In Depth

In Depth

IT for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

• Auditing for algorithmic discrimination

  Despite the abundance of decision-making algorithms with social impacts, many companies are not conducting specific audits for bias and discrimination that can help mitigate their potentially negative consequences  Continue Reading

• Caribbean island hospital rebuilds after hurricane with DataCore

  Hurricane Irma tore the roof off a server room and flooded IT hardware, but that was an opportunity to rebuild redundant IT using DataCore’s SANsymphony software-defined storage  Continue Reading

• Top four compliance considerations for SMEs

  We look at the key data compliance regulations that affect smaller companies – such as GDPR, the Data Protection Act, PCI-DSS and PECR – and some key industry-specific frameworks  Continue Reading

• Top 10 storage deployment stories of 2019

  Here are ComputerWeekly’s top 10 storage deployment stories for 2019, which see quite a move away from traditional SAN and NAS to hyper-converged, software-defined storage and object storage  Continue Reading

• Figeac Aero manages growth with DataCore software-defined storage

  Global roll-out sees DataCore software-defined storage deployed on Huawei hardware to HQ and 14 worldwide sites as aero parts maker copes with acquisition and expansion  Continue Reading

• SME disaster recovery made easy with cloud, hybrid and HCI

  Disaster recovery is a lot easier for small businesses than it used to be, with use of the cloud, hybrid cloud, physical and virtual appliances, and hyper-converged infrastructure all among the choices on offer  Continue Reading

• How to mitigate IoT security risks to tap business benefits

  Security concerns are preventing many businesses from adopting IoT-based technologies, but with a bit of planning, the business benefits can be realised by mitigating the risk  Continue Reading

• Mitigating social engineering attacks with MFA

  The growing frequency of social engineering attacks highlights the increasing need for organisations to take steps to mitigate the effects of phishing  Continue Reading

• How to bolster IAM strategies using automation

  Identity and access management processes and technologies play an important role in security strategies, but organisations and IT professionals need to ensure these strategies are robust enough to deal with new threats  Continue Reading

• What 5G applications will transform your business?

  The UK’s mobile network operators have started work on their 5G roll-outs, but what applications are most likely to gain enterprise traction for the new standard?  Continue Reading

• Developing innovative security analytics approaches in the digital age

  With security threats growing in scale and complexity, security analytics provide a way for IT teams to stay one step ahead of cyber attackers. The challenge is to ensure this technology continues to be effective in the face of new security ...  Continue Reading

• How IT pros are building resilience against email security threats

  For most people, emails are an easy and harmless way to communicate in the workplace, but they could also be a security disaster waiting to happen  Continue Reading

• Securing your mobile estate – best practice for CIOs

  The prevalence of mobile devices in every part of daily life is shaping how enterprises make choices about software and network infrastructure, but how do businesses go about securing these vast new endpoint estates?  Continue Reading

• Data protection: How privacy can be a benefit, not a burden

  With the growing number of data breaches, consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about how their data is used. Organisations can take advantage of this trend by treating data protection and user privacy as product features  Continue Reading

• French baby store modernises backup as Veeam handles 150TB a night

  France-based maternity, baby and children’s store Orchestra needed to share IT resources between 700 points of sale across multiple time zones, and backup for 100 applications  Continue Reading

• Facebook’s privacy game – how Zuckerberg backtracked on promises to protect personal data

  Facebook promised its users privacy then quietly abandoned its promises in pursuit of profits. Now it faces antitrust regulation  Continue Reading

• How to get the basics of mobile device management right the first time

  When adopting mobile device management, there are often fears around implementation and whether or not the strategy is even required  Continue Reading

• Exploring UCaaS: The main benefits for enterprises

  Getting unified communications-as-a-service right can mean more agility, higher productivity, and cost control  Continue Reading

• How facial recognition technology threatens basic privacy rights

  As adoption of facial recognition systems continues to grow worldwide, there is increasing concern that this technology could undermine fundamental privacy rights and how it can be kept in check  Continue Reading

• Disaster planning: How to expect the unexpected

  Focusing too much on specific disasters rather than considering an organisation’s data protection, network security and process requirements, can lead to unpredicted vulnerabilities  Continue Reading

• Vulnerability assessment done. Now what?

