Ekco invests €4m in AI platform to mitigate shadow AI risks

Irish managed services provider Ekco is investing €4 million in a new artificial intelligence platform, Ekco AI, to address the risks associated with ‘shadow AI’. This phenomenon occurs when employees use AI applications without the knowledge or approval of their employers.

Research conducted by Ekco indicates that a typical business environment may have as many as 28 different AI applications in use, often leaving organizations unaware of how company data is being handled. The new platform aims to provide visibility, allowing businesses to establish controls, block hazardous tools, and prevent sensitive information from being shared through unsanctioned systems.

In addition to oversight, the platform offers role-based training for tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Claude, alongside awareness training regarding data protection and unsafe practices. Ekco estimates that increased AI adoption through safe usage could boost employee productivity by more than five hours per week, potentially saving businesses €2 million for every €10 million of operating costs.