- 39% of UK SMEs have not provided cybersecurity training, while 42% report attacks in the past year.
- BT launches dedicated training to help SMEs defend against phishing, ransomware, and AI-led breaches.
What happened: SMEs face rising cyberattacks but lack training
A joint study from BT and Be the Business shows that 39% of UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), about two million businesses, have not given any cybersecurity training to their staff. At the same time, 42% of small firms said they faced a cyberattack in the last 12 months. The number is even higher for medium-sized companies, where 67% reported attacks. Phishing is the most common threat, hitting 85% of UK businesses. Ransomware attacks have also increased sharply. These attacks doubled over the past year and now affect 1 in 100 companies. Small and micro businesses pay an average of $9,800 to recover when attacks cause damage, according to the latest UK government survey.
To help, BT has started a new cybersecurity training programme aimed at SMEs. This training was announced at a BT event with cybersecurity experts. It teaches businesses about new risks like account takeovers, where hackers use stolen logins, and “quishing,” which means scams through QR codes. These scams have grown by 1,400% in five years. The training also covers threats linked to AI and quantum computing, helping firms understand the changing landscape of cyber risks.
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Why this is important
The study shows a big problem for the UK’s small business sector. Many firms do not have security experts or large budgets. They often do not have the right knowledge to defend themselves from growing digital threats. Tris Morgan, BT’s Managing Director for Security, said that a cyberattack is not just a small problem. For many SMEs, it could threaten their very survival. Smaller companies are easy targets because they have fewer protections than bigger firms.
Cyberattacks now affect small businesses more often and cause big problems like lost money and damaged reputation. The BT report also found that 18% of SMEs worry about AI-based threats, but 69% plan to use AI tools to protect themselves. About half of business leaders get advice from industry experts. This shows there is a strong need for clear and simple training. BT’s separate research found that companies active in cybersecurity grow 20% faster than those that are not. This means cybersecurity is not only about defence but also helps businesses grow. In today’s world, training staff and building strong security is very important to avoid risks.
