Cisco publishes 2025 Data Privacy Benchmark Study

The significance of privacy in building customer trust has once again been highlighted in Cisco's 2025 Data Privacy Benchmark Study (view full report or infographic). Now in its eighth year, the report surveyed 2,600 security and privacy professionals across 12 countries. 

Here are the key findings: 

• 86% of global respondents (88% UK) support data protection legislation, recognising its positive impact on business operations and providing a structured framework that promotes customer trust.
• For the first time, a majority of 53% of global consumers (57% UK) said they were aware of their country's data protection laws, a factor the report highlights correlates with increased consumer confidence.
• While privacy investments, such as data mapping, establishing privacy frameworks and programme controls, conducting impact assessments and enhancing transparency with customers and stakeholders require significant investment, 96% of respondents said the benefits are greater than the costs.
• The report identifies an estimated 1.6x median ROI from privacy investments. 
• This ROI is derived from a range of benefits, with:
  • 75% of respondents citing reduced sales delays, 
  • 78% reporting their is organisation more attractive to customers and service users
  • 79% citing enhanced loyalty and trust among customers
  • 78% highlighting increases in their ability to innovate and respond, 
  • 78% reporting improved operational efficiency
  • 76% reporting mitigation of security losses,
• Expanding on the consumer trust benefits:
  • 95% of customers won't buy from a provider if their data is not adequately protected
  • 99% of customers claim external certifications are important when making purchasing decisions
  • 97% of organisations are clear about having a responsibility to use data ethically.
• In terms of generative AI, usage is increasing but uncertainty remains and managing risk is essential, with 90% of respondents stating that strong data protection laws make customers more comfortable about sharing data with AI applications.
• Looking towards the year ahead, 99% of respondents see their organisations shifting their data protection budgets into AI.