Archive
Browse the full archive of Computer Weekly online content - see our most recent articles listed below, or browse by year of publication.
2005 Stories
-
December 22, 2005
22Dec2005
News
Gaining access using application and operating system attacks
In this excerpt from Chapter 7 of Counter Hack Reloaded: A Step-by-Step Guide to Computer Attacks and Effective Defenses, Second Edition, authors Ed Skoudis and Tom Liston explain how security professionals can use exploit frameworks to their ... Continue Reading
-
December 21, 2005
21Dec2005
News
Sony struggles to regain trust
The company is trying to mend a reputation bruised over its antipiracy practices. One advocate for online civil liberties explains why redemption is a long way off. Continue Reading
-
December 20, 2005
20Dec2005
News
Guidance turns investigative tools on itself
The forensics software firm says it was compromised by hackers in November. It's just one in a growing list of companies admitting to recent attacks or lax security. Continue Reading
-
December 19, 2005
19Dec2005
News
Sober worm code cracked
Security firm F-Secure says it has cracked the code used by the Sober worm, potentially blocking the worm from receiving updates. Continue Reading
-
December 18, 2005
18Dec2005
News
Trio of trouble: Malcode targets Windows, IM users
AV firms warn IT shops to guard against Dasher, Bagle and Banbra. Dasher targets a Windows flaw patched in October, while Banbra spreads through IM. Continue Reading
-
December 16, 2005
16Dec2005
News
Oracle profits slump but new licences up
Oracle has posted a drop in its second quarter net profits but it says new licence revenues are up. Continue Reading
-
December 14, 2005
14Dec2005
News
Flaws reported in Trend Micro ServerProtect
Storage and security managers should be wary of vulnerabilities in the AV product that could enable a denial-of-service and malicious code execution. Workarounds are available. Continue Reading
-
December 14, 2005
14Dec2005
News
Hospital ditches EMC Centera for long-term archiving
UHCS in Augusta, Ga., is replacing its Centera archiving system from EMC with IBM's GMAS product after performance, reliability and cost issues forced it to seek alternatives. Continue Reading
-
December 14, 2005
14Dec2005
News
Roundup: 2005's 'curious malicious code'
These viruses, worms and Trojans sometimes escaped our notice. But it didn't get past one antivirus vendor, who rounded up some of the year's stranger offerings from the underground. Continue Reading
-
December 14, 2005
14Dec2005
News
UK firms overlook service delivery
Only 48% of companies have a well-defined IT service management process in place, according to independent research from service management company Tertio SMS. Continue Reading
-
December 14, 2005
14Dec2005
News
Another PC maker joins £60 laptop project
One of the world’s biggest laptop PC manufacturers has signed up to the $100 (£60) laptop project to give computing access to the poor in developing countries. Continue Reading
-
December 14, 2005
14Dec2005
News
Exploit code for Firefox flaw appears on internet
Exploit code that can use older versions of the open-source Firefox browser to remotely take over users’ PC has appeared on the internet. Continue Reading
-
December 14, 2005
14Dec2005
News
Female BCS membership increases
Women IT specialists are getting increasing support from the BCS after big growth in female membership of the society. Continue Reading
-
December 14, 2005
14Dec2005
News
Quality testing tools could aid developers
Developers building high-quality software could benefit from two new application quality testing tools from Compuware. Continue Reading
-
December 13, 2005
13Dec2005
In Depth
A closer look at fixed mobile convergence
You don't have to put fixed mobile convergence on your holiday shopping list just yet, according to our wireless expert. But now is the time to determine how the technology can benefit you -- so you can shop smart later. Continue Reading
-
December 13, 2005
13Dec2005
News
Research firm's IP phones go wireless
The British Market Research Bureau, part of the Millward Brown Group, will this month extend its IP telephony system to support wireless telephony. Continue Reading
-
December 13, 2005
13Dec2005
News
Capgemini helps its staff diversify
Thousands of staff at IT services company Capgemini have been given the opportunity to learn new skills that could help them change careers. Continue Reading
-
December 13, 2005
13Dec2005
News
Top female IT students scoop awards
Schoolgirls from Dundee and Cardiff triumphed at this year's Axios A Star Awards for the brightest female IT students in the UK. Continue Reading
-
December 13, 2005
13Dec2005
News
Microsoft to change security settings for IE7
Microsoft has unveiled several changes in the way its upcoming Internet Explorer 7 browser will classify websites for security, to reduce the chances of users falling victim to malicious code. Continue Reading
-
December 13, 2005
13Dec2005
News
Mobile data security boosted by self-destruct texts
A service offering secure self-destruct mobile text messages has been launched in the UK. Continue Reading
-
December 13, 2005
13Dec2005
News
Microsoft starts beta of Windows Live Messenger with VoIP
Microsoft has started beta testing a Windows Live Messenger service that includes features such as voice over IP. Continue Reading
-
December 12, 2005
12Dec2005
News
New global body aims to bridge business continuity planning gap
A new global organisation was set up this month to bridge the gap between IT, business staff and company boards on incident response planning in large organisations. Continue Reading
-
December 12, 2005
12Dec2005
News
Successes, delays and cost fears for NHS plan
The world's largest civil IT project is bound to have ups and downs. In 2005 this proved the case for the £6.2bn NHS national programme for IT (NPfIT). Continue Reading
-
December 12, 2005
12Dec2005
News
Costs could rise as ERP suppliers look to SOA
The big software story of the year was the completion of Oracle's purchases of PeopleSoft and JD Edwards in January, and its surprise acquisition of CRM market leader Siebel in September, which it bought for £3.24bn. Continue Reading
-
December 12, 2005
12Dec2005
News
Step 3: What good are your findings?
