How Emerging Tech (Like AI and Zero Trust) Impacts Small Business Security

By Todd Wentz, CEO, Wentz IT Consulting

AI. Zero Trust. SASE. XDR. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the latest security buzzwords—especially if you’re running a business, not a tech lab.

But here’s the truth: these aren’t just tools for Fortune 500s. They’re shaping how small businesses protect themselves in 2025 and beyond. The key is understanding what matters now—and what’s just hype.

What ‘Zero Trust’ Actually Means

Zero Trust isn’t a product—it’s a mindset. The idea is simple: never trust, always verify.

• Users must prove who they are (MFA, conditional access)
• Devices must be healthy and authorized
• Access is limited to what’s needed—no open doors
• Activity is monitored and logged continuously

How AI Is Already in Your Security Stack

Modern cybersecurity tools already use AI behind the scenes:

• Email filtering tools that analyze sender behavior
• EDR solutions that detect unusual patterns
• Threat intelligence platforms that adapt faster than humans ever could

You don’t need to buy “AI security”—just use tools that have it baked in.

What to Watch (and What to Skip)

✅ Embrace:

• MFA everywhere
• EDR with behavioral detection
• Role-based access and activity monitoring
• Vendors that support Zero Trust and integrate easily

🚫 Skip (for now):

• Overhyped AI “black boxes” with no transparency
• Security tools that don’t talk to each other
• Fancy dashboards with no remediation

Why It Matters for Small Business

Emerging tech is helping level the playing field—if you know how to apply it. The best solutions:

• Protect your data and improve your workflows
• Work together, not in silos
• Are manageable by your MSP (not a full-time security team)

Final Thoughts

Don’t let the buzzwords scare you. Focus on practical steps that bring modern protection to your business today.

Want to know if your current setup is keeping up? Download our Emerging Tech Readiness Self-Assessment and see where you stand.