The expansion of e-commerce, online banking and digital services has triggered a sharp increase in phishing attacks in Spain. This form of digital fraud affects thousands of companies every year, jeopardising not only customer data and financial assets but also corporate reputation and legal liability.
Phishing has evolved into one of the most significant cyber threats for businesses operating in Spain, particularly those handling personal data, financial transactions or sensitive communications.
What is phishing, and how does it affect businesses?
Phishing is a form of digital fraud based on identity impersonation. Cybercriminals pose as legitimate entities—such as banks, suppliers, public authorities, or even internal departments or senior executives—to trick employees or customers into disclosing confidential information, passwords or financial credentials.
Attackers use multiple channels, including:
- Fraudulent emails (email phishing)
- SMS messages (smishing)
- Phone calls (vishing)
- Malicious links or fake websites.
Once access is obtained, attackers may compromise bank accounts, internal systems or critical corporate infrastructure.
Spain ranks among the European countries most affected by electronic fraud, and financial losses linked to phishing continue to rise. Beyond economic damage, these attacks undermine customer trust and expose companies to regulatory scrutiny and legal claims.
Anti-phishing protocols for businesses: technical and organisational measures
Preventing phishing—especially in the financial, technology and digital services sectors—requires a comprehensive anti-phishing strategy that combines cybersecurity, employee awareness and regulatory compliance. Key measures include:
Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Applying enhanced authentication mechanisms across corporate systems and payment platforms is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorised access. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires two or more verification methods, significantly reducing the risk of account compromise and fraud.
Securing and monitoring corporate domains
Implementing email security protocols such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC helps prevent email spoofing, ensuring that only authorised servers can send emails on behalf of the company, reducing the risk of impersonation attacks.
Employee training and awareness programmes
Human error remains the weakest link in cybersecurity: over 90% of cyberattacks begin with a simple mistake. Regular training to employees and executives on how to identify suspicious emails, phone calls or links is essential to minimise exposure to phishing attacks.
Establishing an internal incident response protocol
A clear response plan enables rapid action during the first critical hours following an attack. This protocol should include:
- Incident documentation,
- Internal communication to prevent further spread,
- Notification to the Spanish Data Protection Authority (AEPD) where personal data has been compromised.
Reviewing contracts with technology providers and telecom operators
Companies should carefully review security and liability clauses in agreements with IT providers, financial institutions and telecommunications operators. These contracts should confirm compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Spain’s General Telecommunications Act (Law 11/2022), thereby providing a robust legal framework in the event of phishing incidents or cyberattacks.
Legal prevention as a shield against digital fraud
From a legal perspective, failure to address foreseeable cybersecurity risks may result in corporate liability.
Companies have a legal duty to protect personal data and electronic communications. Breaches caused by insufficient safeguards may lead to violations of data protection and consumer protection laws.
Spanish courts and the AEPD have adopted an increasingly strict interpretation: organisations that manage sensitive information or communication channels must demonstrate proactive, diligent cybersecurity practices.
Legal prevention not only helps avoid regulatory sanctions and litigation, but also strengthens corporate reputation and builds trust among clients, business partners and investors.
Conclusion: phishing is not just a technical issue
Corporate phishing is a cross-cutting threat that impacts reputation, customer confidence and financial stability. In a digital ecosystem where responsibility is increasingly shared among banks, technology providers and service operators, combining legal and technical prevention measures becomes a true competitive advantage.
Implementing a robust anti-phishing framework protects businesses against fraud while demonstrating a clear commitment to security, transparency and digital trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
If personal data has been compromised, the company must notify the AEPD within 72 hours in accordance with the GDPR. It must also document the incident and reinforce security measures.
Sanctions may include administrative fines under the GDPR or Law 11/2022, as well as civil claims from affected customers or employees.
Cybersecurity awareness programmes significantly reduce successful attacks by teaching staff how to identify fraudulent emails, links and phone calls.
By implementing SPF, DKIM and DMARC policies on the company’s email domain, preventing third parties from sending spoofed emails.
Act immediately: isolate affected systems, reset credentials, notify the AEPD if data has been breached, and inform clients to limit reputational and financial damage.
Yes. Cybersecurity-focused legal advisors can review contracts, design internal policies and establish legal response protocols to reduce corporate liability.
Is your company prepared to respond to a phishing attack?