  Vulnerability assessment establishes the current state of an organisation’s cyber security, but to meet industry best practices, companies should go beyond that to achieve continuous improvement  Continue Reading

• Debugging bug bounty programmes

  Bug bounty programmes have recently become a popular method of vulnerability management, but poor programme management can lead to development teams becoming overwhelmed and bugs being missed  Continue Reading

• Mobile phones and health: is 5G being rolled out too fast?

  European countries are rolling out 5G mobile communications at breakneck speed as they seek to gain a competitive edge over the US and Asia. But some scientists have raised questions about the effects of 5G mobile phone radiation on public health ...  Continue Reading

• How botnets pose a threat to the IoT ecosystem

  While connected devices are transforming our personal and working lives in a multitude of ways, they are also a growing security risk – attackers are hijacking these devices and turning them into internet of things botnets  Continue Reading

• How Europe’s largest datacentre is helping to expand broadband access

  NGD, the operator of the largest datacentre in Europe, is playing an unlikely role in helping expand access to full-fibre broadband in south Wales. We find out how, and why  Continue Reading

• Using simulated disaster management to tackle the security skills gap

  With the increasing need for cyber security professionals, organisations are turning to new ways to address the skills gap facing the security sector  Continue Reading

• Collaborative security approaches underpin container success

  Containers are helping organisations to accelerate age-old software development approaches, but success is underpinned by a constant and team-wide attention to security  Continue Reading

• NetSuite CEO Evan Goldberg: Oracle ownership is symbiotic

  Evan Goldberg, chief executive officer and founder of NetSuite, talks about the company’s narrative, from cloud applications pioneer to its acquisition by Oracle  Continue Reading

• The rise of DevSecOps

  The increasing complexity of security threats facing enterprises is leading to DevSecOps approaches, which combine operations and development with security, so that all business units are involved in security operations  Continue Reading

• Brexit implications for data protection

  Leaving the European Union will have serious implications for data protection in the UK unless adequate steps are taken, so businesses are advised to have contingency plans in place  Continue Reading

• How to build SME storage using public cloud storage

  Small companies can often take advantage of public cloud storage offerings to supplement or replace on-premise infrastructure. We look at key options in file, block and object storage  Continue Reading

• It’s complicated: How enterprises are approaching IAM challenges

  Identity and access management challenges are evolving with digital transformation. Computer Weekly explores some of the ways organisations are ensuring the right people gain the right access to the right resources  Continue Reading

• Prepare now for quantum computers, QKD and post-quantum encryption

  The predicted processing power of quantum computers is likely to make existing encryption algorithms obsolete. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a possible solution - we investigate whether QKD is viable  Continue Reading

• What are the current SD-WAN options for enterprises?

  Software-defined wide area networking is well on its way to being a multi-billion dollar market. We assess the current state of the market and look at some of the options for enterprise CIOs and network managers  Continue Reading

• Employers turn to wearable technology to help staff manage work-life balance

  Companies are realising that there are sound business reasons for ensuring their employees get enough sleep and exercise, so they are turning to wearable technology to help their staff stay healthy, despite the pressures of work  Continue Reading

• Outcomes-based security is the way forward

  Every security technology is effective for a limited time, but understanding data assets and their value to attackers is key to effective cyber defence, according to an industry veteran of 20 years’ experience  Continue Reading

• Inside DevOps, containers and enterprise security

  Global corporates are waking up to containers and orchestrated containerisation for software development that is fast and safe. Computer Weekly looks at the best approach to ensure security is not compromised along the way  Continue Reading

• Sustainability and the smartphone: How to give your old device a second life

  Find out what happens to your smartphone after you’re finished with it and why you should commit to the circular economy  Continue Reading

