BT logs 2,000 signals of potential cyber-attacks every second according to new data from the telecoms giant, and warns that web-connected devices are being scanned more than 1,000 times each day by known malicious sources, as hackers look for weaknesses in online systems.

While some of these scans are legitimately done for security, BT reported that 78% were not harmless.

The drastic rise in potential cyber-attacks can in part be attributed to the growing use of AI tools by threat actors. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has already warned that AI tools are upskilling cyber-criminals and lowering the barrier to entry for carrying out cyber-attacks. 

AI-powered automated bots, for example, are now being used to circumvent tools designed to spot suspicious activity by mimicking human behaviour, and the NCSC have said AI boosts criminal’s skills in reconnaissance and social engineering, likely making them more effective, efficient, and tougher to spot.

According to BT’s research, the IT, defence, and financial services sectors were the most targeted for cyber-attacks, but other areas, such as retail, education, and hospitality were being increasingly targeted because they are perceived to have less focus on security.

Earlier this year, 76% of the UK’s critical national infrastructure (CNI) organisations identified the use of AI to drive cyber-threats as a current security concern, while 73% fear the emerging use of polymorphic malware which mutates with every infection.

Recommended reading

• Russian Midnight Blizzard Hackers Breach UK Government
• Pro-Russian Propaganda Running Unchecked on Meta in EU
• NCSC Reveals Russian Cyber Interference in UK Politics

“Today, every business is a digital business, and our data shows that every 90 seconds hackers are checking connected devices to find a way in like opportunistic burglars looking for an open window,” said Tris Morgan, managing director for security at BT.

“Tools like AI provide new routes of attack, but they can also be the first line of defence. At BT, we’re constantly evolving our network security to stay one step ahead and protect more than a million businesses, day in, day out.”

The warning comes in the wake of the government designating all UK data centres as Critical National Infrastructure, putting them on equal footing to energy, water, and emergency services infrastructure, meaning they will receive more support and protection from cyber-attacks, IT blackouts, and environmental disasters.