Opinion
Opinion
IT legislation and regulation
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A new security partnership to build a silicon valley in South Wales
The £140m acquisition of Newport Wafer Fab by American firm Vishay is to be welcomed but the UK needs needs security, stability and strategic investment to grow our domestic semiconductor capability, writes Alun Cairns MP Continue Reading
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How Southeast Asia’s largest bank is riding the AI wave
DBS has scaled its AI capabilities across all parts of its business to deliver tangible outcomes and productivity gains Continue Reading
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Bouncing back from a cyber attack
Organisations need to move away from victim blaming when cyber attacks on OT systems occur and focus on fostering collaboration between teams to minimise downtime, among other efforts to bounce back and return to business Continue Reading
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Executives must face down state-sponsored hacking groups targeting firmware
State-backed groups have ratcheted up the pressure for cyber security professionals and executives. But that’s not an excuse to cede them the territory. Continue Reading
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Three predictions for responding to the cyber threat landscape in 2024
Nominet's Kim Wiles looks to the coming months and calls for cooperation and collaboration on tackling cyber security threats Continue Reading
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AI everywhere all at once
Artificial intelligence became mainstream in 2023. Advances in technology and accessibility led to increased awareness and use of AI Continue Reading
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Quantum, AI and geopolitical conflict: '24 will be a big year for cyber
With big trends like quantum, generative AI and geopolitical conflict, 2024 looks set to be a big year in security, but defenders have an unparalleled opportunity to harness these trends for good, says Quorum's Federico Charosky Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: What to expect in cyber this year
Risk arising from insecure generative AI, an explosion in mainstream acceptance of zero-trust, and increasingly tight cyber insurance policies will all be high on the agenda in 2024, writes Forrester senior analyst Alla Valente Continue Reading
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Bulk sender authentication: More vital than ever
With new guidelines from Google and Yahoo governing bulk emails coming into force in February 2024, here's what you need to know to keep your sales and marketing lists compliant Continue Reading
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The race to regulate AI: 2024 unpacked
EU’s AI Act is set to become ‘gold standard’ of AI regulation. Will other countries adopt the same high standards or like the UK opt for a light touch in favour of growth and investment? Continue Reading
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IT Sustainability Think Tank: Why 2024 should be less about predicting and more about acting
With 2023 now behind us, it is time to look ahead at what enterprise leaders should be focusing their IT sustainability efforts on during the year ahead Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: 2024 is the year we bridge the cyber divide
ISACA's Steven Sim Kok Leong shares his thoughts on the coming year in cyber security, considering the impact of regulatory change, the evolving role of the CISO, and advances in innovative cyber tech Continue Reading
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Making artificial intelligence fit for all our human futures
Lord Chris Holmes explains why he has introduced a Private Member's Bill on AI regulation for discussion in Parliament - and the important precedents he hopes it will set Continue Reading
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DORA raises the stakes for cloud use in financial services
The EU's DORA regulations will raise the stakes for cloud in financial services but resilience is more than just a tech issue, says NetApp's Steve Rackham Continue Reading
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Navigating the DPDI Bill: A transformative shift ahead
The Data Protection and Digital Information (No. 2) Bill, or DPDI, is set to reshape the UK’s data protection framework. Louise Brooks of DQM GRC considers the implications Continue Reading
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How to solve the computer evidence problem
The Law Commission is in disgrace for its historic misrepresentations of IT experts when pushing a change to the law on the use of computer evidence through Parliament. Continue Reading
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Law Commission misrepresented experts when it changed rule on computer evidence
The Law Commission repeatedly quoted vague, arm-waving, un-evidenced comments by judges who offered no insight into anything beyond their own technical ignorance. The law change made miscarriages of justice inevitable. Continue Reading
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The cause of the Post Office Horizon scandal? The Law Commission? Judges? Lawyers?
