Author:  Greg Hansbuer, Pink Elephant

Controversial issues surrounding data sovereignty, cyber security, compliance and resilient data infrastructure will be even more pressing for companies in 2026

Geopolitical tensions and the dominance of international tech giants are prompting many companies to rethink their strategies. At a time when companies are becoming increasingly dependent on foreign technology companies, there is a growing need for true digital sovereignty. Companies want to regain control over their data, their cloud infrastructure and their technological course. This trend will continue and, in some cases, intensify in 2026.

Digital sovereignty is about maintaining control over the digital foundations of a company or institution. This encompasses three core areas: data sovereignty, cloud sovereignty and technological sovereignty.

• Data sovereignty is the legal and practical control over data, i.e. where it is stored, who has access to it and which laws the information is subject to.
• Cloud sovereignty means using an infrastructure that complies with local laws and regulations and is free from foreign jurisdictions that pose risks.
• Finally, technological sovereignty describes the ability to independently build, manage and protect digital infrastructures without being dependent on a single provider or country.

These three components of digital sovereignty are crucial for companies in increasingly digitised business operations. They ensure the protection of sensitive information and privacy, as well as the preservation of strategic autonomy.

Digital sovereignty is therefore not a vague concept, but a concrete and necessary strategy for companies that want to retain control over their data, infrastructure and technological decisions. Companies now need the right tools and expertise to strengthen their digital autonomy, minimise risks and operate in full compliance with local laws and regulations. With a competent strategic partner, companies can strengthen this autonomy to ensure cybersecurity, compliance and future-proofing.

Sovereign hybrid and multi-cloud solutions

Specialised IT service providers with the right portfolio can help companies effectively put digital sovereignty into practice. This is achieved through sovereign hybrid and multi-cloud solutions, comprehensive security and compliance services, flexible digital architectures, managed services and local support.

Sovereign hybrid and multi-cloud solutions ensure complete control over data storage and data access within one’s own jurisdiction and with appropriate security and encryption. Security and compliance services ensure that the fundamentals are in place – from encryption and key management to compliance with European regulations such as GDPR, NIS2 and DORA. Flexible digital architectures mean that companies can switch responsibly between technologies and providers without being tied to a specific provider or entering into unwanted dependencies. Managed services and local support from EU locations provide expertise directly, without the involvement of parties outside the EU. 

Data resilience requires a stable backup strategy

To be prepared for cyber attacks, security incidents and outages, companies must ensure that their data remains available and recoverable at all times. A stable backup strategy must minimise potential risks, ensure secure data storage and maintain business operations in the long term. With the increase in cybercrime, the requirements for backup have also expanded. Recovery must ensure that regulatory requirements are met and that only contamination-free data is restored. Cloud backups are particularly suitable for disaster recovery and cyber recovery because they are located at a site separate from the affected company. Data security is usually particularly ‘hardened’ with air gaps and encryption. Restoring a cloud backup in the cloud can also efficiently ensure business continuity.

An effective model that will gain importance in 2026 is Data Management as a Service (DMaaS). A corresponding service, operated exclusively from European data centres, ensures fail-safe data storage and protects companies from the consequences of unexpected disruptions.

DMaaS combines three key functions in one platform: daily, automated data backups, fast and reliable recovery in an emergency, and secure, locally hosted storage with complete data control. This allows companies to immediately switch to their secure environment in the event of a cloud failure and continue business operations without prolonged interruption. Access controls, compliance requirements and individual recovery policies can also be mapped using this platform.

Resilient data infrastructure as a model for the future

The recent massive distributed denial-of-service attack on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform underscores the fact that data security should be a central component of modern IT strategies today. Companies that rely exclusively on a single cloud provider risk downtime, the loss of business-critical data and damage to their reputation.

In the new year, more and more companies will therefore supplement their existing cloud infrastructures with an independent backup architecture. This will enable them to quickly restore their data even in the event of serious disruptions, avoid business interruptions and minimise financial losses. In addition, a suitable solution meets regulatory requirements and strengthens confidence in the company’s own digital infrastructure. 

Investments in data resilience create long-term stability. Companies that systematically secure their data are better protected against technical malfunctions, human error or external attacks. Confident and reliable data backup will become a key factor for sustainable digital business processes in 2026 and beyond.