A Gartner, Inc. study revealed that only 14% of security and risk management (SRM) leaders can protect data assets while enabling their use to drive business objectives. While 35% of respondents prioritize security and 21% focus on the strategic use of data, only one in seven manages to balance both demands effectively.

The survey, conducted between June and August 2024, interviewed 318 senior security leaders from organizations across various sectors and sizes around the world. According to Nathan Parks, a senior Gartner specialist, this gap can increase companies' vulnerability to cyber threats, regulatory penalties, and operational inefficiencies, undermining competitiveness and stakeholder trust.

To help security leaders align data protection with business objectives, Gartner recommends five key actions:

  1. Reduce friction through governance – Develop data security policies and standards collaboratively with users and seek ongoing feedback.
  2. Align governance efforts – Work with other internal teams to identify overlaps and synergies in data security.
  3. Define non-negotiable requirements – Establish clear rules so the business can manage unknown risks related to data security.
  4. Create GenAI guidelines – Set boundaries and define the right moments to pause or adjust the use of generative AI within the corporate environment.
  5. Work with D&A teams – Collaborate with data and analytics teams to secure executive support for security initiatives.

Source: Gartner

This post was translated and summarized from its original version using ChatGPT version 4o, with human review.