What does good information management look like in 2026?

In an age of accelerated AI-adoption, hyper-connected digital ecosystems, and a tightening, fragmented regulatory reform, information management grows increasingly more important.

Good information management in 2026 includes securely controlling, organising, and governing digital and physical information across its full lifecycle. It combines strong cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, data visibility, and risk reduction, ensuring businesses can find, protect, and dispose of information efficiently while meeting legal and operational requirements.

In this blog, we break down what this all means in practice and show some examples of why good information management cannot go ignored.

TL;DR

In 2026, good information management = secure, compliant, digital-first, and risk-aware.

Organisations manage data across systems and paper records using governance policies, automation, and secure storage to reduce breaches, fines, and operational disruption.

Why is information management more important in 2026?

Information management has evolved rapidly in recent years, and businesses now operate in environments shaped by:

• Stricter data protection laws such as POPIA and evolving global data regulations
• Increased cyber threats, including ransomware and phishing
• Hybrid workforces accessing information from multiple locations
• Rapid digital transformation and AI-driven processes
• Growing expectations around data transparency and accountability

Check Point Research stated in a recent Global Threats Intelligence Report that South African businesses are hit by 2,113 cyber-attacks a week, marking a 14% increase year on year. South Africa is also in the top four most-targeted countries on the continent.

This poor information control can often increase legal, financial, and reputational risks.

E.g.: South African organisations such as TransUnion South Africa and the Department of Justice have experienced major data breach incidents in recent years. These events exposed sensitive personal information and highlighted how weak information security and governance can have nationwide consequences, including regulatory scrutiny and loss of public trust.

What does good digital information management look like?

Digital information must be organised, secure, searchable, and governed by policy.

Key characteristics

1. Structured data governance
   • Clear ownership of data
   • Defined retention schedules
   • Consistent file naming and classification
2. Strong security control
   •  Role-based access permissions
   • Encryption at rest and in transit
   • Multi-factor authentication
3. Lifecycle management
   • Automated retention and deletion rules
   • Legal hold capabilities
   • Audit trails
4. System integration
   • Email, document management, cloud storage, and business systems connected
   • Reduced data silos
5. Searchability and accessibility
   • Metadata tagging
   • Indexing and intelligent search
   • Access from secure remote environments

How are paper records managed in 2026?

We understand that for many sectors – legal, governmental, healthcare – paper still exists. Yet, paper information must still be controlled and secure.

Even in digital-first environments, organisations may maintain paper records such as contracts, legal files, and legacy documents.

Good practice includes:

• Secure off-site storage
• Barcode tracking and inventory systems
• Document scanning and digitisation
• Secure destruction in line with retention policies
• Chain-of-custody tracking

Security and risk reduction in modern information management

What compliance looks like in 2026

Good information management supports compliance with:

• POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act)
• PAIA (Promotion of Access to Information Act)
• Industry regulations in healthcare, finance, and legal sectors
• Records retention legislation

Compliance is achieved through:

• Documented policies
• Training and awareness
• Regular audits
• Secure storage
• Certified destruction

Authoritative sources include guidance from the South African Information Regulator and national cybersecurity frameworks.

How to improve your information management in 2026

Below, we outline a step-by-step approach

1. Audit your information
   Identify what data you hold, where it lives, and who accesses it.
2. Classify information
   Categorise by sensitivity, regulatory need, and retention period.
3. Implement governance policies
   Define ownership, access, and lifecycle rules.
4. Digitise priority records
   Reduce paper risk and improve accessibility.
5. Secure storage and systems
   Apply encryption, backups, and access controls.
6. Automate retention and disposal
   Reduce ROT data which is redundant, obsolete, or trivial.
7. Work with an information management partner
   Use specialist support for storage, scanning, and compliance services.

What are the benefits of good information management?

• Lower risk of data breaches
• Reduced storage and operational costs
• Faster information retrieval
• Stronger compliance posture
• Improved decision making
• Greater trust from customers and regulators

Summary

In 2026, good information management is no longer just an operational task, it is a business protection strategy. Organisations that actively control their digital and physical information reduce risk, strengthen compliance, and operate with greater confidence in a fast changing regulatory and cyber threat landscape.

By combining governance, security, and lifecycle management, businesses turn information from a liability into a trusted, accessible asset that supports performance, resilience, and long term growth.

Looking to improve your information management this year? Get in touch with a member of the team today.

FAQ: Information Management in 2026

What is information management?

Information management is the practice of organising, storing, protecting, and disposing of information throughout its lifecycle.

Why is digital information governance important?

It prevents data loss, supports compliance, and ensures employees can access accurate information securely.

Is paper still relevant in 2026?

Yes, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, legal, and government. However, where possible, it is reduced, controlled, and often digitised to lower risk.

How does information management reduce risk?

Through access controls, retention policies, encryption, and secure destruction.

What is the difference between ransomware and phishing?

Both are cyber threats, but they differ in purpose and method: Phishing looks to trick users into clicking a malicious link or sharing data. Ransomware is a technical attack that infects systems and encrypts files, and a ransom is demanded to restore access.