ground, guaranteeing the continuous verification of access. As companies migrate to the cloud, it is essential to protect the APIs and cloud environments. Meanwhile, ransomware attacks are increasingly selective, which requires greater cybercraft. With increasing regulatory scrutiny, companies must anticipate the evolution of threats continuously updating their security strategies.
(MCPRO) Today, an attack can compromise a company in minutes. Beyond the tools, what measures do you consider essential to strengthen the security of an organization?
(Ricardo Maté) Technology alone is not enough: a solid cybersecurity requires an approach to several levels. Companies must apply Zero Trust security, periodic security audits and have a clear incident response plan. The training of employees remains crucial, since human error is one of the main vulnerabilities. Safe backups and recovery plans in case of catastrophe also guarantee resilience against cyber attacks.
(MCPRO) If you had to give a single advice to a company that wants to improve its cybersecurity, without excuses, what would it be?
(Ricardo Maté) Cybersecurity is not just a matter of you: it is a business priority. Companies must adopt a mentality that gives security priority, guaranteeing that protection measures are integrated at all levels of the company. Investment in Safety Solutions based on AI, continuous supervision and employee training will significantly reduce risks and improve resilience against cyberamenazas.
