BT launches new free tools as thousands of businesses have no cyber protection

Research from BT found 55 per cent of SMEs which lack cyber protection believe their business isn’t big enough to be a target 

BT has enhanced its cyber protection for small businesses by introducing new online tools and advice led resources to help businesses protect themselves from cyber attacks.

Small businesses can benefit from free BT Content Control which allows customers to block or allow categories, and BT Web Protect which warns customers of suspicious URLs which could be harmful.

BT estimates thousands of the UK’s smallest firms could be leaving themselves vulnerable to cyber-attacks as they have little to no business-grade cyber security measures in place.

Many businesses moved online during the pandemic, and the Government’s recent Cyber Security Breaches survey found that 48pc of small firms reported cyber security breaches last year.

Despite increasing attacks, BT’s research shows 51pc of the micro business sector do not have the right level of cyber protection and rely on security products suited to consumers rather than businesses. 

BT’s managing director for single office/home office unit (SoHo) Chris Sims said: “Any digital business – large or small – can be a target for cyber criminals, and this is something we’ve seen during the pandemic. 

“And whilst consumer-grade products are great for protecting you while surfing the web, accessing emails and other personal use, they’re not designed for running a business which requires more robust protection and safeguards.

“It’s clear that the UK’s smallest firms need more support in this area, so today we’re launching new free cyber security tools for our BT business broadband customers, together with free online advice to help upskill small businesses on how to stay safe online.”