AI, Security & Data in Cloud
Cloud is no longer just a driver of innovation – it’s the core platform for how modern businesses operate. But as organisations adopt more cloud-native models and explore the benefits of AI, they’re also contending with a fast-changing risk landscape.
In our recent webinar Navigating the Future in Azure, Microsoft Public Cloud Specialist Danny Nicholson and Cloud Sales Specialist Jon McElwee explored what’s next in Azure – from Zero Trust and AI to data governance and the funding opportunities that could support your next steps
Here are the key takeaways:
1. Cloud is the baseline – but risk has scaled with it
Cloud-native and hybrid infrastructures are now the norm. But that flexibility brings increased complexity – and a broader attack surface.
“Cloud is the default platform now,” said Jon McElwee. “But that shift means your attack surface changes – and it can expose gaps in your governance, architecture, and tooling if you don’t stay ahead of it.”
Security models built for on-premise environments aren’t enough. As workloads move to the edge and the volume of connected devices grows, visibility and proactive governance become more critical than ever.
2. Zero Trust is a mindset, not a product
The perimeter is gone. Today’s most effective security posture is built on a Zero Trust model: continuously verify every access attempt, across every identity, device, and connection.
“Zero Trust is about making sure the right people have the right access, to the right things, at the right time – and nothing more,” said Danny Nicholson.
Zero Trust supports compliance, enables secure remote work, and helps limit the blast radius of a potential breach. But to work effectively, it must be embedded at the architectural level – not added on as an afterthought.
3. AI is changing both the threat – and the defence
AI is now a double-edged sword in cybersecurity.
On one hand, attackers are using generative AI to create more convincing phishing attempts, automate reconnaissance, and evade traditional defences. On the other, AI-powered tools are helping defenders detect anomalies faster, respond to threats more efficiently, and reduce manual workloads.
“We’re seeing AI both as an accelerant and a safeguard,” said Danny. “The key is knowing where to apply it – and where to keep humans in the loop.”
Organisations need to invest in AI-enhanced security tools while ensuring those systems are monitored, maintained, and aligned with responsible AI practices.
4. Data governance is now business-critical
Data is your most valuable – and vulnerable – asset. And with AI tools like Copilot becoming more embedded in daily workflows, strong governance is no longer optional.
“Copilot is only as good as the data it can access,” Jon pointed out. “So, you need to make sure it’s only accessing what it should be.”
Governance strategies must evolve to include:
- Data classification and labelling
- Access control and auditing
- Encryption at rest, in transit, and in use
- Copilot-specific controls and visibility
- Ongoing alignment with regulatory frameworks like GDPR and CCPA
If your governance model hasn’t been updated recently – especially in light of AI integration – you may be increasing your risk.
5. It’s not about having the tools – it’s about how you use them
Many organisations already have access to Microsoft’s most advanced security capabilities but struggle with adoption and alignment. That’s where expert support and strategic funding can make a difference.
“We often start with Security Posture Reviews,” explained Danny. “They give a clear benchmark of where an organisation is and where they need to get to.”
Microsoft offers funding for assessments, enablement sessions, and proof-of-concept deployments – helping organisations progress faster and more confidently.
What this means for your Azure strategy
The message from this session was clear: the cloud is evolving, and your strategy needs to evolve with it.
Three actions you can take now:
- Evaluate your Zero Trust maturity: Is it applied consistently across people, devices, and workloads?
- Review your security posture: Tools like Microsoft Secure Score offer a helpful benchmark.
- Check your AI and data governance readiness: Who has access to what – and how is that data being protected?
Need help navigating your next steps?
We help organisations across the UK assess their cloud security, reduce complexity, and unlock Microsoft’s available funding programmes.