AI in the workplace – Smart or risky?

📊 33% of SMB organizations struggle with uncontrolled use of AI tools (Shadow AI). Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot have become wildly popular in Dutch work environments. They offer speed, convenience and efficiency, but also carry risks that many companies underestimate:

Sensitive corporate data in remote AI systems
No AVG policy → compliance risks
Employees not knowing what can and cannot be done with AI

At ALTA-ICT, we find that many organizations want to take advantage of AI, but don’t know where to start. With our ISO27001 and NEN7510-certified approach, we help SMEs deploy AI securely and strategically.

In this blog you will discover:

What exactly Shadow AI is
How to deploy AI compliantly within Microsoft 365
How training and policy go hand in hand
And how you prevent AI from posing a risk within your organization

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What is Shadow AI – and why a risk for Dutch companies?

Shadow AI is the use of AI tools by employees without approval, policy or oversight from IT. Think of employees entering sensitive documents into tools like ChatGPT or DALL-E without knowing where that data ends up.

Dutch context

According to the AVG, processing personal data in external systems without a clear data processor agreement is not allowed. Dutch regulators such as the Personal Data Authority are increasingly strict about this.

Consequences:

Data loss or theft
Fines for data breaches
Reputational damage from uncontrollable use

ALTA-ICT helps companies proactively identify and eliminate Shadow AI with technical monitoring and AI governance tooling in Microsoft 365.

How to implement secure AI policies in the Netherlands?

Step 1: AI policies within Microsoft 365

Provide clear guidelines around:

What can/can’t be shared with AI
What tasks AI may be used for
Who is responsible for supervision

ALTA-ICT develops customized policies tailored to your sector and risk profile.

Step 2: Awareness and training

📌 Only 1 in 4 employees knows what AI can or cannot do according to AVG. With practical awareness training, we help your team use AI safely and productively.

Step 3: Technical monitoring and governance

Understanding usage through Microsoft Purview
Data Breach Prevention (DLP).
Automatically block high-risk AI tools

Common mistakes with AI in the workplace

❌ No policy → employees improvise with tools
❌ AVG is not included in AI adoption
❌ No internal communication about guidelines
❌ Training is forgotten → uncertainty and mistakes

At ALTA-ICT, we avoid these pitfalls with a phased approach based on our ISO9001 project management standard.

What does safe AI use yield?

✅ 25% higher productivity in document generation
✅ 30% fewer support questions due to smart AI bots
✅ 100% insight into AI usage via Microsoft 365
✅ Up to €50,000 per year in operational cost savings

The ALTA-ICT approach: Compliant. Measurable. Smart.

We combine our experience in SMEs, government and healthcare with certified processes:

✅ ISO27001, ISO9001, NEN7510 certified
✅ Dutch AVG compliance experts
✅ AI integration within Microsoft ecosystem
✅ Training, policy and technical implementation under one roof

From free quick scan to full AI governance implementation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between Shadow IT and Shadow AI?
Shadow AI is specifically the unauthorized use of AI tools, often part of broader Shadow IT practices.

2. Can you use ChatGPT at work?
Yes, provided policies, monitoring and AVG measures are in place.

3. Should I involve a DPO in AI policy?
Yes, especially when processing personal data.

4. What does a secure AI implementation cost?
This varies. Our trajectories start from €2,500 and often deliver >10x ROI.

5. Can I do this without Microsoft 365?
Yes, but Microsoft offers integrated tools that make it easier.

Conclusion

AI in the workplace is not just hype – it is a lasting revolution. But without policy, training and control, it becomes a ticking time bomb. At ALTA-ICT, we help you deploy AI smartly and safely. At your pace. With your team.

👉 Book a free AI safety consultation now via: alta-ict.co.uk/appointment-making