Data security and AI: protecting your SME while innovating

by admin | April 30, 2025 | Adoption of the iA, Security, Sovereignty

In a world of accelerating digital transformation, SMEs face a dual challenge: to innovate thanks to artificial intelligence, while guaranteeing the security of their data. How do you reconcile these two seemingly contradictory imperatives? How can you take advantage of technological advances without compromising your information assets?

In 2025, this question is no longer theoretical, but central to the strategic concerns of any growing company. Let's take a look at how to turn this challenge into a development opportunity.

1. AI and SMEs: a complex but necessary relationship

Artificial intelligence is no longer the preserve of large corporations with colossal budgets. Today, it is part of the daily life of SMEs in a variety of ways: automation of repetitive tasks, predictive analysis, customer personalization, process optimization...

Yet many managers are still reluctant to take the plunge. Why is this so? The fear of seeing their sensitive data exposed often tops the list of concerns. This is a legitimate concern: your data is a major strategic asset.

But giving up on AI for fear of the risks also means giving up on a formidable growth lever. The figures speak for themselves: according to a recent study, SMEs that have adopted AI solutions tailored to their needs have seen an average 22% increase in productivity and an 18% reduction in operational costs.

The good news? It's entirely possible to enjoy the benefits of AI while preserving the confidentiality and integrity of your data.

2. Real risks: what you need to know

Before we explore the solutions, let's take a moment to understand the concrete risks of using AI in your SMB:

Leakage of confidential data: some AI solutions, especially those based on the public cloud, can expose your sensitive information to unauthorized third parties.
Technological dependency: entrusting your business processes to proprietary AI systems can create dependency on foreign suppliers, with little control over the evolution of costs and functionalities.
Regulatory compliance: the RGPD and other regulations impose strict obligations regarding the processing of personal data, with fines of up to 4% of annual worldwide sales.
Algorithmic biases: poorly designed AI systems can perpetuate or amplify existing biases, leading to erroneous or discriminatory business decisions.

These risks are real, but they're not insurmountable. With the right approach, you can mitigate them considerably.

3. The sovereign approach: keeping control of your data

Data sovereignty isn't just an abstract concept - it's a decisive competitive advantage. A sovereign approach means that you retain full control over your data, even when using advanced AI technologies.

How can we achieve this?

Choose on-premise or private cloud solutions: unlike public cloud solutions, these approaches enable you to keep your data on your own infrastructure or in a dedicated, secure environment.
Opt for dedicated AI agents: these tailor-made assistants adapt precisely to your specific needs, while respecting your security and confidentiality requirements.
Demand algorithmic transparency: make sure you understand how the AI systems you use work, what data they process and how they make their decisions.
Choose local technology partners: French or European suppliers are subject to the same regulations as you, and generally share your concerns about digital sovereignty.

An industrial SME in the Lyon region recently adopted this approach by implementing a dedicated AI agent to optimize its production chain. The result: a 15% increase in productivity, with no exposure of sensitive data outside the company.

4. AI-compatible data protection technologies

Technology is evolving rapidly and today offers innovative solutions for reconciling high-performance AI and data protection:

Federated learning: this approach enables AI models to be trained without centralizing the raw data, sharing only the model parameters.
Homomorphic encryption: this revolutionary technology makes it possible to perform calculations on encrypted data without having to decrypt it, thus guaranteeing its confidentiality.
Differential privacy: this mathematical method adds "noise" to the data in a controlled way, making it impossible to identify individuals while preserving the statistical value of the information.
Secure containerization: container technologies enable AI applications to be isolated in hermetically sealed environments, limiting the risk of compromise.

These technologies are not theoretical concepts - they are already being implemented in concrete solutions tailored to SMEs. For example, a predictive analytics solution using federated learning has enabled a network of veterinary clinics to optimize their drug stocks without ever exposing sensitive customer data.

5. Practical strategies for safe AI adoption

Beyond technologies, here are some concrete strategies for integrating AI into your SMB while keeping your data secure:

Start small, think big: begin with a pilot project focused on a non-critical process before extending the use of AI to other areas.
Train your teams: safety is above all a human issue. Make your employees aware of best practices and potential risks.
Establish clear governance: define who has access to what data and for what purposes, with appropriate validation processes.
Conduct regular audits: periodically assess the security of your AI systems and their compliance with your internal policies and current regulations.
Prepare a continuity plan: anticipate potential incidents with clear procedures for maintaining your operations in the event of a problem.