The appropriateness of the current law on the use of computer evidence in court is under the spotlight following Post Office scandal revelations Continue Reading
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The implications of biased AI models on the financial services industry
The Bank of England has warned of the risk artificial intelligence models present in creating bias that could pose a threat to the UK’s financial services sector. How do those risks emerge and how they might be mitigated? Continue Reading
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The new data landscape: how will the new UK-US data bridge affect businesses?
With the UK-US data bridge coming into effect on 12 October 2023, find out what steps your organisation can take to take advantage of, and remain compliant with, the new framework Continue Reading
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DORA: Moving into a new era of digital resilience
The EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act will come into force in just over a year, the majority of risk management professionals are only at the beginning of their planning journey. Kate Needham-Bennett of Fusion Risk Management explains how to ... Continue Reading
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AI vs software outsourcing: An opportunity or a threat?
While artificial intelligence offers unprecedented opportunities for growth, efficiency and automation, it also raises pertinent questions about the future of software outsourcing Continue Reading
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The most important law you’ve never heard of - the Electronic Trade Documents Act
The UK's Electronic Trade Documents Act has come into force, and it promises to make international trading easier, cheaper, faster and greener - but only if companies and government adopt its measures Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: A user’s guide to encryption
The Security Think Tank assesses the state of encryption technology, exploring topics such as cryptographic techniques, data-masking, the legal ramifications of end-to-end encryption, and the impact of quantum Continue Reading
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Consciousness to address AI safety and security
The co-founder of KikenAI discuses why he has decided to make the technology for protecting LLMs open source Continue Reading
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The quantum threat: Implications for the Internet of Things
The Security Think Tank assesses the state of encryption technology, exploring topics such as cryptographic techniques, data-masking, the legal ramifications of end-to-end encryption, and the impact of quantum Continue Reading
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IT Sustainability Think Tank: Preparing the enterprise for tightening green regulations
There is an ever-growing list of rules and regulations for enterprises to get their heads around when it comes to sustainability, but what can they do to keep on top of things? Continue Reading
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IT Sustainability Think Tank: Recruitment and the regulatory landscape
There is an ever-growing list of rules and regulations for enterprises to get their heads around when it comes to sustainability, but what can they do to keep on top of things? Continue Reading
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Transforming the financial system's plumbing
Executive heading up the Bank of England’s core system replacement project says the financial services sector plumbing is getting the attention it deserves. Continue Reading
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The problem with ‘secure’ messaging
Secure instant messaging is becoming a norm for business communications but it raises three important security and compliance questions Continue Reading
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At the gates – How to survive the era of cyber insecurity
Businesses face more legal risks, a mine field of regulation, and individual liability for failures. Getting the basis right is more important than ever. Continue Reading
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We have lift off… The opportunities and risks of generative AI
How you can use AI to benefit your business while navigating the risks Continue Reading
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Post Office scandal inquiry phase four: Here come the lawyers…
The Post Office scandal was triggered by computer errors, but the cover-up and miscarriages of justice implicate the Post Office, government and lawyers, as professor of law and ethics Richard Moorhead explains Continue Reading
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Artificial intelligence - friend or foe?
AI can and will be a force for good - but we need a global conversation about its regulation to make sure the benefits of the technology outweigh the risks Continue Reading
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Regulatory ‘lacuna’ around facial recognition threatens rights
The UK is heading for a “legal quagmire” around live facial recognition if the government and regulators do not take action to rein in use of the technology before it becomes ubiquitous Continue Reading
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Five key steps where there is a risk of fraud investigation
When fraud investigators come knocking, there are some important ways in which management and senior IT professionals can make sure their company is best protected. Continue Reading
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Why we need a secure side door for encrypted apps, not a back door
Splitting a decryption key into multiple fragments held by 'guardians', including privacy rights group, may be an answer to policing encrypted messages Continue Reading
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Could your employees’ use of ChatGPT put you in breach of GDPR?