• Disaster recovery as a service: what you need to know 

  Technological advances make disaster recovery as a service possible, but Computer Weekly investigates whether it is practical option for all businesses  Continue Reading

• Matching disaster recovery to cyber threats

  While it is important to take steps to prevent cyber attacks, they can still happen. That is why disaster recovery practices are equally critical  Continue Reading

• An exciting time to be in cyber security innovation

  Cyber security innovation has received a £1.35m shot in the arm from the UK government with the opening of a new innovation centre in London. Computer Weekly looks at why now is a good time to be working and innovating in this industry  Continue Reading

• Cyber crime: why business should report it as soon as possible

  Cyber crime is affecting a growing number of businesses, yet few are reporting it. Computer Weekly lifts the veil on cyber crime reporting, looking at the who, what, when, where, how and why  Continue Reading

• Application security more important than ever

  Applications have an increasingly crucial role in our lives, yet they are also a real security threat, with hackers always finding new ways to bypass security defences. Computer Weekly looks at how organisations are responding to the challenge  Continue Reading

• Application and device security under the spotlight

  The security of internet-connected devices and associated applications has become a significant concern, prompting suggestions legislation may be required, while the UK government’s recent Secure by Design review suggests several solutions, ...  Continue Reading

• GDPR: An overview of the latest data protection legislation

  The forthcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will have wide-ranging implications for every organisation that processes personal data. This comprehensive overview tells you what you need to know  Continue Reading

• Data protection is critical for all businesses

  Companies that misuse data or fall victim to breaches not only risk financial loss, but also reputational damage. There are many reasons good data practice is essential  Continue Reading

• Business needs to keep up with Investigatory Powers Act

  All indications are that the obligations on communication service providers under the controversial Investigatory Powers Act will change, and affected companies must ensure they are constantly up to date  Continue Reading

• How to find the right mobility strategy for your SME

  Small businesses still need a strategy to make the most of mobility, so what should business owners look out for?  Continue Reading

• Network security in the digital transformation era

  Network security has always been a core focus for CISOs and IT security managers, but in an era of digital transformation, we examine if network security strategies are keeping up with new and emerging cyber threats  Continue Reading

• Network security in the age of the internet of things

  Wireless devices and smart technologies are increasingly being brought into the workplace, and pose a growing risk to company data  Continue Reading

• Businesses need to take cryptojacking seriously

  Organisations must pay attention to cyber criminals hijacking computing resources to mine cryptocurrencies, because nearly half are affected and the impact is greater than many realise  Continue Reading

• Getting a handle on mobile security in your enterprise

  Everyone now has a mobile device at work, so how can enterprises ensure they are secure?  Continue Reading

• How AI will underpin cyber security in the next few years

  Cyber security risks are growing in complexity and volume, but artificial intelligence techniques can help businesses track and fight them in real time  Continue Reading

• GDPR: Not too late to ensure real risks will be addressed

  With just four months to go before the General Data Protection Regulation compliance deadline, there is a growing anxiety in many parts of the regulated community that their GDPR plans may not be fit for purpose  Continue Reading

• Government IT contracts: Are the new kids taking over the block?

  A new breed of SME supplier is challenging the reported status quo on government contracts and replacing the usual suspects. However, with distractions such as Brexit and GDPR, can David really take on Goliath?  Continue Reading

• Steal a march on cyber criminals through security by deception

  Security by obscurity, although a common and tempting practice, is generally not recommended, but security by deception offers a way for defenders to make it more difficult for attackers to succeed and easier for defenders to catch them  Continue Reading

• Content filtering a potential challenge in digital single market

  The proposed digital single market directive is intended to harmonise e-commerce and copyright throughout the European Union, but concerns have been raised over the technological impact this would have on UK industry  Continue Reading

• Hard work, big prize: Bristol is shaping what it means to be a smart city

  Two-and-a-half years after the ambitious Bristol is Open smart city project launched, we return to the West Country to explore how things are progressing, and find out what has been learned  Continue Reading

