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Why securing consumer data has become a critical business priority in 2026, ETCISO
Every digital interaction leaves a trail. Every click, transaction, and conversation generates information that can reveal preferences, behaviors, and patterns. For businesses, this data is invaluable, a guiding strategy that drives innovation and shapes customer engagement. But, with this opportunity comes responsibility. Cyberattacks are increasing in scale and sophistication, exploiting even the smallest of vulnerabilities. In India, the cost of a data breach was 13% higher in 2025 than the previous year, at the organization level, reaching a record $2.4 million (INR 220 million). And now, consumers expect transparency and control over their personal information. The new Digital Personal Data Protection Rules give these expectations legal backing. Organizations now must implement robust governance and data handling measures to extract value from data while keeping it secure. Effective data practices require structured oversight and proactive strategies to manage emerging threats across critical systems.
Operational Resilience Hinges on Strong Data Governance
Data mismanagement can pose serious risks, particularly in sectors that handle critical financial information. Last year, over 248 confirmed data breaches were reported across scheduled commercial banks, alongside a 15% increase in cyberattacks targeting the financial sector. These numbers reflect the growing sophistication of threats and the urgent need for proactive protection. Organizations that integrate privacy into daily operations are better prepared to respond when risks arise. Continuous monitoring of information flows, clear classification protocols, and ongoing employee training reduce human error and strengthen operational continuity. Strong governance helps companies anticipate potential breaches, maintain uninterrupted services, and make confident decisions under pressure. When data is handled responsibly, operational stability improves, and businesses can safeguard assets while meeting customer expectations effectively.Consumer Trust Is a Strategic Imperative
Trust is now a decisive factor in how people engage with digital services. Recent studies show that 85% of consumers actively take steps to protect their personal information, signaling that secure data practices are no longer optional but central to maintaining confidence and operational stability. Due to this growing awareness and changing expectations, about 72% of Indian organizations are increasing spending on cyber risk and data management. When businesses embed privacy into processes, communication, and service design, they reduce friction, build loyalty, and strengthen relationships. Customers are more willing to share information for personalized experiences when trust is evident. Prioritizing trust enables organizations to engage meaningfully, protect their reputation, and create sustainable, long-term advantage in a data-driven world.Privacy Enables Responsible Innovation and Growth
A new generation of digital capabilities is influencing how organizations develop products, protect systems, and enhance services. Recent insights show that 47% of Indian companies plan to prioritize agentic AI capabilities over the next 12 months, demonstrating that businesses see intelligent automation as central to strengthening security and operational effectiveness. They are increasingly deploying agentic AI to identify threats, guide decisions, and respond more quickly, enabling innovation while keeping sensitive information secure. When companies design these tools with strong privacy and governance principles at the core, they can leverage advanced analytics and adaptive systems confidently without exposing sensitive information. This responsible approach allows innovation with cutting‑edge capabilities while maintaining integrity and trust. In this way, secure innovation becomes a pathway to sustainable growth rather than a source of added risk.
Looking Ahead
Data protection is now a key factor for business success in an increasingly data-dependent digital world. Organizations that make privacy a strategic priority can stay ahead of emerging threats, strengthen stakeholder confidence, and unlock new growth opportunities. Secure practices and robust governance allow companies to adopt advanced technologies, including analytics and agentic AI, with confidence. When privacy and security are embedded into operations, decision-making, and innovation, businesses can navigate change effectively, build enduring trust, and generate sustainable value. In this landscape, protecting data goes beyond compliance—it is the foundation for resilience, responsible innovation, and long-term competitiveness.
The author is Harsha Solanki, VP GM Asia, Infobip.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETCISO does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETCISO shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organization directly or indirectly.
