BT Launches AI-Powered Antivirus Service for UK Small Businesses

In a bid to bolster cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses across the UK, telecommunications giant BT has partnered with cloud-based security firm CrowdStrike to introduce Business Antivirus Detect and Respond (BADR). This AI-driven antivirus solution aims to proactively thwart threats before they escalate into full-blown breaches.

Hackers Ramp Up Attacks on UK Businesses

BT’s data reveals an alarming 300% surge in malicious online scans targeting UK organizations over the past year. Automated bots are now probing business networks for vulnerabilities more than 4,000 times daily, with accountancy, legal, and consultancy firms bearing the brunt of these attacks.

“Adversaries are weaponising AI to launch faster, more targeted attacks,” warns Daniel Bernard, Chief Business Officer at CrowdStrike. “Together with BT, we’re bringing that same AI-powered protection and expertise to UK small and medium-sized businesses, giving them the power to stay ahead of even the most sophisticated adversaries.”

Next-Gen Antivirus Technology

BADR harnesses “Next-Generation Antivirus technology” to outpace viruses and malware. The service continuously scans for suspicious activity, automatically blocks potential threats, and quarantines harmful files before they can wreak havoc.

USB Device Control is another key feature, allowing businesses to track the use of external USB devices and grant access only to approved ones. This helps prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Fully Managed Security Service

BT’s comprehensive security service backs BADR, providing guidance on setup and management, round-the-clock support during cyber-attacks, diagnostic tools for threat assessment, and access to a dedicated customer support desk.

While pricing details remain undisclosed, the service is said to be “available exclusively” in the UK through BT and is powered by the CrowdStrike Falcon Go platform. This collaboration extends the availability of CrowdStrike’s enterprise-focused offerings to smaller businesses.

Concerns and Challenges

Some industry experts have raised concerns about the potential risks of AI-driven threat analysis. “If you give over control to an AI-driven software package, can you, at this stage in the development of AI, be confident that you will not be subjected to detrimental outcomes due to decisions made by the AI function?” questions a skeptical observer.

False positives and unnecessary responses have long plagued intrusion detection and prevention systems. The difference with AI-driven tools lies in their scale and autonomy. Without robust human oversight, a single misjudgement by the AI can propagate widely and rapidly.

Looking Ahead

As cyber threats continue to evolve and intensify, innovative solutions like BADR could play a crucial role in safeguarding UK businesses. However, striking the right balance between AI-driven automation and human oversight will be key to ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of these cutting-edge security measures.

BT’s foray into AI-powered antivirus services marks a significant step forward in the fight against cybercrime. As more businesses embrace this technology, the landscape of cybersecurity is set to undergo a profound transformation in the coming years.