Weak passwords can be a huge security vulnerability. You can mitigate this risk by attempting to find your weaknesses before a malicious hacker does. Contributor Kevin Beaver provides a step-by-step guide on how to crack your own network passwords. Continue Reading
-
December 12, 2005
12Dec2005
News
Titan Rain shows need for better training
SANS says the Chinese-based attacks demonstrate the growing sophistication of hackers, and the need for IT admins who can articulate the dangers to execs. Continue Reading
-
December 12, 2005
12Dec2005
News
Keys to finalizing your Active Directory migration
When you migrate from Windows NT domains to Windows Active Directory domains, there are many aspects of the migration that can remain unfinished. Expert Derek Melber runs dows the list of areas that should be checked to avoid security gaps in your ... Continue Reading
-
December 12, 2005
12Dec2005
News
Two Windows patches coming, IE fix uncertain
It remains to be seen whether the software giant on Dec. 13 will address an outstanding Internet Explorer issue that is currently the target of a malicious Trojan. Continue Reading
-
December 12, 2005
12Dec2005
News
China overtakes US in ICT exports market
China has overtaken the US as the world’s biggest supplier of information and communication technology (ICT). Continue Reading
-
December 12, 2005
12Dec2005
News
Northgate head office crippled by oil depot blast
The head office of Northgate Information Solutions, the software and outsourcing firm, has been seriously damaged by Sunday’s wave of massive explosions at the Buncefield oil depot near Hemel Hempstead. Continue Reading
-
December 12, 2005
12Dec2005
News
Experts: Encryption not a security cure-all
Encrypting data offers some protection, but secure applications require much more than cryptography. Experts weigh in on your security options. Continue Reading
-
December 09, 2005
09Dec2005
News
BEA and Mercury offer joint testing solution
BEA Systems and Mercury Interactive have created a software bundle to help developers and quality assurance testers prepare applications for commercial roll out. Continue Reading
-
December 09, 2005
09Dec2005
News
Voice over IP wobbles over security
A sceptical 43% of the 100 European IT directors are worried about security according to a survey by Viatel. Despite their concerns, two-thirds of respondents believe the potential for 50% cost savings and added functionality of Voice over IP (VOIP)... Continue Reading
-
December 09, 2005
09Dec2005
News
TLC not SLA is secret to outsourcing success
Outsourcing based on mutual trust rather than punitive service level agreements can create 20% to 40% difference on performance indicators such as service, quality and cost, according to research from LogicaCMG and Warwick Business School. Continue Reading
-
December 09, 2005
09Dec2005
News
Tibco shores up SOA offering
Tibco Software has released its latest web platforms to allow users to move towards service-orientated architectures (SOAs). Continue Reading
-
December 08, 2005
08Dec2005
News
IP cloaking becoming a business necessity
Just by browsing your competitor's Web site, you might be giving away your company's most guarded secrets. Experts offer advice for countering the subterfuge and keeping secrets safe. Continue Reading
-
December 08, 2005
08Dec2005
News
Sex is still top of the domain names
Sex.eu was the most sought after domain name using the new European Union TLD (top-level domain), after registrations started yesterday. Continue Reading
-
December 07, 2005
07Dec2005
News
Security pros gain ground in the board room
Executives are paying more attention to their IT security managers and taking more responsibility for online threats against their companies, according to a new study. Continue Reading
-
December 06, 2005
06Dec2005
News
CIO Watercooler: New jobs, free Windows and Weaselboy
Who's getting the best CIO jobs? Check out the latest roundup of IT news you should know. Continue Reading
-
December 06, 2005
06Dec2005
News
Cybersecurity policy takes cooperation, trust, experts say
At the Infosecurity confab, experts explain why sharing information -- even when it's embarrassing -- is vital to securing not only corporations, but also the national infrastructure. Continue Reading
-
December 06, 2005
06Dec2005
News
Microsoft makes changes to IE after patent battle
Microsoft is developing Internet Explorer code changes that allow the browser to avoid using technology patented by Eolas, which is involved in a long-running legal dispute with the Redmond giant. Continue Reading
-
December 06, 2005
06Dec2005
News
Cisco confirms OpenSSL flaws
Cisco Systems has issued a security advisory over the potential vulnerabilities in using the OpenSSL open-source data encryption software with some of its products. Continue Reading
-
December 05, 2005
05Dec2005
In Depth
Sarbanes-Oxley compliance can reduce audit costs and bring business benefits
The 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act, passed by US Congress to clean up corporate America's financial reporting, is casting a long shadow over UK IT directors. Continue Reading
-
December 05, 2005
05Dec2005
News
SAP strengthens retail software range with Khimetrics acquisition
