BT arms small businesses with industrial grade security to address the UK’s cyber resilience gap

• Cyber crime is escalating rapidly – BT research shows malicious scanning increasing 300% annually – but one in three SMEs lacks even basic cyber defences
• BT is launching industrial-grade security for small businesses, with AI-powered cyber solutions from Crowdstrike
• BT is also providing a new Cyber Support Hub to help SMEs stay safe online, including free access to BT cyber advisors
• The launch is supported by BT Business’ largest-ever security marketing campaign, reflecting its commitment to protecting the UK’s networks and businesses

BT Business is launching a comprehensive new suite of cyber security tools to help the UK’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) deal with the rapidly escalating threat of cybercrime.

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 a day ¹, as AI tools rapidly increase the scale and pace of cyber threats. BT’s latest data shows the company now prevents 4 million cyber attacks across its networks every day.

SMEs are a prime target, with half saying the risk of cyber threats is one of their top tech concerns ². Despite this, close to 1.8million businesses, around one in three of the UK’s SME population, still lack even basic cyber protection ³, leaving 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 – giving them access to leading-edge cybersecurity typically reserved for big businesses. Supported by new free 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 ⁴. With 43% of UK businesses having experienced at least one breach or attack in the past year ⁵, the need for simple, 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 gives SMEs access to easy-to-understand assessments, guidance and practical next steps.

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, utilising 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

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

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

Jonathon Ellison, Director for National Resilience at the National Cyber Security Centre, said: “The cyber threat to UK organisations is increasing and small businesses are certainly not immune from attacks and their potentially devastating consequences.

“Alongside providers like BT, we are working tirelessly to ensure every organisation has the tools they need to put in place the cyber security basics consistently and comprehensively. It is 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 leading AI technology, the solution provides real-time monitoring of suspicious activity and rapid automated remediation of potential threats – meaning attacks can be prevented before they impact. To find out more, visit Endpoint Threat Protect.

Notes to editors

The NCSC also provides free support to SMEs through its Cyber Action Toolkit, which is designed to help sole traders and small businesses take their first steps in cyber security. It provides bite-sized actions to help protect their money and reputation from cyber criminals. The toolkit is a strong starting point to help small businesses put in place basic measures and develop confidence to work towards Cyber Essentials - the government-backed certification scheme that demonstrates an organisation meets the recognised UK minimum standard for cyber security.

BT worked with polling house and BPC member, Censuswide, to survey 1,004 decision-makers in small and medium-sized businesses in the UK between 30th January and 4th February 2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles.

¹ BT network data as of Oct 2025
² BT commissioned research, conducted by Censuswide among 1,004 SME decision-makers between 30 ^th January and 4 ^th February 2026
³ BT commissioned research, conducted by Censuswide among 1,004 SME decision-makers between 30 ^th January and 4 ^th February 2026. The 1.8 million figure represents 31.28% of the UK’s 5.7 million SMEs, according to UK Parliament data.
⁴ Gov UK Cyber security breaches survey 2025/6
⁵ Gov UK Cyber security breaches survey 2025/6

BT Group is the UK’s leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications and related secure digital products, solutions and services.

BT Group consists of four customer-facing units: Consumer serves individuals and families in the UK; Business covers companies and public services in the UK; International serves multinational organisations headquartered outside the UK and overseas public sector customers; Openreach is an independently governed, wholly owned subsidiary wholesaling fixed access infrastructure services to its customers – over 700 communications providers across the UK.

British Telecommunications plc is a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For more information, visit www.bt.com/about