AI tools in SMEs – Visibility & Control in 2025

Imagine this: an employee quickly tests ChatGPT, another uses an AI plugin in Excel, and yet another downloads an AI translator without consultation.
Innocent at first glance, but in reality this can pose major risks:

Sensitive data leaves the organization unnoticed
You have no idea which AI tools are active
You run legal and security risks without realizing it

In our practice at ALTA-ICT B.V., we see this happening daily at SME organizations in the Netherlands. The problem? Many organizations do not have a centralized view of their AI use and the risks it poses.

Citrix NetScaler hack at prosecutor’s office

What is the risk of uncontrolled AI use?

AI tools offer enormous opportunities for productivity and innovation. But without a grip, things can go wrong:

AVG violations: data being processed outside the EU without your knowledge
Shadow IT: employees use unauthorized software
Compliance breaches: NEN7510 and ISO27001 standards are unknowingly violated

Especially in sectors such as healthcare, finance and government, this can lead to high fines and reputational damage.

How ALTA-ICT helps SMEs: AI insight without burdening your team

With our fully automated AI monitoring, you get instant answers to:
✅ Which AI tools are actively being used
✅ Where risks arise
✅ How to balance adoption and security
✅ How to comply with Dutch laws and regulations

Our approach is ISO27001, ISO9001 and NEN7510 certified, so you are always compliant.

Practical steps to get AI use under control

Inventory – Map all active AI tools, including hidden browser plugins and cloud services.
Risk analysis – Assess data flows and determine where sensitive information may be leaking.
Policy & training – Establish clear AI guidelines and train employees in safe use.
Continuous monitoring – Automate detection and reporting to always stay up-to-date.

Reality in figures

In our recent LinkedIn poll among Dutch professionals gave:

52% to have a fairly good idea of AI use
11% rely largely on feelings
11% have no insight
26% know it is playing, but have no data

That means nearly half of organizations are at risk without fully realizing it.

ROI of AI control

Companies that actively monitor and regulate AI:

Lower their risk of data breach by >70%
Maintain AVG compliance without costly remediation projects
Increase efficiency by consciously integrating AI use into processes

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

AI is not going away anymore. The question is not whether AI is present in your organization, but whether you have a grip on it.
With ALTA-ICT you get full insight, without burdening your team, and make sure that innovation and security go hand in hand.

📞 S chedule a short demo now via alta-ict.co.uk/demobooks and discover how you can gain instant visibility and control over AI usage in your organization.