• Brexit uncertainty dominates UK’s digital conversation

  Uncertainty over the impact of Brexit dominated conversations at TechUK’s second annual Supercharging the Digital Economy event. Can technology really lessen the impact?  Continue Reading

• UK Data Protection Bill vs EU General Data Protection Regulation

  The UK Data Protection Bill is due to come into force this year, ahead of the EU General Data Protection Regulation in May 2018 - we look at the differences between the two  Continue Reading

• Where the device hits the network – a mobile device management update

  As business becomes increasingly mobile, we look at the latest trends in mobile device management to give businesses the edge  Continue Reading

• Firms look to security analytics to keep pace with cyber threats

  Traditional approaches to cyber security no longer enable organisations to keep up with cyber threats, but security analytics is an increasingly popular addition to the cyber arsenal  Continue Reading

• How to improve security against email attacks and for GDPR compliance

  About 200 billion emails are sent every day, but because of its importance email is constantly exploited by attackers, and yet is often overlooked in cyber security strategies  Continue Reading

• Can fixed wireless access fix business connectivity problems?

  Fixed wireless access is being touted as a panacea for poor network connectivity, but is it a viable solution, and what are the benefits for businesses?  Continue Reading

• How Wales has evolved into a hotspot for cyber security

  Wales may be a small country but, in just a few years, it has become a global hotspot for cyber security innovation  Continue Reading

• How to use threat intelligence in your business

  Threat intelligence can be very handy, but just how useful and appropriate it will be depends largely on the security maturity of an organisation  Continue Reading

• Why immutable buckets are a worthy risk management tool

  Immutable buckets offer businesses benefits in terms of data compliance, backup, archiving and security  Continue Reading

• GDPR: One year to compliance and opportunity

  With a year to go before all companies dealing with European Union citizens’ data have to comply with new EU data protection rules, the focus for many is on compliance, but some believe business should be the top priority  Continue Reading

• Organised crime exploiting new technology

  European law enforcement is to focus on collaborating with industry around cyber crime as organised crime groups increasingly exploit new technologies, according to a regional crime threat report  Continue Reading

• How UK organisations are leaving themselves open for cyber attack

  UK organisations are leaving themselves wide open to cyber attack despite huge investments in cyber security systems, according to two former hackers now working in cyber defence  Continue Reading

• How to implement a low-power WAN to support the IoT

  We explore the options and the implementation process for an LPWAN to support internet of things projects in the enterprise  Continue Reading

• Enterprise wireless: trends and developments in 2017

  What will be the main developments in wireless this year and what challenges will this bring to enterprises?  Continue Reading

• Inside the well-planned metro network: how CityFibre does it

  Computer Weekly met metro network builder CityFibre to find out why, and how, the organisation believes it can mount a credible challenge to Openreach’s dominance of wholesale fibre  Continue Reading

• Cloud contracts are still a minefield

  Cloud computing is maturing in the enterprise space, but the contracts that underpin cloud services have not evolved at the same pace  Continue Reading

• Challenges of complying with the Investigatory Powers Act

  Despite opposition by civil liberties groups and technology companies, the UK government has passed the controversial Investigatory Powers Act, adding a host of security and contingency requirements that UK businesses need to consider  Continue Reading

• How information security professionals can help business understand cyber risk

  Information security is continually moving up business and board agendas, but information security professionals find it challenging to help business leaders to understand fully the cyber risks across increasingly digital businesses.  Continue Reading

• What happens to data protection when we leave the EU?

