The New Zero Trust: Integrating AI Models into a Post-Perimeter Security Framework

In today’s connected workplace, cloud computing powers nearly every aspect of business — collaboration, data storage, remote work, and customer engagement. But convenience comes with risk: without the right protections, your data can quickly become a target.

At Kelley Create, we believe that security doesn’t have to slow you down. The key is building smart, proactive defenses that scale with your business — not against it. Let’s walk through what that looks like.

Understand the Shared Responsibility Model

Knowing which security tasks are yours versus the cloud provider’s is the first step in protecting your SMB.

What the Provider Secures

Cloud providers like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud secure the underlying infrastructure — servers, networking, virtualization, and physical data centers. They handle uptime guarantees, hardware maintenance, and core network protections.

What Your Organization Must Secure

Your business is responsible for securing the “user layer” — data, identities, permissions, and configurations. For example, if an employee accidentally shares a folder publicly, that’s not a provider issue. In other words, they protect the building; you protect the keys.

Understanding this distinction helps you avoid costly oversights.

Implement Strong Access Control and Authentication

Identity is the new perimeter — securing access is crucial in any cloud environment.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds a vital layer of defense, requiring users to verify their identity through an additional method such as a mobile app, code, or token. Microsoft reports MFA can block over 99% of automated attacks.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Limit privileges by assigning roles instead of blanket access. For instance, your marketing team doesn’t need administrative credentials. RBAC minimizes exposure and simplifies onboarding and offboarding.

Audit and Review Permissions

Permissions should evolve with your workforce. Review access quarterly, and automate cleanup for inactive accounts. These small steps often close massive security gaps.

Encrypt Data — Everywhere

Data encryption protects sensitive information from prying eyes, whether it’s moving or at rest.

In-Transit Encryption

Whenever data moves — from devices to cloud storage or between apps — it should use SSL/TLS encryption. This blocks eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks.

At-Rest Encryption

Stored data should always be encrypted within servers or databases. Even if someone breaches your environment, encryption ensures that stolen data is unreadable.

Key Management Best Practices

Use secure key management tools like Azure Key Vault or AWS Key Management Service (KMS). Rotate keys regularly, limit who can access them, and store keys separately from your data.

Secure Cloud Configurations and Endpoints

Even small misconfigurations can create major cloud security risks.

Configuration Audits

Cloud misconfigurations are responsible for an estimated 70–80% of cloud data breaches. Use tools like Microsoft Defender for Cloud or AWS Config to detect risky settings, open ports, or public buckets before attackers do.

Endpoint Security

Every connected device introduces risk. Deploy endpoint protection software, enforce encryption, and ensure lost or stolen devices can be remotely wiped.

Continuous Monitoring

Implement continuous monitoring and alerting for unusual activity. Partnering with a Managed Detection & Response (MDR) provider helps your team react faster and with more precision.

Train Your Team (Human Error Is Still #1)

Employees are often the most vulnerable targets for cyberattacks. Smart training reduces AI risks.

Phishing Simulations

Simulated phishing email campaigns keep staff alert and help identify who requires additional training. Reward employees who report suspicious activity — positive reinforcement makes security stick.

Security Awareness Programs

Make security part of your culture. Deliver quick, engaging updates instead of long annual lectures. When employees see themselves as part of the defense, your risk plummets.

Reporting Procedures

Create a simple, blame-free way for staff to report suspicious incidents. It’s always better to know right away than to find out later through a breach report.

Establish Backup and Recovery Procedures

Cloud services reduce risk, but backups are still essential.

Automated Backups

Don’t assume your SaaS platform handles it. Microsoft 365, for instance, isn’t responsible for restoring accidentally deleted files. Schedule automated backups of critical data and apps to a secure secondary location.

Recovery Testing

Run restore tests quarterly to verify your backups actually work — and to measure downtime impact. The goal is not just to back up data, but to ensure business continuity.

Role Assignment and Documentation

Clearly define who manages your backup systems and ensure processes are documented. That way, recovery doesn’t depend on one person’s memory in an emergency.

Monitor and Respond with AI-Driven Tools

Modern monitoring uses AI to detect threats faster than humans alone.

Integration with Cloud Services

AI-powered tools integrate across cloud ecosystems like Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. This centralized visibility helps eliminate blind spots.

Automated Alerts and Responses

Platforms such as Microsoft Defender XDR and SentinelOne can automatically detect and isolate threats before they spread. Automated incident response transforms detection time from hours into seconds.

Visibility and Reporting

Dynamic dashboards and automated reports make it easier to track progress, justify spend, and maintain compliance — even without a full-time security team.

Maintain Compliance and Governance

Regulations matter even for small businesses. Adhering to all cloud security best practices helps companies to align with compliance and protect both their data and reputation.

Regulatory Frameworks

If you handle sensitive data (HIPAA, GLBA, GDPR, CCPA), ensure your cloud configurations align with these standards. Compliance isn’t just legal protection — it’s customer assurance.

Audit Trails

Enable audit logs to record file access, user activity, and administrative changes. These logs simplify compliance checks and forensic investigations.

Third-Party Audits

Independent IT audits and penetration tests validate your defenses and uncover overlooked risks. Routine reviews help you maintain ongoing compliance and peace of mind.

The Kelley Create Advantage

Building, maintaining, and scaling secure cloud environments takes expertise — and that’s where Kelley Create comes in. We help small and mid-sized businesses adopt cloud technology confidently and securely, combining strategic guidance with hands-on protection.

With Kelley, you gain:

Cloud Security Assessments to uncover misconfigurations and compliance risks
AI-driven Threat Monitoring integrated across Microsoft 365 and Azure
Backup & Recovery Planning customized to your risk tolerance and uptime goals
End-User Security Training to build awareness and reduce accidental exposure
Governance Consulting to align security with business and regulatory requirements

Cloud computing should accelerate your business — not expose it. Let’s make sure your cloud environment is secure, compliant, and built to scale.

Talk to Kelley Create today about improving your cloud security strategy and getting the right protections in place before threats have a chance to strike.