Following Italy's run-in with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, legal expert Richard Forrest emphasises the necessity for additional scrutiny while using AI tools in a work environment, and practical guidance on doing so safely Continue Reading
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Preventing artificial deception in the age of AI
The proposals contained in Westminster’s AI whitepaper are a good start, but more creative thinking and investment will be required to achieve a truly pro-innovation regulatory environment Continue Reading
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Computer says no. Will fairness survive in the AI age?
New forms of regulation will be needed to safeguard against the risks posed by AI Continue Reading
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How to protect your business from fraud during a recession
This winter, the chilly winds of a global recession have fraudsters turning up the heat. PJ Rohall of SEON Fraud Fighters shares some guidance on how to bundle up against fraud Continue Reading
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What do the tech sector redundancy rounds mean for international employees working in the UK?
Individuals that have chosen to relocate to the UK to develop their careers sponsored by their employers face not only losing their job but their right to remain in the UK. What are the options? Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: Poor training is worse than no training at all
Bad security training is a betrayal of users, a security risk, and ultimately a waste of money, but there are some reasons to be optimistic about the future, say Mike Gillespie and Ellie Hurst of Advent IM Continue Reading
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Three outsourcing trends to look out for in 2023
ISG's Andreas Fahr outlines three IT sourcing trends to look out for in the coming year. Continue Reading
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The rise of fraud in pop culture is impacting consumers’ digital trust
Shows such as The Tinder Swindler and Inventing Anna were big money-earners for Netflix in 2022, but Onfido’s Mike Tuchen says their popularity risks damaging consumer trust Continue Reading
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Europe’s cyber security strategy must be clear about open source
Europe’s cyber security policy on open source is lagging behind the US, and despite growing government awareness of the issues, that poses a problem Continue Reading
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Post-Brexit cyber dynamics in the UK and Europe: diverging paradigms?
The UK faces a choice in terms of its ongoing cyber security relationship with the EU – to preserve its collaboration with the EU by adopting an aligned approach or to adopt a divergent approach Continue Reading
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Electronic Trade Documents Bill: Why we need to seize the day with distributed ledger technologies
Lord Chris Holmes pens his views for Computer Weekly on how the Electronic Trade Documents Bill, which he calls ‘the most important law you’ve never heard of’, could be a game-changer for the potential of distributed ledger technologies such as ... Continue Reading
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Chartered status and aligned standards are crucial for the UK's cyber sector
As the UK moves closer to ushering in the world’s first chartered cyber professionals, the UK Cyber Security Council’s Simon Hepburn outlines the sector’s defining moment Continue Reading
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Redundancies – are tech companies getting it right?
With recession now a reality, big tech companies have started slimming down their workforces, but they have legal responsibilities Continue Reading
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Can crypto recover from the crash of 2022?
What does the crypto wipeout of 2022 mean for an increasingly turbulent economy and can crypto bounce back in the months and years ahead? Crucially, how will regulators react? Continue Reading
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The rise and risks of sovereign data strategies
Data and analytics leaders need to understand what is happening now to mitigate risk and exploit data-driven opportunities Continue Reading
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How to build consumer trust with a privacy-by-design approach
Undertaken with the right mindset and technology, privacy by design delivers value to consumers and builds trust for the long term Continue Reading
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The risk of losing our EU data adequacy agreement is real
While some may welcome the government’s ambition to shake up the UK’s data protection regime, Westminster should be wary of drifting too far from the path charted by our US and European partners Continue Reading
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The Conservatives are laughing at cyber security pros
If causing a security breach is a resigning matter, then you shouldn’t expect to get your old job back a week later. Unless you’re a Conservative home secretary, apparently Continue Reading
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IT Sustainability Think Tank: What IT leaders need to know about greenwashing
How can IT leaders separate fact from fiction when weighing up a tech supplier’s sustainability claims? And, crucially, what are the dangers or risks that enterprises face if they do not do their due diligence on the green claims of their providers? Continue Reading
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Everything you wanted to know about the metaverse
