A recent survey by Cohesity shows consumer concerns about collecting and using their personal data, especially involving AI. The survey found that most respondents in the UK (73%), the US (81%), and Australia (82%) believe companies are collecting excessive amounts of personal or financial information. Moreover, 90% of respondents across all three countries expressed anxiety over AI’s impact on the security of their data, with many ready to switch providers if their trust is compromised.
“Paying a ransom rarely results in the recovery of all data. It brings its own logistical challenges and potential criminal liability for paying sanctioned entities – not to mention rewarding criminals. It’s time for companies to really focus on aligning themselves with the best cyber resilience vendors and end the cycle. This is where Cohesity can help,” explains James Blake, Global Cyber Security Strategist, Cohesity.
The findings highlight that consumers expect more diligence from companies when handling their personal information. 73% of UK respondents, 86% in the US, and 87% in Australia demand better data protection. As many as 90% said they would likely stop doing business with a company if it were the victim of a cyberattack.
AI is seen as a tool and a risk, with almost all respondents in the UK (87%), the US (92%), and Australia (93%) worried about the growing difficulty of securing data with AI. In addition, many see AI as a direct threat to data protection, and 81% of US consumers and 83% in Australia expressed fears over unregulated AI use. Consumers are thus calling for more transparency and oversight, with most wanting to be asked for consent before their data is utilised in AI models.
Furthermore, respondents demand more scrutiny of third-party vendors accessing their data, with 87% in the US and 90% in Australia advocating for stricter vetting processes.