The National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) is in the process of establishing a laboratory in Malaga dedicated to 5G technologies and the development of cybersecurity. This initiative marks a significant advancement for the cybersecurity industry in the region and will be open to companies and academic researchers.
While the specific location for the 5G technology lab has not yet been finalized, potential options include El Rayo Verde, a building shared between Malaga TechPark and the University of Malaga. Felipe Romera, the general manager of this technopolis, has generously offered a space of approximately 300 square metres in El Rayo Verde for INCIBE to set up the lab.
INCIBE’s Malaga office will be part of INCIBE-Lab, a series of labs planned for four cities across Spain: León, Vizcaya, Madrid, and Malaga. The necessary equipment and services for this initiative have been contracted to Telefónica for a total value close to 9.3 million euros. Additionally, a contract for the provision of specialised support services for the maintenance and operation of these facilities has been put out to tender, with one lot specifically dedicated to Malaga.
The establishment of these labs is in line with INCIBE’s 2023-2025 Multiannual Strategic Plan, which aims to support the creation of cybersecurity ecosystems and promote the implementation of national demonstration centres for research, innovation, and experimentation. The focus will be on researching cybersecurity and threats related to 5G networks, industrial control systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence.
The lab will serve as a controlled environment for experts and researchers to simulate and analyse cyber threats, as well as develop and validate tools and strategies to protect digital infrastructure. Collaboration between academia, industry, and government entities will be crucial, and the University of Malaga’s research groups dedicated to cybersecurity and 5G technology are expected to play a significant role in this initiative.
The necessity for a lab specifically dedicated to 5G technology arises from the anticipated large-scale deployment of 5G networks in Spain, as well as the security requirements outlined in the 5G Law. INCIBE-Lab aims to strengthen the industry, promote national activities in cybersecurity related to 5G technologies, and ensure the security of private 5G networks used within an enterprise environment.
In conclusion, the establishment of the 5G technology lab in Malaga will significantly contribute to the advancement of cybersecurity research and innovation in the region, and it will play a crucial role in preparing for the widespread implementation of 5G networks. The collaboration between INCIBE, the University of Malaga, and other stakeholders will create opportunities for knowledge-sharing and the development of best practices in cybersecurity. This initiative will be instrumental in promoting the secure and responsible use of 5G technology in the enterprise environment.