BT has advised its customers to take immediate action to protect their devices from cybersecurity threats, warning that a quick digital clean-up now can prevent serious risks later. The telecoms giant shared the guidance in a social media post aimed at both personal and business users.
In an Instagram post on its @Btforbusiness account, BT encouraged customers to 'spring clean' their devices this March. The post urged people to check their cybersecurity, tidy up old user accounts, weak passwords, unpatched software, over-permissioned access, and outdated devices. 'A quick clean today can prevent big risks tomorrow,' the post stated.
BT highlighted that small businesses are particularly vulnerable, noting that nearly half have experienced a cyber attack or security breach in the past year. Common threats include phishing, malware, and ransomware. The company advised businesses not to assume they are too small to be targeted and to implement strong, unique passwords, regular data backups, anti-virus software, and up-to-date systems.
Human error remains the weakest link, BT warned, as a single careless click on a fraudulent email can compromise entire systems. The firm stressed the importance of cybersecurity training for all employees, calling them the 'first line of defence'. It recommended investing in trusted security training to build a 'human firewall'.
For businesses prioritising improvements, BT suggested focusing on three key areas: training employees, keeping software updated, and using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication. Good password hygiene includes avoiding repeated passwords across accounts and never writing them down.
