"Last November we received recognition for our participation in the professional phase of the National Cyberleague, organised by the Guardia Civil and the US FBI"
The talent of our company's professionals is beyond doubt. One example of this is Raúl Renales, a cybersecurity expert.
First of all, we would like to congratulate you on your recent recognition by the Educa Madrid project. How did this collaboration come about and what does it consist of?
I was contacted to collaborate in an Educa Madrid initiative focused on cybersecurity and I did not hesitate to join because I have always believed that training is one of the best tools to combat cyber-attacks. This initiative seeks to bring cybersecurity closer to the public sector, which represents an excellent opportunity to strengthen security in the Administration. At the end of the first year of the project, they have decided to recognise those of us who have participated. I am especially proud to be part of this group, made up of great professionals and leaders in their respective areas of cybersecurity.
What do you see as the main cybersecurity challenges in the short term?
The near-term cyber security challenges are varied and complex. One of the most prominent is the rise of sophisticated attacks, such as ransomware and targeted attacks, which not only seek to disrupt operations, but also to steal sensitive information, exposing organisations to double extortion tactics. In addition, securing hybrid and remote environments represents a significant challenge, as the dispersion of devices and connections expands the attack surface, requiring the use of advanced monitoring and management tools to ensure security.
Another crucial challenge is the protection of critical infrastructure, with sectors such as energy and health being prime targets for cybercriminals. This is compounded by the growth of IoT devices, many of which lack secure updates and configurations, making them vulnerable points within networks. These threats underline the need to implement robust security strategies tailored to the most sensitive environments.
Finally, the shortage of specialised professionals and the need for high quality training in cyber security represent important barriers to overcome. Organisations face difficulties in finding qualified professionals, while human error continues to be a major cause of incidents. In this context, it is essential to invest in awareness programmes and technologies such as artificial intelligence to optimise threat response. Furthermore, I consider it fundamental to give back the knowledge received, promoting the culture of cybersecurity in society and supporting the new generations of professionals in their first steps.
We've got a tip as it was not the only recognition...
Last November we received recognition for our participation in the professional phase of the National Cyberleague, organised by the Guardia Civil and the US FBI. This competition brings together the best digital crime investigation and analysis teams from 17 countries, pitting them against high-level teams such as the US NCIS or the top police forces of the EU member states. Representing the Guardia Civil Mentoring team, we achieved a creditable third place, behind the Brazilian police and the US NCIS. Such cyber exercises not only strengthen the technological capabilities of participating police forces, but also foster international collaboration in the fight against cybercrime.
I consider it crucial to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, as better preparedness and capacity on their part translates into better protection for all. Therefore, whenever I have had the opportunity to contribute, either through training units such as the UCO of the Guardia Civil or through the creation of training scenarios to simulate cybercrimes, I have enthusiastically accepted. I have sought to provide training tailored to the needs of these teams, ensuring that it was at the level they needed to meet today's cyber security challenges.
Also, you have recently published a book, where can we get hold of it?
A few months ago I published " Análisis forense de incidentes con Drones" (Forensic Analysis of Drone Incidents), a book that combines two of my great passions: cybersecurity and drone piloting, a field in which I have reached instructor/examiner level and I am fully licensed. In anticipation of the future of drones and based on my previous experience in digital forensics, I decided to create a book that would serve as a practical guide to analyse accidents and incidents related to these unmanned systems. The book is designed for cybersecurity professionals, forensic investigators and drone enthusiasts. As these technologies become embedded in critical sectors such as security, logistics and agriculture, the risks associated with technical failure, human error and cyber-attacks are also increasing. Through real cases, specialised tools and advanced techniques, you will learn how to reconstruct the chain of events leading to an incident, retrieve and analyse flight data, and detect key evidence. Legal and regulatory issues are also addressed, along with best practices for preserving the integrity of evidence in investigations.
This book is available here.
What projects are you currently working on at Ineco?
I am currently serving in the Ministry of Justice, working at the Cybersecurity Center as the service manager for the Technical Security Office. This position allows me to collaborate in strategic security initiatives and to guarantee the protection of a critical system such as the judicial system in Spain. It is a dynamic and challenging job, which requires us to be constantly updated on emerging threats and changes in the cyber security landscape.
One of the aspects I value most is the opportunity to work with a team of exceptional professionals who are committed to protecting the country's critical infrastructure. These tasks, although often overlooked, are fundamental to sustaining a system as sensitive as the judiciary, where confidentiality, integrity and availability of information are crucial.
This environment not only constantly challenges us to overcome new barriers, but also encourages innovation and continuous improvement. Every day is an opportunity to learn, share knowledge and contribute to the strengthening of cybersecurity in an area where any failure can have a significant impact on society. Working in this context is, for me, a privilege and a great responsibility that I take on with dedication and enthusiasm.
What would you highlight about the company?
This year marks my fifth anniversary at Ineco and I couldn't be happier with my decision to join this company. I used to work in incident response, a highly dynamic but also unpredictable area, which made it difficult to maintain long-term job stability. When the opportunity arose to join Ineco, I found not only that much desired stability, but also an environment in which my skills were valued and enhanced from the very first moment. Here, I have had the opportunity to grow professionally, take on new challenges and strengthen myself in key areas thanks to the support of the company and my managers. They have always been able to understand me, respect the way I am and provide me with the tools and support I need to move forward. This level of trust and collaboration has been fundamental in my development, not only as a professional, but also as a person.
I am deeply grateful to Ineco for giving me this space to evolve and to my managers for their leadership and closeness. Throughout these five years, I have learned the value of belonging to an organisation that is committed to talent and that fosters a collaborative and enriching work environment. I am excited for what the future may bring and to continue to contribute to the success of this great company.
