Are you prepared for the expanding attack surface and complex threat landscape? It’s time to reassess your data protection strategy
05 Sep 2025
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5 min. read
Hey there! Have you ever considered the consequences of a single security breach on your hard work? It’s not just about financial losses and damaged reputation – it could potentially put your entire company at risk. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025, the average cost of a data breach is close to $4.5 million, and the figure could be much higher depending on the type of data stolen.
Protective measures like data encryption are crucial in today’s digital landscape. In fact, 87% of businesses expressed their intention to increase investment in encryption technologies. If you haven’t jumped on board yet, it’s worth asking yourself why.
Why encryption is essential
Data encryption transforms plain text data into an unreadable format, safeguarding your organization’s sensitive information whether it’s at rest or in transit. There are several reasons why encryption is crucial:
- Remote working: With nearly a quarter of US employees working from home, the risks around the tools they use and the data they access are heightened. Personal devices may not offer the same level of security as corporate ones.
- A data explosion: Businesses are generating more data than ever before, with an expected 181 zettabytes to be generated in 2025. This provides adversaries with more opportunities to steal or leak sensitive information, leading to severe consequences.
- Device loss/theft: As employees adapt to hybrid working environments, the risk of devices being lost or stolen increases. Without protection, the data on these devices could be compromised.
- Third-party threats: Cyber threat actors are becoming more adept at breaching corporate defenses, leading to numerous data compromises and breach notifications.
- Underperforming security: Traditional defenses can be bypassed easily using stolen credentials, phishing, and malware, emphasizing the need for robust encryption.
- Ransomware: The threat of ransomware and data extortion schemes is on the rise, making encryption a critical defense mechanism against such attacks.
- Insecure communications: Email, in particular, poses a security risk without end-to-end encryption, making it vulnerable to interception.
- Insider threats: Internal actors can also pose a threat, whether intentional or unintentional, highlighting the importance of encryption.
The consequences of poor data security
If your corporate data falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to significant financial costs, reputational damage, and compliance burdens. Customer loyalty and regulatory compliance are at stake, making data encryption a necessity.
Choosing the right encryption solution
When selecting an encryption solution, opt for products with robust algorithms like AES-256 and consider your specific needs, such as encrypting databases, cloud environments, or full-disk encryption. Look for features like cross-platform support, centralized control, and minimal end-user interaction.
Depending on your requirements, you may also need encryption for files, folders, removable media, and email communications. Solutions like those offered by ESET provide centralized management and a range of encryption capabilities.
Enhancing your security strategy
Data encryption is a vital component of a comprehensive security strategy, but it should be complemented by other safeguards like security software, access controls, vulnerability management, and security awareness training. Consider advanced detection and response solutions like EDR/XDR and managed detection and response services for proactive defense against evolving threats.
