Safer Internet Day: encouraging the safe and responsible use of digital technology
10/02/2026
The second Tuesday in February is Safer Internet Day, an international initiative designed to encourage safe, responsible and positive use of technology.
Almost everyone in Spain uses the internet. According to the National Statistics Institute, more than 94% of 16 to 74-year-olds used the internet in the three months before the latest survey and over 55% bought something online. This same trend can be seen in how financial services are used, as transactions are increasingly being conducted on digital platforms.
Against this backdrop, the “Protect yourself against fraud” section of the Bank Customer Portal highlights how important it is for people to understand the risks of using the internet and to take basic security steps, especially when handling personal information or using online banking. Digital security is essential to making sure that your interactions with banks are conducted reliably and transparently.
As set out in this section, the most common threats include:
- Phishing and smishing: attempts to impersonate a bank to get passwords or account details
- Malware and fraudulent links: designed to compromise the security of your devices
- Identity theft and financial fraud: increasingly common in-app and online.
Digital banking has put advanced measures in place to reduce these risks, such as the enhanced authentication required under the Revised Payment Service Directive (PSD2), which calls for a combination of verification factors to confirm a user’s identity.
Here are a few tips to help you browse safely:
- Always check where messages are coming from
Be suspicious of any emails or messages asking for personal data or passwords. Your bank will never ask you for your login details via email or social media.
- Protect your passwords and update them regularly
Use strong combinations and activate multi-factor authentication whenever possible. This enhanced authentication in electronic payments increases security by requiring you to robustly verify your identity.
- Keep your devices up to date
Regular updates, antivirus tools and secure connections help prevent unauthorised access.
- Use official sources
Public bodies such as Spain’s National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) offer training materials, simulations and tips to improve digital and financial security.
The Banco de España also uses its financial education initiatives to provide members of the public with clear and accessible information on the risks and opportunities of digitalisation, helping to boost their online security skills and encouraging them to make well-informed decisions.
