Following a spate of attacks on UK businesses, BT is warning SMEs they are a big target as new research reveals two million have had no cyber security training. According to the operator, four in ten (42%) small businesses have been victims of an attack or breach in the last 12 months, rising to two-thirds (67%) of medium-sized companies. To tackle the threat, BT has developed a new cyber security training regime specifically for SMEs, and teamed up with Be the Business to guide SMEs on the next generation of threats.
BT is bolstering its suite of security products with the launch of dedicated security training, to help SMEs understand the practical steps they can take to protect themselves against cyber attacks and potential breaches. The training, unveiled yesterday at an event for SMEs featuring cyber security experts from BT, educates small businesses about next-generation threats, including the role of AI and quantum computing. It also highlights the rise of attacks, including account takeovers, where stolen customer credentials are used to breach systems, as well as QR code scams – or “quishing” attacks – which have surged by 1,400% in the past five years.
Tris Morgan, Managing Director, Security, BT
At BT, our mission is to enable UK businesses to grow and prosper, and we know the challenges SMEs face protecting themselves from growing cyber threats. These often include budget constraints and the lack of a dedicated cyber team, but for SMEs a cyber attack isn’t just an inconvenience; it poses an existential threat. The good news is that effective cyber security doesn’t require corporate-grade resources. With the right training, basic security measures, and awareness, SMEs can dramatically reduce their risk profile. The key is recognising that, in today’s digital landscape, cyber security is not a luxury but a foundation that enables companies to face forwards confidently, rather than forever looking over their shoulder.
