As GenAI adoption accelerates across workplaces, many organisations are struggling to keep usage under control. Zyxel Networks has announced a new GenAI Protection solution designed to help SMBs and managed service providers (MSPs) safely adopt generative AI technologies.

By combining enhanced firewall capabilities and a new cooperation with AI startup HEARTBOT AI Inc., Zyxel Networks enables businesses to monitor, control, and secure GenAI usage while maintaining productivity.

A recent survey found that 44% of employees have used AI in ways that contravene company policies, highlighting the growing challenge of “shadow AI.” Without proper oversight, businesses risk data leakage, security breaches, and compliance violations.

How Zyxel Networks Helps Businesses Control GenAI Usage

For network admins and business owners, preventing shadow AI can be straightforward with Zyxel Networks’ USG FLEX H series firewall. With enhanced application awareness and control, admins can easily manage how GenAI tools are accessed across the network. Key capabilities include:

  • GenAI content filtering: A dedicated application category enables admins to block all GenAI applications with a single click, selectively allow approved services, or redirect users to secure alternatives such as AnyInsight.ai.
  • Application patrol: Granular controls allow IT teams to prioritise, throttle, or block specific GenAI applications beyond simple URL filtering.
  • Real-time application insights: Visibility into traffic and bandwidth usage helps identify unusual activity, such as spikes that may indicate potential data leakage, allowing immediate action.

AnyInsight.ai Provides Secure Access to Multiple AI Models

To further support secure adoption, Zyxel Networks has cooperated with Heartbot to offer AnyInsight.ai, a cloud-native AI Application platform that enables managed access to more than 20 leading GenAI LLMs, over 350 AI agents and connected applications.

  • Unified GenAI access platform: Employees can seamlessly switch between different large language models (LLMs) and agents within a harnessed environment, with access governed by defined roles and permissions. It maximises productivity while ensuring governance and compliance for business owners. Organisations can also deploy customisable AI agents tailored to specific tasks or workflows to support AI transformation.
  • AI application firewall: End-to-end contextual inspection enables admins to monitor all interactions between users, LLMs, agents and AI-connected applications. It logs user activity, data usage and AI interaction, and most importantly, enforces access policies and security rules to prevent sensitive data, knowledge and workflows from being exposed, misused or compromised.

“Generative AI is transforming how businesses operate, but without proper safeguards, it can introduce significant risks,” said Mr. Gary Chen, ANZ regional head at Zyxel Networks. “Our GenAI Protection solution empowers SMBs and MSPs to embrace AI with confidence by providing the visibility, control, and protection needed to prevent data loss and ensure responsible usage.”

AnyInsight.ai is available as an independent licensed service, offering flexibility for organisations that require additional layers of control alongside Zyxel Networks’ firewall solutions.