co-managed IT UK

Key Takeaways

• Zero trust MSP models verify every user & device, critical for hybrid work in 2026.

• AI-powered MSP security tools automate threat detection, patching, and helpdesk support.

• SME-specific workflows show how secure remote onboarding is possible without major IT teams.

• Zero-trust AI approach by Fortray blends UK-based SOC, compliance, and support to secure scalable remote work.

In 2026, securing remote employees is no longer optional; it’s a core business priority as hybrid work becomes the norm across the UK. Traditional network perimeters no longer apply when staff work from home, cafes, and other non-corporate locations. This evolving threat has given rise to a smarter, more agile solution: Zero Trust MSP models powered by AI. These modern systems allow remote IT support in 2026, combining continuous monitoring, intelligent automation, and adaptive access controls.

This blog explores how Zero Trust MSPs are empowering UK organisations to work securely from anywhere, without compromising data, productivity, or control!

The Changing Landscape in the United Kingdom in 2026

Below, we paint a picture of the UK cybercrime and cybersecurity landscape with the latest facts and statistics:

• 43% of UK businesses reported cyber breaches in the past 12 months,  and for medium and large businesses, those figures jump to 70% and 74% (Source: GOV.UK)

• 69% of SMEs in the UK lack a formal cybersecurity policy, and 23% view remote working as a key risk (Source: INFOSECURITY MAGAZINE)

• 49% of SMEs admitted they would not know how to respond to a cyber-attack (Source: INFOSECURITY MAGAZINE)

• The new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CS&R) by the UK government, expected to come into force anytime soon, places stricter responsibilities on businesses to protect critical data and infrastructure. (Source: GOV.UK)

This signals a clear trend: to ensure cyber resilience, SMEs must adopt technologies that enhance security while enabling remote productivity.

What Is Zero Trust & AI-Enabled MSP Security?

Zero Trust centres on “never trust, always verify,” validating every user and device on every access attempt. It assumes that threats can originate both inside and outside the network, and therefore validates every user, device, app, and session, every time. There are no trusted zones, only trusted identities and secure behaviours.

Meanwhile, AI-enabled MSPs (or AI MSPs) use machine learning and automation to analyse network behaviour, flag suspicious anomalies, and even initiate automatic threat responses. These tools support real-time protection while reducing strain on human engineers.

Combined, these approaches allow MSPs to deliver:

Identity-Driven Access Controls

Access is based on user roles, permissions, and context (device, location, behaviour), with no blanket access.  

Continuous Endpoint Verification

Every device must prove it’s compliant, secure, and up-to-date, before and during every session.

AI-Powered Threat Detection & Automated Remediation

AI engines in the MSP Security Operations Centre (SOC) scan logs and traffic for anomalies, auto-remediating threats like malware, phishing, or data exfiltration.

Real-Time Remote IT Support

AI chatbots and automated workflows resolve Tier 1 issues instantly. For complex requests, remote MSP engineers step in—often within minutes, not hours. This hybrid model ensures remote teams stay secure, compliant, and connected!

6-Step Workflow: Remote Secure Access Path

This 6-step workflow outlines how a Zero Trust MSP with AI-powered security tools manages secure remote access for UK-based SMEs and mid-sized companies:

Step 1: User Boots Device

Once the remote users turn on their laptops or devices, it sends metadata (location, OS status, patch version) to the security gateway of the MSP. This ensures early visibility into device health and origin, crucial for Zero Trust decision-making.

Step 2: Identity & Device Verification

Before granting any access, the system initiates multi-factor authentication (MFA) and checks device posture (antivirus, OS version, encryption status). If the device is compromised or outdated, access is restricted or redirected to remediation steps.

Step 3: AI Risk Analysis in the SOC

AI systems in MSP evaluate the behavioral patterns of the user, login time, geographic IP, and resource requests. If anomalies are detected, like logging in from a new location or requesting sensitive files, access is flagged or denied.

Step 4: Conditional Network Access

Only users and devices that meet the full trust criteria gain conditional access to company apps, networks, or cloud data. Granular access is assigned based on roles, time of day, or project needs.

Step 5: Proactive Monitoring & Remediation

Even after login, AI tools continue to monitor the session. If a threat emerges (e.g., lateral movement or abnormal downloads), the system can auto-isolate the device, block access, and notify security teams in real time. This reduces Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and Mean Time to Respond (MTTR) drastically.

Step 6: Remote IT Support Integration

AI chatbots resolve frequent issues like VPN resets or password resets. For complex problems, the remote support team of an MSP engages via secure tools like TeamViewer or RMM platforms.

