The Hidden Costs of Neglecting Privacy

Let’s be honest: data privacy isn’t just about avoiding fines or staying compliant. It’s about trust. Trust with your customers, trust with your employees, and trust in your organization’s ability to protect what matters most. But here’s the challenge—in a world where data is everywhere, the stakes have never been higher.

On this Data Privacy Day, we’re taking a closer look at the hidden risks that come with neglecting privacy and how smarter data governance can help organizations rise to meet the challenge. Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: dark data.

Dark Data: The Risk You Can’t See

Dark data is the unstructured, unused, or forgotten information that organizations collect but never fully manage. Think of it as the digital equivalent of clutter in a storage closet—old customer records, email archives, or files from former employees.

Here’s why it’s a problem:

• Regulatory Risks: Even if it’s out of sight, dark data is not out of reach for privacy laws. If sensitive information is mishandled, it can lead to compliance violations.
• Security Vulnerabilities: Unmonitored data creates opportunities for breaches. Hackers know how to find forgotten files, and when they do, the fallout can be significant.
• Operational Inefficiencies: Storing and securing unnecessary data costs money. Plus, it makes it harder to find the information you actually need.

At Arctera, we believe dark data isn’t just a liability—it’s an opportunity to gain better visibility and control over your organization’s information landscape.

Not sure what’s lurking in your data?

Our Dark Data Assessment reveals risks you didn’t know existed and strengthens compliance.

Start your Dark Data Assessment

Proactive Governance: Turning Privacy into a Competitive Edge

Effective data governance isn’t just about checking regulatory boxes. It’s about creating a culture of responsibility and trust. With the right tools, organizations can:

• Identify Hidden Risks: AI-powered tools, like those in the Arctera Insight Platform, can automatically locate and classify sensitive data—even if it’s buried in an email thread or embedded in a PDF.
• Streamline Compliance: Simplify processes like data retention, deletion, and reporting with automated workflows that adapt to changing regulations.
• Protect Modern Workflows: Governance isn’t limited to traditional data sources. Arctera helps you safeguard information shared in tools like Slack, Zoom, and Teams.
• Build Trust with Stakeholders: By demonstrating a proactive approach to privacy, you’re not just managing risk—you’re showing employees and customers that their data is in good hands.

Why Trust is the Ultimate ROI

In today’s connected world, trust is currency. Customers choose brands that respect their privacy. Employees prefer to work for organizations that handle their data responsibly. And investors look for companies that mitigate risks intelligently.

Data governance may not grab headlines, but it’s the foundation of trust—and trust is what drives sustainable growth. That’s why at Arctera, we’re committed to helping organizations navigate the complexities of privacy with tools that are not only innovative but also accessible and effective.

Start the Conversation

On this Data Privacy Day, let’s move the discussion beyond compliance and into the realm of opportunity. How can smarter governance help your organization build trust, reduce risk, and simplify privacy management?

Arctera is here to help you answer that question. With AI-driven insights and practical tools, we’re ready to partner with you on your journey to better data privacy.

Learn more about Arctera Insight Information Governance and take control of your data today.

Shilo Thomas
Product and Solutions Marketing, Data Compliance, Arctera