Microsoft urges unified data security as generative AI reshapes risk landscape
2026 Data Security Index finds rising incidents linked to AI tools and growing adoption of AI-driven defences
Microsoft has identified three strategic priorities for organisations seeking to protect sensitive data amid accelerating generative artificial intelligence adoption, according to its 2026 Data Security Index report.
Based on responses from more than 1,700 security leaders, the report calls for consolidating fragmented tools into unified data security systems, managing AI-enhanced productivity securely, and strengthening security operations using generative AI itself.
The company said over 80% of surveyed organisations are either implementing or developing data security posture management strategies. Incidents involving generative AI now account for 32% of data security events, while 47% of respondents reported adopting AI-specific controls—an eight-point increase from the 2025 report.
Plans to embed generative AI into data security operations have also grown. Microsoft said 82% of organisations intend to do so, up from 64% in the previous year.
The report highlights Microsoft Purview Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), which enables continuous discovery, classification and protection of sensitive data across cloud, software-as-a-service and on-premises environments.
The tech giant added that its Data Loss Prevention and Defender for Cloud Apps products support governance frameworks to detect and prevent risky behaviour associated with generative AI tools.
Microsoft Security Copilot, the company said, is embedded across Microsoft Sentinel, Entra, Intune, Purview and Defender, and automates threat detection, investigations and policy recommendations using generative AI.
The company said the full report includes detailed analysis, regional data and guidance to help organisations secure their generative AI strategies at scale.
The Recap
- Microsoft's 2026 report examines securing sensitive data amid AI adoption.
- 47% of organisations are implementing generative AI-specific controls.
- Full report offers deeper metrics, recommendations and operational guidance.