Possession may be nine-tenths of the law, but the unique qualities of digital assets mean they do not easily fit into the age-old legal concept of ownership Continue Reading
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IR35 reforms repeal: How it stands to benefit the tech sector’s SMEs and contractors
Government’s planned repeal of IR35 reforms could help alleviate a lot of the uncertainty and pressure on the tech sector’s SMEs Continue Reading
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The dangers of the UK’s illogical war on encryption
The unintended consequences of the Online Safety Bill will have a dramatic effect on our ability to communicate securely, including in Ukraine, where it is needed most Continue Reading
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Reimagining ethical digital technology
With ever-increasing digitisation leading to greater dependence on a range of digital technologies, enterprises need to urgently look at how they can incorporate ethical and social considerations into the tech they develop Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: Don’t rely on insurance alone
Cyber insurance is a useful addition to the cyber protection toolbox. However, it cannot be regarded as a replacement for the controls that should be in operation, says Turnkey Consulting’s Tom Venables Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: Now is the time to think about cyber insurance
Many IT leaders shy away from cyber insurance, but new, innovative developments in the market can help organisations take an approach that suits their needs Continue Reading
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Finding the balance between innovation and data security in healthcare
As the government launches its data strategy for health and social care, a fine line must be trodden between innovating through privacy-enhancing technologies, and retaining data security for patients Continue Reading
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What will the Data Reform Bill mean for UK businesses operating in the EU?
Following the government’s response to the Data Reform Bill consultation, Peter Galdies of DQM GRC looks at what might lie ahead for UK organisations working in the European Union Continue Reading
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Governance and progression of AI in the UK
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are essential to growth in the global digital economy, and the UK has ambitions to lead the way Continue Reading
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Government wrong to pass the buck on computer evidence reform
IT expert James Christie tells Computer Weekly why he is disappointed that the government has no plans to change the rules on the use of computer evidence in court Continue Reading
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Naivety of computer evidence leaves door ajar for more miscarriages of justice
Barrister Paul Marshall explains why the government’s lack of action on reforming the legal rules around computer evidence, which presume it is correct, mean the Post Office Horizon scandal could be the tip of a miscarriages of justice iceberg Continue Reading
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What does the EU’s NIS 2 cyber directive cover?
We run the rule over the European Union’s updated NIS2 security directive Continue Reading
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Mobile digital transformation – from fast to deep
The first half of 2022 has been a busy time, with much happening in the mobile industry. We consider what the rest of year might hold Continue Reading
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Online Safety Bill: Collaborating to make the internet safer for all
The UK government's plan to regulate the internet and social media includes some positive and progressive measures – but by working with industry, a lot more could be achieved Continue Reading
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Spring Statement lays the foundation for a make-or-break Budget for business in the autumn
The tech sector has welcomed much of the chancellor’s latest financial plans, but says there is more to do if technology is to achieve its full potential for driving economic growth Continue Reading
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Revised scope of UK security strategy reflects digitised society
The omission of the word ‘security’ from the title of the UK government’s new National Cyber Strategy is a telling one, reflecting our increasingly digitised society, say Maximillian Brook and Arunoshi Singh of the ISF Continue Reading
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How 2022’s most significant data privacy trends affect your organisation
Data privacy and protection are now core responsibilities for most, but as we all know by now, compliance is a moving target. Here, expert Alan Calder looks ahead at what to expect in the coming months Continue Reading
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UK Cyber Strategy a welcome injection of progress
The National Cyber Strategy should be seen as a welcome injection of both focus and investment in bettering cyber defence for everyone, says Turnkey Consulting senior consultant Louise Barber Continue Reading
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National Cyber Strategy will enhance UK’s cyber power status
The UK punches above its weight when it comes to wielding cyber power around the world, but challenges to this status are clear. The National Cyber Strategy has a clear role to play in maintaining and enhancing this status, writes Paddy Francis of ... Continue Reading
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Achieving agility, collaboration and data control in the cloud
