BT customers have been urged to take steps to 'prevent big risks tomorrow'. Issuing an alert for social media users, BT encouraged customers to review their cybersecurity this month. In an Instagram post, @Btforbusiness told people to 'spring clean' their devices and offered guidance to help customers 'stay protected'.

The post said: "March is the perfect time for a digital spring clean. When was the last time you checked your cybersecurity? Now's your chance to tidy things up and stay protected."

BT recommended customers should 'tidy up' their old user accounts, weak passwords, unpatched software, over-permissioned access, and outdated devices. The post explained: "A quick clean today can prevent big risks tomorrow."

Cybersecurity is crucial for anyone who relies on computers and the internet for personal or business use. Outlining the threat to businesses, BT's website provides recommendations for business owners, reports the Mirror.

BT warned customers: "Don't fall into the trap of thinking your business is too small to be a target. Nearly half of small businesses experienced a cyber attack or security breach in the past year. Phishing, malware and ransomware are the most common types of cyber attack your business might face."

The guidance said that security monitoring doesn't have to be complicated. "Use strong, unique passwords; back up your data; install a good anti-virus application; and make sure software is up to date."

BT also emphasised that it's crucial for owners and staff to understand the dangers, stressing that everyone should undergo cybersecurity training. It said: "Often, the weakest link in your business's cybersecurity is human error.

"It may only take one absent-minded click on an authentic-looking email to allow a scammer to access your company's systems. That's why it's important to be vigilant and always think twice before responding to an email, message or call from someone you don't recognise.

"The criminals only need to get lucky once. Remind your team that they're the first line of defence against a potential cyber attack, and invest in the latest security training from a trusted source to build your human firewall."

BT stressed that if business owners could only action three things, training employees, keeping software up to date and using strong passwords should be top priorities. The advice explained that updating software is the best way to ensure you have the latest protection. It's advised to install any updates as soon as they are available.

The experts added that proper password hygiene means not reusing passwords across different accounts or recording them. It's also recommended to activate multi-factor authentication for additional security.