On the occasion of International Computer Security Day we had the pleasure of meeting with specialist Jorge Rey, the Commercial Security Manager of Colt, one of the most important network service providers in the world. Stay with us, as we have explained to Jorge Rey some of the most common issues in the complex world of computer security, and he has been kind enough to collaborate with our doubts through a clear language capable of reaching everyone. So We invite you to read our interview with Jorge Rey and, by the way, become aware of the dangers of the internet world.
Do you think that Spanish society is prepared and formed in terms of
cybersecurity?
Do you think that both the youngest and the oldest (excluding ages
intermediate) are aware of the relevance of being constantly
connected to the network? Do you know the risks involved in using your smartphone?
The dependence of young people on the internet is total. They have digital textbooks or portals
education in schools, collaboration tools in the cloud to do work in
group, they search for content on the internet, they are users of network games, they watch streaming movies,
they communicate through social networks ... Undoubtedly, intensive exposure carries risks,
but they also receive more training than we did.
On the contrary, the level of awareness of the elderly is very low. They expect
services they use are safe, they do not understand that they should take precautions and from
companies like Colt, with the services we offer in terms of cybersecurity
We have the responsibility to carry out this pedagogical and awareness-raising work on the
risks involved in using the smartphone.
SMEs have a challenge to face in Spain at the connectivity level, where they
they are advised by the services of Telefónica and other providers, many times
deficient in the protection of integrated servers. Do you see a solution to the
economic barrier of implementing cybersecurity in an SME?
A priori, SMEs can access and have a reasonable level of security without doing
a large outlay, since many of the security measures are based on a scheme
organizational, have no associated costs and their implementation only requires discipline. There are
resources, such as the Security Policies Program offered by INCIBE, that any
company can use for free.
Thanks precisely to communication operators and service providers
In the cloud, SMBs can take advantage of other security measures that are already in place
implemented in the services they consume (encryption of communications, firewall
virtual, backups, access control, authentication, two-factor authentication ... by
name a few) at very affordable prices.
Of course, having the advice of a cybersecurity expert who analyzes the
risks and that helps to identify the most appropriate security measures is the most
recommendable. It is a good investment for those who can afford it.
Now more and more products implement the so-called IoT, are we
prepared for the risk this entails? Are devices safe
"Intelligent" that increasingly live in our home?
IoT devices, like any computer system, are vulnerable and must be
properly managed. The scenario is complicated if the manufacturer of that device does not
offers security patches, if the user does not change the default password, if not
set up properly ... They may seem harmless, but have been used to
commit major denial-of-service attacks, and on other occasions have involved
a serious risk to the security and privacy of individuals and organizations.
Do you consider the Spanish market behind others in terms of cybersecurity and
education in internet safety?
In Spain there is a lot of talent and we also have solvent companies that stand out
in the consulting and cybersecurity sector. Our country is also recognized
also as one of the most committed and sensitized with cybersecurity, both
within the European Union and globally.
In relation to the above, is there room for improvement? How much?
There is always room for improvement. Every euro that is invested in education and measures of
security means fewer incidents are generated, less economic losses and reverses
positively in productivity.