Horizon scanning for data protection: are you future-proofing or just firefighting?
Most companies treat data protection like plugging leaks in a sinking ship. Breach here? Patch it. New regulation? Scramble to comply. New threat? Panic and buy a solution. This reactive approach is exhausting, and worse, it’s unsustainable.
GOVERNANCEHORIZON SCANNINGDATA PROTECTION LEADERSHIP
Tim Clements
1/14/20253 min read


Data protection is a huge task, requiring multiple competences dealing with daily challenges, as well as trying to figure out what's coming. Horizon scanning - predicting and preparing for what’s next - is a great strategy tool for companies stuck in firefighting mode. And yet, most companies completely ignore it because the risks you don’t see feel less urgent than the ones staring you in the face.
The invisible risks of staying reactive
When you’re always reacting, you’re always on the back foot. You might think you can demonstrate compliance today, but what about when:
A new law comes into force and you had no clue about it?
A competitor launches a new data protection strategy, leaving yours looking outdated?
A novel threat exploits your lack of foresight?
The problem with short-term thinking
In many companies, leaders and their teams are rewarded for solving immediate problems, not anticipating future challenges. This means companies end up spending more time and resources on damage control than they would on proactive planning.
For example, are you aware of the following, (and I appreciate everybody's context differs):
Quantum computing is on the horizon, and when it arrives, today’s encryption methods could be rendered obsolete. Is your company thinking about preparing for this, or are you betting the quantum wave won’t hit you?
AI-driven attacks are evolving faster than most defences. Are you looking into adaptive security strategies, or will you wait until an AI-powered breach costs you millions of Euros?
Consumers are becoming more and more aware of their choices and rights. Privacy-conscious consumers are demanding more transparency. Are you revamping your UI/UX to meet their expectations, or will you only react when they abandon your brand?
Horizon scanning as a competitive edge
Proactive companies treat data protection as more than just compliance. They use horizon scanning to stay ahead of the curve, utilising risk management into a strategic advantage.
Imagine being the company that:
Anticipates how new regulations like AI governance laws will reshape your industry, and aligns early while competitors are caught off guard.
Identifies emerging tech that could optimise compliance while cutting operational costs.
Spots cultural shifts, such as rising consumer demands for eco-friendly data processing practices, and adapts before it’s required.
Horizon scanning isn’t about predicting the future perfectly, it’s about being ready for what’s probable.
What most leaders overlook
Some may think this thought is too provocative: failing to invest in horizon scanning isn’t just risky, it’s negligent.
Data protection isn’t just an issue for your legal and tech teams, it connects to your brand reputation and customer trust. Yet, too many leaders see horizon scanning as a luxury, something to do 'if we have time' - a nice to have.
Unfortunately, you don’t have time. Threats emerge faster than your policies, and once you’re reacting, you’re already losing.
The cost of staying blind
Without horizon scanning, companies are setting themselves up for:
Unnecessary spending: running around addressing issues after they arise is always more expensive.
Lost trust: customers aren't stupid, they notice when you have sloppy practices, or when you’re late to comply with laws and regulations.
Strategic irrelevance: competitors who embrace proactive planning will outpace you, leaving you struggling to catch up.
To conclude, the risks of tomorrow are already brewing. The question is whether you’ll see them coming.
If your approach to data protection feels like a never-ending game of catch-up, it’s time to make some changes and horizon scanning is your chance to go from being reactive and proactive.
How Purpose and Means helps you see around corners
At Purpose and Means, we focus on helping companies escape the tiresome cycle of firefighting. Our horizon scanning service for data protection and digital leaders is designed to:
Spot emerging risks: from upcoming laws and regulations to emerging cyber threats, we help you identify the risks your company will face tomorrow.
Uncover opportunities: not all change is bad, new tech and trends can positively change your approach to data protection. We help you exploit these opportunities.
Bespoke strategies: every business is unique. We create actionable insights that align with your companies goals.
For more information, take a look at Horizon Scanning page where you can read about our approach and a couple of examples of radars.
Alternatively, feel free to book a no obligation call to discuss your requirements.
Purpose and Means
Helping compliance leaders turn digital complexity into clear, actionable strategies
BaseD in Copenhagen, OPerating Globally
tc@purposeandmeans.io
+45 6113 6106
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