BT detects 2,000 potential cyber attacks every second

BT has reported a staggering increase in cyber threats, logging 2,000 potential attacks every second. This alarming statistic highlights the growing sophistication of cyber criminals, who are increasingly utilizing AI to automate their scanning processes. Over the past year, there has been a 1,234% rise in malicious scanners targeting web-connected devices, with many devices being scanned over 1,000 times daily by known malicious sources. While some scans are legitimate, a significant 78% are deemed harmful. The sectors most at risk include IT, defense, and financial services, but other industries such as retail, education, and hospitality are also becoming prime targets due to perceived vulnerabilities in their security measures. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has noted that AI tools are empowering cyber criminals, making it easier for them to launch attacks. During BT’s Secure Tomorrow cybersecurity festival, Tris Morgan, managing director for security at BT, emphasized the urgency of the situation, likening hackers to opportunistic burglars searching for weaknesses in connected devices. He pointed out that every 90 seconds, hackers are probing for entry points into systems. In response to these escalating threats, BT is continuously enhancing its network security measures to protect over a million businesses. The firm aims to stay ahead of cyber criminals by evolving its defenses, recognizing that while AI presents new challenges, it can also serve as a vital tool in safeguarding digital infrastructures.