  The UK was a keen participant in the formulation of new data protection laws for the European Union, but its electorate has since voted to leave the EU. How is that likely to affect data protection in the UK once Brexit is accomplished?  Continue Reading

• The cyber threats lurking within every company

  Insider threats have been around for a long time, but it is only recently that people have begun to acknowledge the true danger they pose  Continue Reading

• Infosecurity – the GCHQ way

  Balancing privacy and security requires highly developed information security policies and, of the UK intelligence agencies, GCHQ has taken the lead.  Continue Reading

• European law enforcement seeking smart ways to fight cyber crime

  Cyber crime continues to increase in volume and sophistication, but European law enforcement is fighting back, using collaboration and industry partnerships to compensate for a lack of resources  Continue Reading

• Cost-effective managed IPS for small businesses

  Small businesses typically struggle to afford cyber intrusion prevention systems, but the introduction of a service tailored for this market could change that  Continue Reading

• CW@50: A history of IT outsourcing

  Computer Weekly looks at where and when IT outsourcing was invented and considers the changes the sector has gone through since  Continue Reading

• The problem of passwords and how to deal with it

  Security experts have long recognised passwords as inadequate, but finally technology is offering some viable alternative authentication methods that businesses can explore to keep their data safe  Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged infrastructure product survey: The challengers

  In the first of a two-part survey, we look at the hyper-converged infrastructure market and the startups providing VM-native servers and storage, and datacentre-in-a-box products  Continue Reading

• Europe fires starting gun for dash to GDPR compliance

  A last dash for compliance with the general data protection regulation (GDPR) has begun across Europe and, despite the two-year warning, some organisations will fall short and for UK firms Brexit is no excuse  Continue Reading

• Isle of Man: From seaside getaway to tech startup hub

  The Isle of Man government is stepping up efforts to position itself as the low-tax jurisdiction of choice for the startup community. But what's it like to do business there?  Continue Reading

• CW@50: Fertile British breeding grounds for information security innovation

  Computer Weekly is marking its 50th anniversary this year with a series of articles celebrating 50 years of British technology innovation. In this article, we look at the evolution of information security threats and some of the British innovation ...  Continue Reading

• Striving for a balanced mobile world: the Connected Women of MWC

  At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the GSMA’s Connected Women initiative began a new drive to connect more women in the developing world. Computer Weekly meets programme director Claire Sibthorpe  Continue Reading

• DDoS attack threat cannot be ignored

  Criminal activity has become the top motivation for distributed denial of service attacks as the average attack become strong enough to down most businesses – so taking no action is not an option  Continue Reading

• Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to insider attack

  Recent research has highlighted key weaknesses that leave organisations vulnerable to insider cyber security threats  Continue Reading

• Three steps towards a hierarchy of needs for smart cities

  Smart cities face challenges around network connectivity, standardisation and data governance, say IoT experts, and these needs must be met for them to flourish  Continue Reading

• Inclusive Technology Prize showcases apps and services for the disabled

  The government’s Inclusive Technology Prize is using innovative IT to address some of the day-to-day challenges faced by disabled people in Britain  Continue Reading

• How to deal with the aftermath of a data breach

  Considering that a data breach could happen to any company, at any time, a plan of action is the best tactic  Continue Reading

• The next stage in quantum key distribution

  Authentication schemes based on quantum physics are emerging to address the growing number of ways to compromise data traffic  Continue Reading

• How to avoid being caught out by ransomware

  Businesses are still getting caught by ransomware, despite the fact that there are fairly straightforward methods to avoid it  Continue Reading

• Avoiding security issues when recycling hardware

  What are the options for the environmentally and ethically responsible recycling of end-of-life hardware, without compromising data security?  Continue Reading

• How CIOs can raise their 'IT clock speed' as pressure to innovate grows

  CIOs are facing pressure from the board to roll out IT projects increasingly quickly. How can they do that without running unacceptable risks? This article, based on cutting-edge research among leading businesses, offers some answers  Continue Reading

• The security dangers of home networks

  Most companies take reasonable steps to protect their networks from virus attacks, but one area of vulnerability that is often overlooked is infection from employees’ home networks  Continue Reading

• How to ensure strong passwords and better authentication

  Five steps to ensure stronger passwords and better authentication to reduce the threat of business data theft  Continue Reading

• How to fully test IT networks for vulnerabilities

  Making sure a company network is secure is a very important task, and one that should be scheduled regularly  Continue Reading