BT Launches AI-Powered Security Service as Cybercrime Increases in the UK

Cybercriminals have increased their surveillance of UK businesses, conducting over 4,000 scans daily on various company devices. This marks a 300% rise in malicious online scans within the past year, as automated bots seek vulnerabilities in business networks. Vulnerabilities found in devices such as laptops, mobile phones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices can lead to cyber-attacks, including ransomware, potentially compromising entire operations.

According to BT's data, the professional services sector, including accountancy and consultancy firms, faced the highest number of ransomware attacks, followed by the retail and hospitality sectors. Smaller businesses, particularly those with fewer than 25 employees, are notably at risk, as they often lack robust security measures.

In response to these escalating threats, BT has partnered with CrowdStrike to introduce BT Business Antivirus Detect and Respond, an AI-powered cybersecurity service. This service aims to provide proactive protection against emerging cyber threats, leveraging CrowdStrike's Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. The initiative aligns with findings from CrowdStrike's recent survey, indicating that only 11% of small businesses currently utilize AI in their cybersecurity defenses. Leaders emphasize the importance of advanced capabilities to maintain resilience against evolving attacks.

Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer at BT Business, stated, “Cybercrime is a threat to all businesses, not just the household names that make headlines when they get hacked. Although small businesses often don't consider themselves prime targets, they’re under attack like never before.” Daniel Bernard, Chief Business Officer at CrowdStrike, also noted that adversaries are increasingly using AI to enhance their attack methods, emphasizing the need for comprehensive protections tailored for small and medium-sized businesses.

The introduction of this AI-driven service marks a significant addition to BT’s cybersecurity offerings, which also include cloud-based threat protection and comprehensive security awareness training, aimed at strengthening the defenses of UK businesses against cyber threats.