Enterprise software firm SAP is bolstering its retail business applications with pricing and product demand analysis following its acquisition last month of retail management software specialist Khimetrics. Continue Reading
-
December 05, 2005
05Dec2005
News
Government could not cope with new pensions IT, warn insurers
Savings industry experts concerned over state's track record with massive IT projects. Continue Reading
-
December 05, 2005
05Dec2005
News
Hacker posts image on Foreign Office website
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office website was defaced by a hacker last week, raising questions about the department's security procedures. Continue Reading
-
December 05, 2005
05Dec2005
In Depth
How to build practical applications of grid computing in a business environment
The level of understanding of grid computing as an idea has matured to the level where users are now able to understand the different types of grid computing that are available to them. Continue Reading
-
December 02, 2005
02Dec2005
News
Computacenter customers face uncertainty as founders seek buy-out
Customers of Computacenter, one of the UK's largest IT equipment and service providers, face a period of uncertainty as the company's founders look intent on buying out the company and taking it private. Continue Reading
-
December 02, 2005
02Dec2005
News
Top suppliers introduce SOA ease-of-use standard
Top software suppliers have joined forces to make it easier for users to develop applications within service-oriented architecture (SOA) environments. Continue Reading
-
December 02, 2005
02Dec2005
News
EU domain name launch set for next week
EU companies and public bodies can register an .eu domain name from next week. Continue Reading
-
December 02, 2005
02Dec2005
News
First successful patient system roll-out for London NHS
NHS contractor BT Capital Care Alliance and software supplier IDX have successfully rolled out a new patient administration system at Queen Mary’s Sidcup NHS Trust. Continue Reading
-
November 30, 2005
30Nov2005
News
Out-of-cycle IE patch may be imminent
Microsoft may release a critical Internet Explorer fix before the next Patch Tuesday, amid reports that malicious code is targeting a memory corruption flaw. Continue Reading
-
November 30, 2005
30Nov2005
News
Red tape and pressure cause bad decisions
Four out of 10 senior managers say they have made a bad decision in the last six months, according to research from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Continue Reading
-
November 30, 2005
30Nov2005
News
Now Google hits security hurdle
After Microsoft, Yahoo and Skype, Google has become the latest household name to find its security under question after having to patch its Google Base content-hosting service to prevent attackers stealing sensitive information from users. Continue Reading
-
November 30, 2005
30Nov2005
News
Scam FBI email carries Sober virus
A mass email, purportedly from law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit, is circulating, carrying with it an attachment containing the Sober virus. Continue Reading
-
November 30, 2005
30Nov2005
News
Sans Top 20 spots major security shift
The Sans Top 20, the annual publication of critical security vulnerabilities, has highlighted a major shift in attacks from web servers and mail systems towards new application-borne threats. Continue Reading
-
November 29, 2005
29Nov2005
In Depth
Spyware Learning Guide
This guide is a compilation of resources that explain what spyware is, how it attacks and most importantly what you can to do to win the war on spyware. Continue Reading
-
November 29, 2005
29Nov2005
News
By the numbers: The new SOX breakdown
SOX spending for 2006 is expected to be on par with last year but it's not quite dÉjÀ vu all over again. More dough will go to technology. Continue Reading
-
November 29, 2005
29Nov2005
News
Debenhams secures remote access
The Debenhams department store group has adopted a new remote access product to give employees and partners secure access to its network. Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
Monitoring tool helps Yorkshire get more clicks
Yorkshire Building Society has replaced its web-business management software to better track the effectiveness of its online marketing campaigns and website user experience. Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
IBM to integrate XML based eForms with Workplace -- and more tech news briefs
Brief takes from this week's technology news. Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
The work of the World Wide Web Consortium
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is the global organisation founded and run by inventor of the web Tim Berners-Lee. It aims to ensure that the web is available and accessible to everyone, regardless of their hardware, software, network ... Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
Awards mark outstanding contribution
Two BCS awards that recognise outstanding contributions to IT are open for nominations. Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
Bureaucracy hinders IT decisions, survey shows
More than half of senior IT managers have been forced to make a decision against their better judgement in the past six months, reflecting inadequacies in the decision making processes within their organisations. Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
Next move: How do I get a job with no experience?
