The 4 biggest IT misconceptions in Dutch SMEs in 2025

Misconception 1: We are too small to be targeted by hackers

Many SMEs still think that cybercriminals only prey on large organizations.
Banks.
Governments.
Internationals.

The reality is different.

Smaller companies in particular are an attractive target.
Not because they are interesting, but because they are often less secure.

What we see in practice:

• Hackers use automated scans.
• They do not seek a name, but weaknesses.
• Outdated software.
• No MFA.
• No monitoring.

An SME with 20 employees is just as visible on the Internet as a multinational company.

The difference is in security.

At ALTA-ICT, we see that a basic approach already eliminates many risks:

• 24/7 monitoring
• Active patching
• Security awareness for employees
• ISO27001- and AVG-compliant setup

Cybersecurity is not a luxury.
It is a prerequisite for continuity.

 

Misconception 2: Cloud is always cheaper than on-premise

Cloud is often sold as the way to cut costs.
And yes, that may be true.

But only if the cloud is properly set up and actively managed.

Without insight, cloud costs quickly add up:

• Overweight servers that are always on
• No limits on storage
• No cost allocation by department
• No lifecycle management

Then cloud becomes not flexible, but unpredictable.

In Dutch SMEs, we regularly see that cloud is more expensive than expected.
Not because of technology, but because of lack of direction.

The reality is:

• Cloud is scalable.
• Cloud is transparent.
• But cloud requires governance.

At ALTA-ICT, we help companies with:

• Cloud cost control
• Clear architecture choices
• Hybrid solutions where needed
• Monthly optimization

Cloud is not an end in itself.
It is a means to working smarter.

 

Misconception 3: AVG compliance is something for the IT department

AVG is often seen as a technical issue.
Something for IT.
Or for an external party.

That’s a risk.

AVG affects the entire organization:

• HR processes employee data
• Marketing works with customer data
• Sales uses CRM systems
• Management makes decisions about data storage

When only IT deals with it, blind spots appear.

In practice, we see that data breaches often arise from processes.
Not from technology.

An incorrectly sent e-mail.
An unsecured Excel file.
Access not revoked after leaving employment.

The reality is:

AVG is an organization-wide responsibility.

At ALTA-ICT, we therefore address compliance holistically:

• Process analysis by department
• Clear roles and responsibilities
• Technical and organizational measures
• Connection to ISO27001 and NEN7510 where appropriate

This is how compliance becomes workable.
And not a paper exercise.

 

Misconception 4: AI is only of interest to large companies

AI is still often seen as complex and expensive.
Something for large organizations with data scientists.

That image is no longer accurate.

In Dutch SMEs, AI is already being used on a daily basis:

• Chatbots for customer service
• Smart scheduling of personnel
• Automatic invoice processing
• Analysis of sales data

Without major investments.
Without custom software.

The reality is:

AI has become a practical tool.
Also for smaller teams.

The difference is in the application.
Not in the size of the company.

At ALTA-ICT, we always look at the process first:

• Where is time wasted
• Where errors occur
• Where insight is lacking

That’s where we deploy AI purposefully.
Measurable.
Manageable.
AVG-proof.

AI does not have to be an experiment.
It can yield returns today.

 

What these misunderstandings cost you

Each of these assumptions seems harmless.
Until things go wrong.

We often don’t see the consequences until later:

• Unexpected IT costs
• Productivity loss
• Security incidents
• Compliance issues

And then the damage is greater than necessary.

A realistic look at your IT landscape prevents this.

 

Pro-tip from ALTA-ICT

Start 2026 with insight rather than assumptions.

• Map your IT landscape.
• Check your security.
• Review your cloud costs.
• Involve the entire organization in compliance.
• And take a sober look at where AI can help.

Small insights prevent big risks.

 

Recognizable?

Which of these misconceptions do you still hear in your organization or network?

Want to know what your situation really looks like?
Then an independent IT scan often helps more than you think.

ALTA-ICT supports Dutch SMEs with practical, ISO-certified IT solutions.
Without complexity.
With a focus on continuity and profitability.