Cybersecurity – Continuously securing SMEs.

76% of SMEs unprotected

Recent research shows that 76% of Dutch SMEs do not have an active cybersecurity monitoring plan. At a time when ransomware attacks make the news on a weekly basis, this is a worrying statistic. Many organizations still rely on loose scans or ad-hoc solutions, but that is simply not enough to deal with the increasingly smart threat landscape.

Cybersecurity is not a one-time project, but an ongoing process. It involves 24/7 protection, real-time detection and structural risk management. Dutch SMEs, as well as healthcare and financial institutions, are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals. The damage? Not only financial losses, but also reputational damage, AVG fines and loss of customer trust.

At ALTA-ICT B.V. we combine international standards with Dutch compliance and culture. Our team is ISO27001, ISO9001 and NEN7510 certified and delivers proven results with measurable ROI. In this blog you will read:

Why continuous cybersecurity is essential
How your organization can practically implement this
The biggest pitfalls and how to avoid them
How our approach is future-proofing Dutch companies

Cybersecurity Awareness Training – Fewer incidents, more security

What is cybersecurity monitoring and why essential for Dutch companies?

Explanation here:

Definition of cybersecurity monitoring
Context:AVG/GDPR, NEN7510 (healthcare), BIO (government)
Impact on business continuity (downtime, reputation, costs)
Misunderstandings (“one-time scan is enough”)
Unique ALTA-ICT perspective: Dutch specialization and culture

Implementing cybersecurity in the Netherlands – practical guide

Step 1: Assessment & planning

Cybersecurity scan
Compliance check (AVG, NEN7510)
Stakeholder analysis

Step 2: Design & preparation

Technical architecture
Awareness training (NL teams)
Risk analysis

Step 3: Implementation

Phased rollout
Real-time monitoring
KPIs and metrics

Step 4: Optimization & maintenance

Continuous SOC monitoring
Annual audits
Reports for management

Common mistakes in SMEs and how ALTA-ICT prevents them.

Only occasional scanning → we offer 24/7 monitoring
AVG forgotten → we integrate real-time reporting
Ignoring awareness → we train Dutch teams
No sector-specific compliance → healthcare, finance, government focus

ROI of cybersecurity in the Netherlands

Cost savings from preventing data breaches (average of €240 per record)
Avoiding downtime (average €4,500 per hour of SME loss)
Case study (anonymous): SME customer saved 35% on IT costs thanks to SOC monitoring
TCO analysis 3-5 years

ALTA-ICT approach: why we make a difference

ISO27001, ISO9001, NEN7510
Specialization SME, healthcare and financial sector
Personalized approach + awareness trainings
Proactive threat detection & real-time reporting
Dutch culture and compliance as the basis

FAQ

Isn’t 24/7 monitoring too expensive for SMEs?
What about AVG reports?
What does ALTA-ICT do differently than a standard IT partner?
How quickly can you implement?
Do you also offer training for employees?

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is an ongoing process – and 76% of SMBs are not yet prepared for it. Waiting for an incident always costs more than investing in structural security.

💡 Want to know how your organization benefits from our approach?
📞 Book a free consultation today: alta-ict.co.uk/free-consultation