The question: How do I get a job with no experience? Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
Who owns and administers the internet's addresses?
Given that IPv4 addresses are a finite resource, we can expect concerns over their distribution to increase in the coming years. Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
Step 3: Setting up the certificate authority
With wireless networks proliferating it is a good idea to understand what it takes to build a VPN for a wireless gateway. Contributor and Microsoft MVP Brien Posey details the necessary steps in this step-by-step guide. Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
Step 6: Configuring wireless clients
With wireless networks proliferating it is a good idea to understand what it takes to build a VPN for a wireless gateway. Contributor and Microsoft MVP Brien Posey details the necessary steps in this step-by-step guide. Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
Step 2: Server placement
With wireless networks proliferating it is a good idea to understand what it takes to build a VPN for a wireless gateway. Contributor and Microsoft MVP Brien Posey details the necessary steps in this step-by-step guide. Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
Dutch firm takes on Icann with alternative Domain System
A Dutch firm has introduced a domain registration service that gives businesses and organisations more flexibility over the domain names they use. Continue Reading
-
November 28, 2005
28Nov2005
News
Cut IT skills shortage by closing gender gap, say female IT professionals
Leading female IT professionals have warned that UK businesses and the government have a moral and competitive responsibility to address the looming IT skills shortage by bridging the gender gap in the IT industry. Continue Reading
-
November 25, 2005
25Nov2005
News
BASF offers SAP HR as a service
BASF IT Services has signed a five-year partnership deal with SAP that will allow it to offer SAP software licences as part of a complete human resources services package. Continue Reading
-
November 25, 2005
25Nov2005
News
Sober worm infects one in eight e-mails
As many as one in eight of all e-mails are now infected with the Sober worm, security experts have warned. Continue Reading
-
November 24, 2005
24Nov2005
News
Outsourcing works better when based on trust, survey finds
Organisations that develop their firm’s outsourcing relationships based upon mutual trust rather than relying on punitive service level agreements and penalties will benefit from a “trust dividend” worth as much as 40% of the total value of a ... Continue Reading
-
November 24, 2005
24Nov2005
News
Sloppy handheld habits continue to plague users
A third of professionals using mobile devices such as PDAs and smartphones are failing to use passwords or any other security protection, and even store their PIN numbers, passwords and other corporate information on the devices. Continue Reading
-
November 23, 2005
23Nov2005
News
Lloyds TSB increases reliance on India for IT services
Lloyds TSB has announced a new multi-million pound business process outsourcing (BPO) deal with Xansa, which will see an increased amount of the bank’s IT services sourced from India. Continue Reading
-
November 22, 2005
22Nov2005
News
Influential survey says security 'set back by 6 years'
Update: The SANS Top 20 vulnerability list for 2005 shows the bad guys attacking flawed apps and paying more attention to network holes. Continue Reading
-
November 21, 2005
21Nov2005
News
Sainsbury's banks on insourcing
Supermarket chain Sainsbury's expects bottom-line benefits within two years from cost savings arising from the decision to drop its outsourcing contract with Accenture. Continue Reading
-
November 21, 2005
21Nov2005
News
Banks face new compliance hurdle
IT directors in the financial services sector received a wake-up call yesterday from the Financial Services Authority about new regulations that are likely to have a greater impact on business than Basel 2 or Sarbanes-Oxley. Continue Reading
-
November 21, 2005
21Nov2005
News
Linux grows stronger with kernel update
Linux has moved closer to maturity as a robust datacentre platform, with the release of a major refresh of the kernel software. Continue Reading
-
November 21, 2005
21Nov2005
News
Ikea to provide online order tracking facility
Furniture retailer Ikea is preparing to go live with a system that will allow its customers to track orders online. Continue Reading
