In an era of evolving digital complexity and rising geopolitical tensions, digital security and technological sovereignty have moved to the forefront of the policy agenda.
“Security is the foundation on which everything is built […] It is the precondition for maintaining our values, as well as being a necessity for our economic success and competitiveness”.
Adviser Niinistö Report on the Preparedness and Readiness of the EU – October 2024
The recent Franco-German summit on European digital sovereignty took place last week. Discussions focused primarily on strengthening Europe’s digital autonomy, particularly by reducing reliance on non-EU technology providers and reinforcing innovation. Issues of technological sovereignty, security, defence, and resilience featured prominently throughout the meeting.
And amidst unprecedented cyber threats and a complex regulatory landscape, the need for a technological and strategic partner has never been more critical. At Telefónica, we believe that digital security is not merely a business imperative – it is a fundamental pillar of society, a shared responsibility and a key driver of innovation.
As a global telecommunications leader, our role extends far beyond providing connectivity. Our secure network and advanced cybersecurity capabilities, placed at the service of third parties to protect their services, position us at the very heart of this challenge.
This document is our contribution to that critical conversation. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the current security landscape and presents clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers. It is our hope that this paper serves as a catalyst for a more secure, innovative, and trusted world, one built on a foundation of shared responsibility and collaboration.
The growing concern over digital security defines today’s digital landscape
The World Economic Forum identifies cyber insecurity (misinformation, disinformation, cyber espionage and warfare) as top 10 global risks. The world faces a new reality of growing risks and uncertainty, making preparedness more urgent than ever.
According to the ENISA Threat Landscape 2025 report, in Europe Public Administration remains the most targeted sector, accounting for 38.2% of all cyber incidents. It is followed by Transport (7.5%), Digital Infrastructure and Services (4.8%), Finance (4.5%), and Manufacturing (2.9%).
In an environment characterised by increasing technological complexity, Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a defining element of the threat landscape, moving far beyond simple augmentation to accelerate cycles of offensive innovation.
The data is stark: by early 2025, AI-supported phishing campaigns reportedly represented more than 80 percent of observed social engineering activity worldwide. And the first large-scale AI-driven cyberattack, attributed to GTG-1002 (the name Anthropic assigns to this threat group), offers another illustrative example. This underscores the need for a prompt and strategic response.
Improving resilience entails overcoming geopolitical, technological, policy and economic challenges
In today’s context, building resilience requires confronting a range of critical challenges: from geopolitical tensions and transnational crime that complicate the fight against cyber-crime, to the rapid emergence of new technologies, the difficulty of funding cybersecurity investments, and a fragmented, highly complex regulatory landscape.
A strategic partner committed to digital resilience and trust
The telecoms sector, and Telefónica, as a trusted and innovative partner, plays a pivotal cross-cutting role in securing a broad spectrum of sectors well beyond its own infrastructure. Drawing on its experience, skilled workforce, extensive partner ecosystem, and robust operational capabilities, Telefónica not only protects its own networks but also strengthens the resilience of society at large, including businesses and public administrations
In an environment of growing complexity and an increasingly demanding regulatory framework, Telefónica serves as a strategic technology partner. Beyond our strong operational capabilities, we lead innovation through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum-safe encryption.
Strategic security ambitions must be supported by an enabling environment
Regulatory complexity and a persistent funding gap risk are undermining the very resilience we aim to build. A sustainable telecoms sector, a strategic partner, and a streamlined, well-funded framework are essential for achieving security, resilience and sovereignty.
Telefónica, with its decades of experience in securing and managing vast digital infrastructure and services, is uniquely positioned as a technological strategic partner to help governments, businesses, and society build resilience.
From a public policy perspective, to improve digital security, increase the resilience of society and businesses, and reduce dependencies, it is essential to:
- Ensure a robust and sustainable telecommunications sector, supported by trusted operators who act as strategic technology partners at the regional level.
- Boost investment in security, resilience and dual-use technologies through a combination of public funding, specific tax incentives and the strategic use of public procurement.
- Implement a simplified, proportionate, internationally aligned and consistent, risk-based regulatory and security standards framework, developed in close collaboration with the private sector.
- Encourage the development of skills in technology and cybersecurity, while promoting greater awareness of digital security and fraud prevention to foster a more resilient digital society.
- Improve coordination on cyber intelligence, defence, deterrence and the fight against cybercrime, ensuring greater resources and closer cooperation.
Telefónica is leading the way towards a more secure digital future, with strategic vision, social commitment and technological and operational capabilities.