The Role of AI in Remote MSP Security

Let’s break down how AI is transforming modern zero trust MSP operations:

Automated Patching & Remote Monitoring (RMM)

AI systems monitor endpoints in real time, identify outdated software or risky configurations, and initiate automated patching without user intervention. This ensures that the critical vulnerabilities are closed promptly, reducing attack surfaces.

Chatbots & Ticket Automation

Over 55% of UK-based MSPs now deploy AI-powered chatbots to resolve routine IT tickets, like printer issues, VPN resets, or MFA lockouts. This slashes wait times, eliminates manual workload, and allows engineers to focus on complex cases.

Predictive Threat Detection

AI models continuously scan telemetry data, network logs, and user behavior to identify emerging threats, even before signatures are known. This proactive approach helps MSPs contain threats before breaches, improving detection rates and reducing dwell time.

AI doesn’t just help manage risk; it empowers remote workforces to operate securely, flexibly, and efficiently.

Recommended Reading: How Machine Learning Can Be Used in Cyber Threat Detection?

Small Business Use Case: Remote Team Secure-Onboarding

To understand the real-world benefits of a Zero Trust and AI-enabled MSP model, let’s look at a fictional, but realistic, scenario:

Let’s take a UK Financial Advisory Firm with 20 Remote Employees:

Step 1: Device Enrolment via Zero Trust Policy

Each remote worker receives a new laptop that is auto-enrolled into the MSP’s Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) system. Zero Trust policies restrict access until full security compliance is validated.

Step 2: Identity and Device Posture Validation

Employees must complete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and confirm the device meets patching, encryption, and antivirus standards before any connection to corporate systems is granted.

Step 3: AI Threat Detection

Once active, AI monitors endpoint activity. If a device behaves abnormally—say, accessing files at unusual hours or from new geolocations—it’s flagged or automatically quarantined, preventing potential lateral spread.

Step 4: Support Automation & Human

Routine queries like password resets are handled by an AI-powered chatbot integrated with the MSP’s helpdesk. If the issue remains unresolved, it’s instantly escalated to a technician—often within minutes.

The Outcome?
✅ Reduced IT support burden
✅ Built-in compliance with GDPR and FCA regulations
✅ Peace of mind for leadership and clients alike
✅ Enhanced threat detection across distributed environments

This demonstrates how even small UK businesses can operate with enterprise-grade cyber resilience, without hiring a full-time security team.

Best Practices for Implementing Zero Trust & AI with MSP

Here are the best key practices to help UK SMEs and mid-market firms implement these technologies effectively:

1. Start with Identity and Access Management (IAM)

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all users, devices, and apps.
• Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to limit access by job function.

Why? Identity is the new perimeter. Without strong IAM, Zero Trust won’t work!

2. Leverage AI for Endpoint & Network Monitoring

• Deploy AI-powered EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) or XDR tools.
• Ensure your MSP runs a Security Operations Centre (SOC) using AI to correlate and respond to threats in real time.

Why? AI reduces false positives and detects anomalies faster than human analysts!

3. Automate Patch Management and System Updates

• Your MSP should enforce automated patching and remote configuration.
• Devices should not gain access until they pass a device posture check (i.e. up-to-date, encrypted, and secured).

Why? Unpatched systems are the #1 entry point for attackers!

4. Align Policies with Your Business Risks

• Work with your MSP to assess business risks and define conditional access policies.
• Example: Allow app access only from UK-based IP addresses using verified company devices.

Why? Zero Trust must match your real-world workflows and threat landscape!

5. Continuously Train Employees

• Conduct regular security awareness training, especially around phishing, MFA fatigue, and remote security.
• Simulate attacks using your MSP’s tools to test and improve user readiness.

Why? Human error is involved in 95% of breaches. Education reduces risk!

6. Review & Optimise Regularly

• Hold quarterly reviews with your MSP to assess metrics like response time, patch compliance, and alert frequency.
• Adapt Zero Trust rules and AI models as business conditions change.

Why? Security isn’t “set and forget”—it evolves with threats and your team!

Together, these practices ensure your business gains maximum security ROI from Zero Trust and AI-enabled MSP solutions, helping you stay compliant, resilient, and agile in a hybrid world.

Recommended Reading: What are Interpersonal Skills for IT Professionals?

Why Fortray Leads in Zero Trust AI MSP Services?

Fortray stands at the forefront of Zero Trust and AI-driven MSP security in the UK. Our London-based Security Operations Centre (SOC) delivers 24/7 monitoring, automated patching, and AI-powered threat detection designed for hybrid and remote teams. We combine real-time analytics with conditional access controls to stop threats before they escalate.

If you’re a fast-growing SME or a regulated enterprise, our solutions align with UK compliance frameworks like GDPR, Cyber Essentials, and CS&R. With flexible packages, local expertise, and a proactive approach, we help you stay resilient, compliant, and ready for what’s next!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)