-
November 21, 2005
21Nov2005
News
Wireless security: Public Wi-Fi could open security holes
A Michigan county is working to give everyone within its borders wireless Internet access. But when it comes to security, users are on their own. Continue Reading
-
November 21, 2005
21Nov2005
News
Microsoft solves mobile synchronisation flaw
Microsoft has updated its handheld synchronisation software to address a glitch that prevented users mirroring data with a desktop. Continue Reading
-
November 21, 2005
21Nov2005
News
Microsoft releases Windows update Firefox plug-in
Microsoft has released a plug-in for the rival open-source Firefox browser to allow users to validate their Windows-based systems prior to downloading software updates from the company. Continue Reading
-
November 20, 2005
20Nov2005
News
Wireless security crucial to railway safety
A transportation firm uses wireless technology to keep the trains running on time. But securing mobile devices isn't easy when they're spread across the globe. Continue Reading
-
November 18, 2005
18Nov2005
News
Microsoft warns of new Windows denial-of-service flaw
Exploit code has been published on the internet that can take advantage of security flaws in Windows XP SP1 and all versions of Windows 2000, Microsoft has warned. Continue Reading
-
November 18, 2005
18Nov2005
News
Greenpeace slams PC suppliers over toxic materials
Environmental group Greenpeace has accused US computer firms of dragging their heels in ending the use of toxic chemicals in their products. Continue Reading
-
November 17, 2005
17Nov2005
News
Copy protection software creates virus havoc
Sony is to stop making CDs that use specialist copy protection software after a hacker hid a virus in the software with the potential to cause havoc on users’ PCs. Continue Reading
-
November 16, 2005
16Nov2005
News
Step 3: GnuPG and WinPT: Setup
-
November 16, 2005
16Nov2005
News
Step 2: Public keypairs
-
November 16, 2005
16Nov2005
News
Wireless security: Companies deal with software updates
A health care provider found it could use wireless technology to dramatically boost patient care. But first it had to figure out how to deploy security updates over a wireless network. Continue Reading
-
November 16, 2005
16Nov2005
News
Step 4: Encrypting e-mail in WinPT
-
November 16, 2005
16Nov2005
News
Citrix Buys Teros to Bolster Application Security
Citrix Systems is acquiring application security company Teros to bolster the security of customers running its Web-based application delivery programmes. Continue Reading
-
November 15, 2005
15Nov2005
News
Tokyo exchange executives take pay cuts after crash
Senior executives at the Tokyo Stock Exchange are to get temporary pay cuts of between 10% and 50%, following a systems failure that shut down Tokyo trading for four-and-a-half hours on 1 November. Continue Reading
-
November 15, 2005
15Nov2005
News
Google makes web analytics free
Google is making its hosted web analytics service free to use, to enable more firms to track the effectiveness of their online marketing campaigns Continue Reading
-
November 15, 2005
15Nov2005
News
Gates to unveil supercomputing strategy
Microsoft chief software architect Bill Gates will use this week’s supercomputing show in Seattle, Washington, to explain how the company will enter the supercomputing market. Continue Reading
-
November 14, 2005
14Nov2005
News
Disruptive technologies create need for new architectures
Disruptive technologies are eroding the traditional structure of the IT supplier industry. They will also require user organisations to implement new IT architectures to keep pace with technology developments, according to Gartner. Continue Reading
-
November 14, 2005
14Nov2005
News
M&S to save £10m on supply chain
Marks & Spencer is on target to save £10m from the cost of its supply chain IT systems, according to the company's group finance director Ian Dyson. Continue Reading
-
November 14, 2005
14Nov2005
News
IT chiefs want to stay in the sector despite stress
Although many financial services IT directors are under pressure and display symptoms of stress, most want to stay in IT. Continue Reading
-
November 14, 2005
14Nov2005
News
Esure uses SOA to launch new brand in six months
HBOS-owned insurer esure has used its recently developed service oriented architecture (SOA) to speedily bring to market a new insurance brand aimed at female drivers. Continue Reading