A financial services company applied these principles when deploying an AI assistant to analyze credit applications. The result: 3 times faster file processing, zero security incidents and full compliance with regulatory requirements.

6. Dedicated AI agents: the ideal solution for SMEs

Of all the approaches available, dedicated AI agents often represent the most balanced solution for security-conscious SMEs.

Unlike generic solutions, these tailor-made assistants are designed specifically for your company and your particular needs. They offer several decisive advantages:

Precise adaptation to your processes: they integrate seamlessly into your existing ecosystem without disrupting your working methods.
Contextual learning: they understand your industry, your terminology and your specific challenges.
Total data control: you decide what information is used, how it is processed and where it is stored.
Controlled scalability: they grow with your business, adapting to your changing needs without disrupting service.

An accountancy firm recently implemented a dedicated AI agent to automate the entry and analysis of accounting documents. Not only has productivity increased by 40%, but the solution scrupulously respects the confidentiality requirements imposed by the profession.

7. Change management: the key to success

Technology is only part of the equation. To successfully integrate AI while preserving the security of your data, human support is essential.

Resistance to change is natural, especially when it comes to entrusting tasks to artificial intelligence. To overcome this barrier :

Involve your teams from the outset: consult them about their needs and fears, so you can design a solution that truly meets their expectations.
Invest in training: offer tailored programs to help your employees master new tools and understand safety issues.
Promote skills enhancement: show how AI frees up time for higher value-added tasks, enabling everyone to develop new expertise.
Communicate successes: share the positive results and concrete improvements brought about by AI to reinforce buy-in.

A logistics company achieved this transformation by organizing hands-on workshops where each team was able to express its needs and contribute to the design of its AI assistant. The result: rapid and enthusiastic adoption of the solution, with scrupulous respect for safety protocols.

8. Towards a responsible, high-performance AI strategy

By combining the right technologies, the right practices and the right support, you can build an AI strategy that boosts your competitiveness while protecting your data.

Here are the key steps:

Assess your needs and risks: identify the processes that would benefit most from AI, and the sensitive data you need to protect first.
Define your security policy: establish clear rules for data processing, storage and access.
Choose the right solutions: focus on technologies that allow you to maintain control over your data.
Implement in phases: roll out your AI solutions gradually, starting with pilot projects.
Measure results: regularly assess the benefits obtained and any adjustments required.

By following this approach, you'll turn AI into a real competitive advantage for your SMB, without compromising the security of your data.

Today's successful companies are not those who choose between innovation and safety, but those who manage to reconcile the two.

Ready to take the plunge? Solutions exist to help you do just that, with dedicated AI agents that meet your security requirements while boosting your performance. Don't wait any longer to explore how secure AI can transform your business and give you a competitive edge.

Contact a sovereign AI expert today to assess your needs and discover the right solutions for your SME. Your competitive future starts now.

Shadow AI: a guide to turning danger into opportunity

by admin | March 6, 2025 | Adoption of AI, AI and SMEs, Security, Sovereignty

Artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming the business world, but not always in an official way. More and more French companies, especially SMEs and VSEs, are facing the Shadow AI phenomenon.

A single figure suffices to explain the scale of the subject: 68% of AI users in a professional context don't tell their managers (BPI France Le Lab - Dec 2024). Behind this term lies a complex reality: employees using AI tools not approved by their company to gain efficiency.

Although the deployment of AI in SMEs and VSEs is progressing, its adoption by managers remains too slow compared to that of their own employees. All the more so as over 50% of managers have no intention of using AI in the short term, and 14% have explicitly forbidden its use.

While shadow AI can boost creativity and productivity in the short term, it also entails major risks over the long term. So how can we turn this challenge into an opportunity? On bringsyou our insights and a number of ways of getting out of this situation.

What is Shadow AI?

The Shadow AI, or "hidden AI", refers to the use of artificial intelligence tools by employees without prior validation by their hierarchy or IT department. These tools include platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, DALL-E, or software specialized in data analysis, project management or content creation.

Why do employees use them?

Lack of suitable official tools. The solutions proposed by the company may be perceived as too limited or ill-adapted to the specific context of the business or competitive environment.
Productivity. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks (writing, analysis, translation, reporting), quickly solve complex problems (Excel macro, ) or propose a "first version" that meets 80% of the employee's needs.
Spontaneous innovation. Some employees want to experiment with new technologies to improve their performance or demonstrate their ability to use new tools, sometimes to get their own management to react.

