Cisco's 2025 Privacy Benchmark Highlights Rising Complexity in the AI Era

Cisco has released its 2025 Data Privacy Benchmark Study, showing that while trust in global data providers is increasing, organizations also prefer local data storage for perceived security. The study, based on responses from 2,600 privacy and security professionals across 12 countries, reveals that 91% trust global providers for better data protection, yet 90% see local storage as safer—highlighting the tension between data sovereignty and cross-border flows.

Support for privacy legislation is strong, with 86% saying it positively impacts their organizations. Nearly all respondents (96%) reported that privacy investments deliver returns exceeding costs. However, as AI continues to expand, 99% of organizations expect to shift resources from privacy budgets to AI governance, reflecting growing concern about data misuse with tools like Generative AI.

Familiarity with AI is rising—63% report being very familiar with GenAI—but risks persist. About 64% are concerned about accidentally exposing sensitive data, while nearly half have already entered such data into AI tools. Cisco’s AI Defense tools are designed to help reduce these risks.

The study stresses that solid data governance is essential for responsibly integrating AI and ensuring long-term trust and growth. Cisco will continue to monitor the evolving balance between privacy and AI innovation.

Optics & Optical Fireside Chat at OFC 2025
April 01, 2025 7:30 AM PT
Add to Calendar
Webcast
(opens in new window)
Cisco Speaker:

Bill Gartner, SVP/GM, Optical Systems and Optics Group

Cisco has announced the Cisco Secure AI Factory in collaboration with NVIDIA, aiming to simplify and secure AI infrastructure for enterprises. This initiative integrates security at all levels, from applications to infrastructure, leveraging solutions like Cisco AI Defense and Hybrid Mesh Firewall. The partnership builds on the companies’ existing collaboration and utilizes Cisco’s networking technology with NVIDIA’s AI computing solutions.

The Secure AI Factory will provide customers with scalable AI data centers that are modular, agile, and secure. It includes Cisco UCS AI servers with NVIDIA HGX and MGX, networking solutions powered by Cisco Nexus and NVIDIA Spectrum-X, and storage from partners like Pure Storage, Hitachi Vantara, NetApp, and VAST Data. The factory embeds security across all layers, utilizing Cisco Hypershield for workload protection and AI Defense for application security.

The initiative offers flexible deployment options: a ready-to-deploy solution integrating Cisco’s security portfolio and NVIDIA’s technology or a customizable build-your-own approach. Cisco and NVIDIA are also working on validated reference architectures for seamless AI deployment. The Secure AI Factory is expected to be available for purchase by the end of 2025, with some individual components already on the market.

Cisco has introduced new AI-powered collaboration solutions aimed at improving customer and employee experiences. At the Enterprise Connect conference, Cisco unveiled its vision for agentic AI, highlighting Webex AI Agent, which provides automated, human-like customer service and integrates with Webex Contact Center.

Additional AI advancements include Webex Calling Customer Assist, AI Assistant updates for Webex Contact Center, and workflow automation within Webex. The AI Assistant enhancements will provide features like real-time transcription, suggested responses for agents, and improved analytics. Webex Control Hub will also offer IT teams centralized access to AI tools and insights.

New integrations include Apple AirPlay support for Cisco Devices in Microsoft Teams Rooms, Spatial Meetings for Webex and Apple Vision Pro, and native Epic integration for Webex Contact Center to improve patient data accessibility.

Cisco, a leader in AI-driven networking and collaboration solutions, continues to enhance its Webex platform with AI-driven features that optimize efficiency, security, and connectivity across workspaces.

Cisco has achieved a major milestone by receiving FedRAMP authorization at the Moderate Impact Level for its Meraki Cloud Networking Platform, specifically tailored for the U.S. public sector. This authorization ensures compliance with federal security standards, allowing government agencies to deploy secure and scalable cloud-managed networking solutions.

Key details:
- FedRAMP authorization was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), validating Cisco Meraki for Government as a secure cloud solution for federal agencies.
- Meraki for Government enhances network reliability, security, and efficiency while ensuring compliance with federal risk management obligations.
- Over the past 18 months, Cisco has increased its FedRAMP-authorized products by 33% and global certifications by 271%.
- The FedRAMP authorization complements Cisco Meraki’s existing StateRAMP certification, which is the highest level of IT authorization for state and local governments.
- Companies like Iron Bow Technologies and World Wide Technology are supporting the adoption of Meraki for Government to help agencies modernize their network infrastructure.

This milestone underscores Cisco's commitment to providing secure, AI-powered cloud solutions that meet stringent government cybersecurity and compliance standards.

source: Cisco, February 25, 2025.

Cisco and NVIDIA have announced an expanded partnership to accelerate AI adoption in enterprise data centers. The collaboration aims to simplify AI-ready networking by integrating Cisco Silicon One with NVIDIA's Spectrum-X Ethernet networking platform. Cisco will be the only partner silicon included in Spectrum-X, enabling enterprises to standardize networking solutions across Cisco and NVIDIA technology.

Key aspects of the partnership:
- Cisco Silicon One and NVIDIA SuperNICs will be integrated into Spectrum-X.
- Cisco will develop data center switches using NVIDIA Spectrum silicon with Cisco's operating system.
- Enterprises will benefit from simplified AI infrastructure management, enhanced performance, and better security.
- The collaboration will allow AI projects to scale from prototype to full enterprise deployment.
- Cisco and NVIDIA will co-develop joint solutions, including enterprise reference architectures.

The enhanced Cisco Silicon switches are expected to be available by mid-2025, with new Cisco Spectrum switches to be announced later.

source: Cisco, February 25, 2025.