Cybersecurity in Spain when buying property

Purchasing property in a foreign country can be an exciting yet complex process. Spain, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and favorable climate, attracts numerous foreign buyers. However, with the increasing reliance on the internet, ensuring cybersecurity during your property purchase is crucial. This article provides advice on safeguarding your financial and personal information and cybersecurity in Spain when buying property.

Cybersecurity in Spain – Understanding the risks

To begin with, it is vital to keep things in context. The vast majority of people buy safely in Spain without experiencing cybersecurity problems. It is important, however, to be aware and to take reasonable steps, just as you would with any important transaction in your own country.

What to watch out for

Phishing scams are one of the most common cybersecurity threats. Do make sure that any professional you use is tried and trusted and comes recommended by someone you know. Occasionally there have been instances where cybercriminals have posed as estate agents or lawyers in order to trick people into divulging sensitive information or making payments to fraudulent accounts. These scams can occur via email, phone calls, or even fake websites – so checkout your professional!

Be cautious about what you download. Malware, or malicious software, can infect devices, and result in the unwanted sharing of personal data, including banking information.  Think twice before you download or install anything of which you aren’t certain of the source. Hackers can then use your personal information to commit fraud – so check it out!

Your choice of professional is crucial. They must also be cyber aware and have the necessary protective systems to ensure that data breaches are prevented. They have your sensitive information – make sure that they have the necessary software to protect it. Companies should comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This regulation governs the processing of personal data within the European Union and protects your personal information.

For Ábaco cybersecurity is of the highest priority and we keep up-to-date with maximum cover and personalized security systems. You can find out more about Ábaco’s Privacy and Data Protection Policy on our website.

What you can do

We have already mentioned how important it is to select the right professionals to help you buy property in Spain. Working with reputable and well-established real estate agents, legal firms, and financial advisors is a must. Do your research, read reviews and ask for recommendations from people who have already bought here. It is common sense, but we all sometimes get carried away with the excitement of making that very special purchase.

Check your own methods of communicating – use encrypted email services and avoid sharing sensitive information over unsecured networks. Check the identity of anyone you are sending sensitive information to and be particularly wary of any unsolicited emails and links.

Always verify payment details before transferring any funds. Double-check bank account numbers and confirm with your agent or lawyer via a phone call or in-person meeting. Avoid making payments based on email instructions alone – apply the same caution as you would when making an important transaction in your own country.

It is important to maintain the security of your own devices too. Check your antivirus software and firewalls and update programmes and systems as advised. Protect your passwords and create strong and unique ones when necessary.  It is good practice to keep a close eye on your bank account and notify your bank promptly of any unauthorized transactions.

Cybersecurity in Spain – Buy safely

The advice we have given here doesn’t only apply to cybersecurity in Spain when buying property. Your banking transactions and day-to-day communications can be a target in any country and for any purpose. Our tips and advice should help you safeguard your information without losing sleep! A reasonable level of vigilance and awareness is what’s needed along with using trusted professionals to make sure that your property purchase is carried out smoothly and securely.