In the bustling metropolis of New York City, consumers are sending a clear message to businesses: prioritize data security or face the consequences. No longer satisfied with minimal security efforts, New Yorkers are demanding robust protection of their personal information. Companies that fail to meet these expectations are encountering significant repercussions, underscoring the critical link between strong cybersecurity and maintaining consumer trust and loyalty.
A recent survey highlights the intensity of this sentiment, revealing that New Yorkers are not merely concerned about data security; they are actively penalizing businesses deemed to have inadequate security measures. The study, independently conducted for Commvault, illustrates a consumer base that is well-informed, highly engaged, and prepared to make purchasing decisions based on a company’s data security practices.
The survey underscores a notable shift in consumer behavior. New Yorkers are increasingly unwilling to overlook data breaches or insufficient security protocols. Instead, they are proactively taking action to penalize organizations that do not prioritize data protection.
Consumer Actions Against Lax Security
Consumers are demonstrating their concerns in several key ways:
- Switching brands or service providers: A significant portion of respondents indicated a willingness to immediately switch to a competitor that demonstrates a stronger commitment to security.
- Public shaming via social media: Dissatisfied customers are using social media platforms to voice their concerns and alert others about businesses with questionable security practices.
- Reduced spending: Many consumers are simply reducing their spending with companies they perceive as negligent in protecting their data.
These actions send a strong signal to businesses: data security is not just a technical issue; it is a fundamental business imperative that directly impacts the bottom line and overall success.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives, the importance of data security and resilience will continue to grow. Jessica Barker, MBE, PhD, co-CEO of Cygenta, accurately notes, “Consumer expectations tied to security and resilience have never been higher for businesses, and that’s only going to get more pronounced as the AI era accelerates.”
AI-driven threats are becoming more sophisticated, making it more difficult for businesses to stay ahead of potential risks. To maintain consumer trust, companies must invest in cutting-edge security solutions and adopt a proactive approach to data protection.
Building a Resilient Security Posture
To meet the rising expectations of New York consumers and thrive in this evolving landscape, businesses need to focus on building resilience. This involves developing the ability to not only withstand cyberattacks but also to recover quickly and effectively from them.
Commvault, a leader in unified resilience at enterprise scale, recommends a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Data protection: Implementing robust backup and recovery solutions to ensure data can be restored in the event of a breach or disaster.
- Identity resilience: Strengthening access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
- Cyber recovery: Developing incident response plans and conducting regular drills to prepare for and mitigate the impact of cyberattacks.
“Once businesses lose consumer confidence, it’s incredibly hard to get it back. You must be prepared because consumers are watching, and their trust is on the line.” – Jessica Barker, MBE, PhD, co-CEO, Cygenta
The message is clear: businesses must proactively invest in robust data security measures and prioritize resilience to meet the evolving expectations of consumers. Failing to do so risks losing customer trust, damaging their reputation, and ultimately jeopardizing their long-term success. The era of data security apathy is over; New Yorkers are watching, and they are ready to hold businesses accountable.
