The Rise in Unstructured Data and AI Security Risks

Unstructured data is exploding in scale, sensitivity, and strategic importance—and most organizations are struggling to keep up. A new global industry survey, commissioned by Thales, uncovers how enterprises are responding to this unprecedented growth and where critical security gaps remain. 

Despite rising risk exposure, foundational controls for unstructured data often remain inconsistently implemented and difficult to scale. The report reveals systemic challenges such as limited data visibility, incomplete or irregular scanning, and detection processes that lag behind today’s threat landscape. Together, these gaps increase the likelihood of data exposure, insider threats, regulatory failures, and operational disruption. 

The research also highlights a pivotal moment for AI. While enterprises see AI as both a transformative defensive capability and a rapidly emerging threat, the findings caution against deploying AI atop weak foundational controls—where it can unintentionally amplify blind spots rather than strengthen protection. 

This comprehensive, data driven report provides practical guidance to help security and data leaders: 

• Establish stronger and more consistent foundational controls
• Improve visibility and classification across expanding data estates
• Mature detection and response for unstructured data
• Harness AI safely and effectively—without compounding existing risks 

Learn how to strengthen your organization’s unstructured data security posture. Reduce the risks introduced by AI. Build a more resilient foundation for the future of data protection.