Cisco’s 2026 Data and Privacy Benchmark Study, based on responses from 5,200 IT, technology and security professionals across 12 global markets, reveals that 90% of organizations have expanded their privacy programs to support AI initiatives and 93% intend to increase investment further. Notably, 38% of respondents reported spending at least $5 million on privacy efforts in the past year—nearly triple the level reported in 2024—underscoring the strategic importance of data protection. The study also highlights that 96% of companies view robust privacy frameworks as essential to AI agility and innovation, while 95% say privacy is critical to building customer trust in AI-powered services.

Despite the surge in privacy investment, data governance remains a work in progress. Three-quarters of organizations have established dedicated AI governance bodies, yet only 12% describe these structures as mature. As AI systems rely on complex, distributed datasets, 65% of respondents struggle to efficiently access high-quality data, pointing to an urgent need for improved data hygiene, transparency and oversight. Furthermore, 81% report growing demand for data localization rules, even as 83% advocate for harmonized international standards to enable secure, cross-border data flows.

Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. increased its position in Cisco by 4.3% during the third quarter, adding 24,033 shares to reach a total holding of 588,908 shares. According to the firm’s latest 13F filing, this stake was valued at approximately $40.3 million at quarter-end. This move reflects growing confidence among institutional investors, with nearly three-quarters of Cisco’s outstanding shares now held by hedge funds and other large institutions.