Cybersecurity has become a growing concern for small businesses in Spain, especially due to the increase in online threats. According to the GoDaddy 2024 Digitalization Observatory, 24% of small businesses surveyed in Spain have suffered some type of security incident in the last year, indicating that it is not only a potential risk, but a recent reality.
Of companies that have been victims of cyberattacks, 16% report that the incident had a significant impact on their business. Data from the Civil Guard reveal that 57% of SMEs that cease their activity do so because of a cyber attack.
With the growing dependence on digital tools for business management, entrepreneurs are strengthening their cybersecurity measures. The Observatory shows that 88% of small businesses regularly update and patch their systems and software to address vulnerabilities. Furthermore, 79% of entrepreneurs in Spain consider that they have the necessary skills or know who to turn to in the event of a cyber attack.
48% of respondents indicate that the impact on their operations was minimal. These data reflect that, although many entrepreneurs manage to mitigate the consequences, security incidents remain a constant concern for small businesses.
This situation is also observed in other European countries. In Austria, 16% of small businesses have suffered security incidents in the last year, while in Germany the figure is 17%. In Switzerland, the percentage is significantly higher, reaching 52%, underscoring the importance of security for small businesses across Europe.
Only 24% of small businesses in Spain consider that their cybersecurity measures are sufficient
Small businesses that have not yet experienced a cyberattack are also not without concern: 28% fear that an incident could occur at any time and only 24% of respondents feel that their current measures are sufficient to protect their online operations. This finding shows that, although entrepreneurs feel more prepared, uncertainty is still present in an environment where cyber threats continually evolve.
79% of entrepreneurs believe they have the necessary skills or know who to ask for help in the event of a cyber attack on their website
The entrepreneurs surveyed have implemented various security tools to protect themselves from possible attacks: 78% use antivirus as a first line of defense; 45% use spam and content filters to block threats in email; 44% have a personal firewall; 38% regularly back up data; 37% have implemented anti-spam software, and 32% perform regular malware scans. To add an extra layer of protection, 30% of businesses have invested in data encryption using SSL or TLS, ensuring sensitive information and transactions remain secure.
This toolkit reflects small businesses’ growing awareness of digital risks and their commitment to protecting their operations. The adoption of these measures, together with confidence in their abilities to manage cyber attacks, underscores an active stance towards digital security.
A commitment to security that supports customer trust
For entrepreneurs, cybersecurity is not just a defense against potential losses, but a commitment to the trust of their customers and the integrity of their businesses. A data breach can affect much more than a company’s internal systems; It can compromise the trust that customers place in it. Protecting sensitive information, ensuring secure transactions, and ensuring every digital contact is trustworthy is essential to building strong relationships and maintaining customer loyalty in an increasingly digital marketplace.
“Cybersecurity is a priority issue for Spanish entrepreneurs. We find ourselves in a digital environment where prevention is as necessary as the growth of a business itself,” says Rodrigo Pérez, Director of International Marketing at GoDaddy. “At GoDaddy, we support entrepreneurs to manage these risks with the appropriate tools and resources, even if they are not experts in digital security.”
