Lacking cybersecurity measures for small Scottish businesses could be leaving them open to a cyber-attack, according to new research.

A survey by BT of 1,000 decision makers at UK businesses has found that thousands of small firms may be at risk – despite having security measures in place – because they are relying on security products which are not designed for business use.

Most small Scottish businesses have moved online during the pandemic, research found, but cyber criminals have also increased their efforts to target them.

The Government’s recent Cyber Security Breaches survey found that almost half of all UK small businesses suffered a cybersecurity breach or attack last year.

However, despite the increased threat, research also found that a third (35%) of small firms across Scotland do not have the right level of cyber protection in place and are relying on security products which are designed to protect consumers rather than businesses.

Commenting on the research, Alan Lees, Scotland Director at BT, said: “There has been a huge shift over the past two years in the number of small firms in Scotland (27%) moving more of their business online. Whilst that’s a really encouraging trend, being an online business can also bring its challenges, particularly around cybersecurity.

“Any digital business – large or small – can be a target for cyber criminals, and this is something we’ve seen during the pandemic. And whilst consumer-grade products are great for protecting you while surfing the web, accessing emails and other personal use, they’re not designed for running a business which requires more robust protection and safeguards.”

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Additional data from the research found 4% of SMEs in Scotland aren’t using any cyber-protection at all, with this figure being even higher (17%) for micro businesses across the UK, such as those with 1-5 employees.

Data estimated that thousands of UK businesses do not have any cyber-protection in place and require more support to help keep them safe online.

Researchers also found that more than half (55%) of SMEs which lack cyber-protection believe their business isn’t big enough to be targeted by cyber criminals, revealing that many remain complacent around the risk of attack.

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