Mar López Gil, a Málaga native and expert in information security, has been a key figure in strengthening cybersecurity in Spain. After nine years in the National Security department of the government, where she held various roles, she became the first head of the Cybersecurity and Anti-Disinformation Office in 2019. A significant milestone during her tenure was the approval of the National Cybersecurity Plan in 2022, which aims to enhance cyber vigilance and ensure efficient responses to incidents.
Additionally, López Gil serves as the vice president of W4C Spain, an association promoting gender equality in the cybersecurity sector. After returning to Málaga in 2021, she joined Accenture, and since July 2023, she has held the position of executive director of Sofistic, a unit within the company Cuatroochenta focused on cybersecurity.
In a recent interview, López Gil emphasized the importance of being aware of the dangers of cyberspace. Despite advancements in awareness, many citizens still do not fully understand the risks associated with their digital footprint. She highlighted that although progress has been made, there remains a need for greater education on how to protect oneself online and how cybersecurity can provide protection.
Cybercriminals constantly use stolen information to commit fraud, identity theft, and targeted attacks like phishing. Therefore, López Gil underscores the importance of having strong and unique passwords, recommending the use of password managers and the implementation of two-factor authentication.
In the event of becoming a victim of cybercrime, she advises individuals to report the incident as the first step. In Spain, organizations like the National Cybersecurity Institute (Incibe) are available to support victims.
López Gil also pointed out that cybersecurity is not limited to the individual domain, as both companies and governments face significant challenges. In collaboration with organizations like NATO, states are working to improve the cybersecurity of critical infrastructures. Spain has developed a strategic roadmap that includes significant investments to strengthen its capabilities in this area.
Finally, López Gil emphasized that the main objective of cybersecurity is to prevent, detect, respond to, and ensure a swift and effective recovery from incidents, a challenge that continues to present complexity in an increasingly digitalized world.
via: MiMub in Spanish
