Cyber security scare ahead of Spain’s local, regional and European elections

SPAIN’S National Security Department is said to be creating a special unit to identify false information and cyber threats ahead of the country’s elections in April and May.

According to Spanish media, the department is concerned about the potential for a campaign of ‘fake news’ from Russia’s intelligence services ahead of the Spanish general election on April 28, and the local, regional and European elections on May 26.

The National Encryption Centre is reportedly working with the government to monitor the internet and help collect and process data before removing false information.  According to a Eurobarometer study, 80 per cent of Spaniards are concerned about the threat of fake news and its potential to harm democracy.