(TLP:CLEAR) Proofpoint Releases 2025 Data Security Landscape Threat Report
Created: Thursday, November 6, 2025 - 13:00
Categories: Cybersecurity, Security Preparedness
Summary: This week, cybersecurity company Proofpoint released its second annual Data Security Landscape Threat Report highlighting the shifting dynamics of enterprise data security. The comprehensive report examines the frequency and leading causes of data loss incidents, as well as today’s biggest data security risks and challenges, including explosive data growth, sprawling IT environments, persistent insider risks, and the adoption of generative AI (GenAI).
Analyst Note: Proofpoint’s report highlights how autonomous agents that handle sensitive data are compounding risk as many organizations lack the visibility and controls to govern the emerging landscape. As organizations rapidly adopt AI-driven productivity tools, data sprawl and lack of visibility are cited as one of the most common and egregious areas of risk. Data sprawl refers to the uncontrolled growth and spread of data, without proper visibility and oversight, throughout an organization’s platforms (cloud, systems, email etc). Additionally, the report notes that surging data volumes are putting even greater strain on already stretched security teams.
Members are encouraged to review the report for a look into how the evolving landscape might impact your utility. Key findings include:
- People remain the leading cause of data loss incidents.
- Expanding data volumes and data sprawl intensify the problem.
- Emerging agentic workspaces introduce new data risks.
- Gaps in security tools slow incident response and overwhelm security teams.
Original Source: https://www.proofpoint.com/us/resources/threat-reports/data-security-landscape-report
Additional Reading:
Related WaterISAC PIRs: 6, 8