BT Business introduces cyber security tools to support SMEs

Recent BT research revealed a 300% year-on-year increase in malicious scanning activity, with connected devices now probed an average of 4,000 times per day. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are rapidly increasing the scale and pace of cyber threats. BT’s latest data shows the company now prevents circa four million cyber attacks across its networks every day.

SMEs are a prime target, with half of them saying the risk of cyber threats is one of their top tech concerns. Despite this, close to 1.8 million businesses, around one-in-three of the UK’s SME population, still lack even basic cyber protection. That leaves a significant gap in the nation’s defences.

For the first time, BT has launched new AI-powered cyber tools, powered by Crowdstrike, for UK SMEs, in turn giving them access to leading-edge cyber security regimes typically reserved for big businesses. Underpinned by new cyber support for SMEs and a nationwide marketing campaign, the move reinforces BT Business’ commitment to putting industrial-grade security within reach of every UK business.

Government figures suggest the average cyber breach now costs a UK business £3,550. With 43% of UK businesses having experienced at least one breach or attack episode in the past year, the need for simple and accessible support has never been more urgent.

Following research showing that over eight-in-ten SMEs believe personalised, in-person guidance would help them improve their security, BT’s new Cyber Support Hub offers a wealth of free support to help close the UK’s growing cyber resilience gap. Developed in line with National Cyber Security Centre guidance, this resource gives SMEs access to easy-to-understand assessments, guidance and practical next steps.

Checklist of cyber tools 

BT is now providing the following free tools to UK SMEs:

*Cyber Health Check: a simple self-assessment tool to help SMEs understand their risks and receive a cyber score and prioritised Action Plan in response

*Cyber Guides: a dedicated team of cyber advisors offering clear and practical advice by phone, online chat and in-store

*AI Cyber Assistant: providing 24/7 support to any cyber question, using guidance and insights curated by BT’s security experts

*Cyber Support Hub: a platform packed with practical explainers and easy ‘How To’ guides to help SMEs stay one step ahead of cyber threats

Sophisticated attacks

Jon James, CEO at BT Business, explained: “As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, cyber attacks are becoming more and more sophisticated. For UK SMEs, this means they must now defend themselves against the same highly complex threats faced by large enterprises, without the resources, expertise or budget to match.”

James continued: “BT protects more businesses than any other network, so we know the level of threat they face. Given that cyber threats don’t care about the size of your business, neither should the protection we provide for our customers. That’s why we’re offering new AI-powered solutions and a range of expert guidance and support. It’s all about delivering big business security to the UK’s small organisations.”

Jonathon Ellison, director for national resilience at the National Cyber Security Centre, commented: “The cyber threat posed to UK organisations is increasing. Small businesses are certainly not immune from attacks and their potentially devastating consequences.”

Ellison added: “Alongside providers like BT, we’re working tirelessly to ensure every organisation has the tools needed to put in place the cyber security basics consistently and comprehensively. It’s vital that SME owners manage the cyber risks they face by taking action to protect themselves.”

The launch of enhanced AI-powered security for small businesses further expands the range of cyber security solutions BT Business offers to UK public and private sector organisations. Underpinned by Crowdstrike’s AI technology, the BT Business offer provides real-time monitoring of suspicious activity and rapid automated remediation of potential threats. This means that attacks can be prevented before they impact.

*Further information is available online at https://business.bt.com/cyber-security/endpoint-threat-protect/