The Evolution of Cybersecurity: Prioritizing Data Protection in a Data-driven World

By Jesse Grindeland - Vice President, Global Channel & Alliances

October 9, 2025 4 Minute Read

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, where data fuels innovation, powers AI, and drives business decisions, it’s no surprise that cybersecurity strategies are shifting dramatically. As the Global VP of Channels and Alliances at Skyhigh Security, I’ve seen firsthand how organizations are moving away from traditional network and user-centric defenses toward a laser-focused approach on protecting the data itself. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity driven by escalating threats, regulatory demands, and the explosion of cloud and AI technologies. In this blog, I’ll explore why data has become the top priority for customers, how this shift is reshaping the cybersecurity industry, and which companies, including Skyhigh Security, are poised to lead in this new frontier.

Why Data is Now the Crown Jewel of Cybersecurity

Data isn’t just an asset; it’s the core of modern enterprises. From customer records and intellectual property to operational insights, data breaches can cripple businesses with massive financial losses, reputational damage, and legal repercussions. Consider that the average cost of a data breach in healthcare alone reached $4.7 million last year, underscoring the high stakes involved.

This pivot to data protection is fueled by several key factors:

• Sophisticated Threats Targeting Data Directly: Cybercriminals are evolving, with ransomware and data extortion attacks on the rise. Ransomware incidents jumped 50% in early 2024, often exploiting data vulnerabilities rather than just networks.
• Stringent Regulations: Frameworks like GDPR, CCPA, and new state laws in the U.S. (such as those in California, Texas, and New Jersey effective this year) mandate robust data handling practices. Non-compliance isn’t an option—fines can be devastating.
• Cloud and IoT Expansion: With data increasingly stored and processed in the cloud or via IoT devices, traditional perimeters are obsolete. IoT alone generated over 9.1 billion security events in 2024, many involving data exposure.
• AI’s Double-Edged Sword: AI relies on vast datasets, but it also introduces risks like data leakage in models. 

At Skyhigh Security, we specialize in hybrid and cloud-native solutions that put data at the center, helping customers navigate these challenges with confidence.

The Transition from Network/User Focus to Data-Centric Security

Historically, cybersecurity emphasized network perimeters (firewalls, VPNs) and user behaviors (MFA, training). While these remain important—human error still causes 34% of breaches—they’re no longer sufficient in a borderless world of cloud and remote work.

Enter data-centric security, which includes:

• Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA): No automatic trust—continuous verification ensures data access is secure.
• Advanced Encryption: Protecting data at rest, in transit, and during processing with technologies like confidential computing.
• Real-Time Monitoring and Response: Tools for detecting and recovering from data threats swiftly.
• PETs Integration: Enabling secure data processing without exposure.

This approach minimizes risks even if networks or users are compromised.

Companies Leading the Charge in Data-Centric Cybersecurity

As we look to 2025 and beyond, several innovators stand out for their data-focused solutions. Here’s my take on the frontrunners, based on market trends and our industry’s pulse:

• Skyhigh Security: As a leader in security service edge (SSE) and data-aware cloud security, we’re at the forefront and have been for decades. Our platform offers comprehensive data loss prevention (DLP), built in data security posture management (DSPM), Shadow AI protection, cloud access security broker (CASB), and secure web gateway (SWG) capabilities, all designed to protect data across hybrid environments. With our focus on simplicity and AI-driven insights, we’re empowering organizations to secure their data without complexity.

But, it wouldn’t be fair to just highlight Skyhigh Security due to the obvious bias so I will give some recognition to other companies that are making their own shift with a well-earned shout out. These companies are making the pivot from network- and user-driven to data-driven at a rapid pace and are joining the pursuit that Skyhigh Security has been on since its inception, the protection of our customers’ number one asset, DATA.

• Palo Alto Networks: Their integrated platforms, including SASE and AI-powered threat prevention, includes data protection. Recent acquisitions like CyberArk will bolster their identity and data security offerings.
• CrowdStrike: The Falcon platform’s cloud-based EDR and XDR shine in near(ish) real time data threat detection, with strong growth in ARR.
• Microsoft: Leveraging Azure and tools like Sentinel, they provide end-to-end data governance and AI-enhanced security for their vast customer base, but are limited outside of it.
• Darktrace: AI-driven anomaly detection for networks and cloud, focusing on preventing data breaches proactively.
• Cloudflare: Securing 20% of internet traffic with edge-based data protection and SASE offerings.
• Sophos: Managed services for ransomware and data protection, serving mid-market needs effectively.
• Trend Micro: AI and cloud-focused solutions for enterprise data security.
• OneSpan: Expertise in digital identity and fraud prevention, crucial for data access control
• Astra Security: Specialized in vulnerability assessments for cloud data, with zero false positives.

These companies are innovating in zero trust, AI, and compliance, but at Skyhigh Security, we’re uniquely positioned with our data-first SSE platform to deliver seamless protection.

Looking Ahead: Trends Shaping the Future

Key trends like widespread ZTA adoption, AI integration for threat prediction, and enhanced cloud security will define winners. Complex regulatory compliance, unique in many cases to every country, will further emphasize data protection.

As threats evolve, partnering with leaders like Skyhigh Security ensures resilience. At Skyhigh Security, we’re committed to innovating data-centric solutions that adapt to these changes, helping our customers stay ahead.

In conclusion, the move to data-centric cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s imperative. By focusing on what matters most—the data—organizations can build trust, comply with regulations, and thrive in a data-driven era. If you’re ready to elevate your data protection strategy, reach out to our team at Skyhigh Security or one of our many partners. Together, we can secure your future.

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