Data breaches are no longer isolated events. In today’s digital world, they are close to inevitable. More than 1100 notifiable data breaches were reported in Australia in 2024, representing a 25% increase from the previous year. This puts pressure on organisations not just to strengthen cybersecurity but also to respond with humanity and transparency. The challenge lies in the growing gap between what companies believe is sufficient and what the public actually expects.
As data breaches become more frequent, public awareness increases. Research shows 58% of Australians are more concerned about the security of their personal data than they were five years ago. Three-quarters now prioritise privacy over convenience in digital services. Trust in business has declined, with only 20% believing companies are doing enough to protect personal data, down from 41% two years earlier. This drop reflects increasing frustration over how organisations manage the aftermath of breaches.
Although most business leaders agree that transparency is important, many stick to the legal minimum in communications. This falls short of public expectations. Only 2% of Australians say they trust these basic disclosures. Instead, people want quick and clear updates, practical support, and accountability from leadership when problems arise.
The emotional impact of data breaches is often underestimated. Almost 50% of affected individuals experience psychological distress. One in 10 needs time off work to handle recovery tasks, such as replacing passports or tax file numbers. Younger Australians tend to seek detailed security advice, while older people often feel vulnerable and unsupported. These differences make generic crisis responses ineffective.
Breach fatigue has not dulled public expectations. If anything, it has increased them. Australians are now more cyber-aware and focus less on the breach itself and more on how companies respond. Effective responses include active communication, support from independent experts, and proactive help for customers. Brands that act with care and empathy can rebuild trust. Those that do not risk losing both customers and market credibility.
The question is no longer whether a breach will occur but whether an organisation is ready to meet rising expectations when it does. Businesses that use the opportunity to live their values may recover more trust than they lose.