However, this informal adoption often escapes the radar of senior management and IT departments, posing a number of challenges in terms of organizational coherence, the ability to retain Internet know-how and, of course, data security and compliance.

What are the implications for SMEs and VSEs?

Shadow AI is not just a problem. It also reflects a need for innovation within the company, and a willingness on the part of employees to adapt to digital challenges. It's also the mark of a dynamic team, ready to embrace new ways of working.

Time saving. This is the benefit most recognized by all users. AI tools enable employees to automate certain time-consuming tasks (sorting e-mails, writing reports, reporting tables) or tasks that usually require much more time to complete (responding to a call for tenders, redesigning a website).
Process improvement. On production lines, better forecasting of maintenance times to limit machine downtime directly increases operational efficiency.
Increased creativity. In marketing or communications, for example, generative AIs, seen by many employees as an "expert digital assistant", are used to rapidly create engaging content or personalize customer interactions. These tools also help to reduce the "blank page syndrome" for creative teams, which in turn reduces the mental load on employees.
Bottom-up initiatives. The spontaneous use of AI tools in different departments of the company shows that employees are proactive in the search for innovative solutions. This is a corporate culture value worth developing!

However, Shadow AI also entails its share of risks, particularly for smaller organizations which are often less equipped to deal with this type of problem.

Data leakage. Information shared with these tools can be stored or used without the company's knowledge, increasing the risk of cyber-attacks or disclosure on the Internet (customer names in an Excel spreadsheet, for example).
Internal fragmentation. Uncoordinated use of different tools can lead to inconsistency in internal processes and complicate collaboration between teams.
Know-how transfer. If an employee leaves the company with his informal practices, it will probably be difficult to take over his methods or tools, which can be a major loss of time and experience.
Legal and regulatory risks. SMEs and VSEs must comply with the RGPD (General Data Protection Regulation). However, some non-validated AI tools can process sensitive data on external servers outside the EU (ChatGPT is an American tool and, in most cases, all data is sent to US servers), exposing the company to sanctions

Enable the entire company to focus on its core objectives: spending more time with employees, partners and customers!

What can be done to rectify the situation?

Rather than repressing the Shadow AI phenomenon, SMEs and VSEs have every interest in integrating it into an overall strategy of responsible innovation. Here are some suggestions from Gorillias on how to capitalize on employee interest and create a general framework compatible with corporate objectives and obligations.

1- Recognizing and managing Shadow AI

Map existing uses. Organize an internal audit to identify which AI tools are used by your teams and in which contexts (marketing, HR, customer service, legal, finance, production, logistics...). At the current stage of AI development (generative AI and specialized AI agents), all company departments can be impacted by the deployment of AI solutions.
Draw up a clear AI charter. Define what is and isn't allowed when it comes to using AI tools in your company, while explaining the risks associated with certain practices (data security, RGPD compliance, know-how transfer, internal collaboration between different tools).

2- Propose official alternatives

Integrate validated tools. Offer employees access to secure AI solutions that comply with legal requirements (e.g. hosted in Europe). Different platforms enable AI to be used while guaranteeing data security. This is how Gorillias works, with data servers hosted in France.
Simplify access to technology. Make sure that these tools are easy to use and respond concretely to operational needs (automatic content generation, predictive analysis, etc.).

3- Train your teams and raise their awareness

Organize targeted training. As with any technological "revolution", training is crucial! Explain to your employees how to use approved AI tools while respecting internal and external rules.
Encourage open dialogue. Involve your teams in defining AI policies so that they feel involved in this digital transformation and adhere to this new framework on their own, rather than continuing the practice of Shadow AI.

4- Enhancing the value of Shadow AI innovation

Create a space dedicated to experimentation. Set up a "laboratory" where your employees can freely test certain AI tools under controlled supervision. This unleashes their creativity, maintaining a dynamic approach to rapidly evolving technology while minimizing risk.
Reward innovative initiatives. Publicly recognize successful ideas and projects from Shadow AI. This motivates your teams and shows that the company is open to change.

In brief

As such, Shadow AI shows that there is a need expressed by employees to work with new tools, better adapted to the current context. The same was true when computers were introduced into the office 40 years ago. It all depends on how the company manages this transition.

For SMEs and VSEs, this is above all a unique opportunity to accelerate their digital transformation and stimulate internal innovation. By adopting a proactive approach - recognizing the phenomenon, providing a clear framework and formally integrating it - they can transform this informal practice into a genuine strategic lever, enabling the whole company to focus fully on the essential objectives: spending more time with employees, partners and customers!