“Recent data from BT reveals that the company is detecting over 2,000 signals of potential cyber-attacks every second, equating to a staggering 200 million per day. This alarming increase in cyber threats is a result of hackers utilizing AI technology to carry out their criminal activities, leading to a rise in digital surveillance of UK organizations. In fact, BT has seen a 1,200% increase in new malicious scanning ‘bots’ in the past year alone.
According to intelligence expert and Hunted star Ben Owen, businesses of all sizes must adapt and adopt advanced technology to combat these growing threats from cybercriminals. To help businesses stay ahead of hackers, BT showcased its quantum secure communications and AI cyber defense capabilities at its Secure Tomorrow festival.
The data also revealed that web-connected devices are being scanned over 1,000 times a day by known malicious sources, with three out of four scans being harmful. This highlights the need for businesses to prioritize their cybersecurity measures, especially as smart technology becomes more prevalent.
The most targeted industries for cyber-attacks are IT, defense, and financial services, but other sectors such as retail, education, and hospitality are also increasingly at risk. As businesses worldwide embrace new technologies like AI, Internet of Things, and cloud computing, they must also be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned that AI will likely lead to an increase in cyber-attacks in the next two years, as cybercriminals use the technology for reconnaissance and more sophisticated attacks. Additionally, the use of AI is expected to make it easier for novice hackers to carry out ransomware attacks.
Despite the potential risks, BT’s research suggests that UK businesses will continue to invest in technology, with a projected 31% increase in tech investment by 2024. However, it is crucial for companies to have a comprehensive cybersecurity plan in place to protect their systems and data from cyber threats.”