Organisations have historically had to make a trade-off between the proven benefits of the cloud and maintaining full control of their data, but with the right strategy it is possible to have both Continue Reading
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National Cyber Strategy misses the mark in one important way
The National Cyber Strategy is full of fine words, says Petra Wenham, but as the old expression goes, fine words butter no parsnips, and it misses the mark in one very important way Continue Reading
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Assessing the aims of the Government Cyber Security Strategy
The clear aims of the Government Cyber Security Strategy are welcome, but are they realistic or achievable? Continue Reading
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Technology is the key to the door of levelling up the UK
We finally have a better idea of what the government’s ‘levelling-up’ policy means in practice – but national progress on digital adoption will be a key measure of its success Continue Reading
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Five key tech trends for digital leaders in 2022
The past two years have seen a surge in investment that will bring new challenges to digital leaders over the next year Continue Reading
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The UK-Australia FTA shows the UK means business on digital trade policy
The new free-trade agreement with Australia could be setting the precedents for what a modern digital trade policy will look like for the UK Continue Reading
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Vulnerabilities to fraud are increasing across the board
As the pandemic continues to affect how we work, socialise, shop and conduct business, so it has increased opportunities for digital fraud and cyber crime. Jason Lane-Sellers explores the latest LexisNexis Risk Solutions ‘Cybercrime report’ Continue Reading
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A trial relying on computer evidence should start with a trial of the computer evidence
Learning from the Post Office Horizon scandal - the most widespread miscarriage of justice in recent British legal history Continue Reading
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A ‘whole of society’ approach to cyber may be on the horizon
Nominet Cyber managing director David Carroll reflects on the NCSC’s latest annual review amid 2021’s fast-evolving threat landscape Continue Reading
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The ICO is right to push back against government meddling
Some criticisms of the ICO are justified, but the answer to that is not to give Whitehall more oversight over the data protection regulator, argues legal expert Edward Machin Continue Reading
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Watching me, watching you – challenging the rise of digital surveillance at work
Unprecedented levels of digital monitoring at work is embedding a culture of surveillance, despite workers’ opposition to the practices, says Prospect Union Continue Reading
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Encryption protects the marginalised – and it’s under threat
Encryption keeps marginalised groups connected and safe, but new regulatory attempts to break it put them at risk Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: Responsible vulnerability disclosure is a joint effort
By working hand-in-hand, developers and security researchers can both play a vital role in ensuring newly-discovered vulnerabilities are addressed appropriately, writes Paddy Francis of Airbus CyberSecurity Continue Reading
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Invest in cyber security with confidence using a structured approach
Cyber security has never been more challenging or important in rapidly changing business, regulatory, IT and threat environments. There is a need for a more structured approach to investment Continue Reading
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Keeping the UK in the global race to adopt digital identity
The UK government’s proposed digital ID trust framework is a step in the right direction, but more is needed to ensure the successful adoption of digital identity across the economy Continue Reading
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ICO cookie consent: How will the plan affect businesses?
A data privacy and compliance expert considers what the ICO’s proposals for an overhaul of cookie consent procedures could mean for businesses Continue Reading
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Facial recognition cannot be a standalone authentication method
As more organisations look to facial recognition to improve their digital identity practices, they must remember that it cannot stand in isolation Continue Reading
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Managing cyber risk through integrated supply chains
High-profile supply chain cyber attacks have caused huge disruption this year. PA Consulting’s Carl Nightingale considers key questions business leaders should be asking of their organisations Continue Reading
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IR35 reforms: Tech firms warned off relying on high-risk compliance workarounds
Several months have passed since the onset of the IR35 reforms in the private sector, but compliance with the rules remains an ongoing process, warns Brookson Legal’s Matt Fryer Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: Optimising privacy, post-GDPR
Airbus CyberSecurity CTO Paddy Francis explores the impact of regulation on data protection, and how it has changed how one goes about optimising data privacy in the enterprise Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: A response to planned data protection changes
The ISF’s Emma Bickerstaffe assesses how organisations might respond to proposed changes to the UK’s data protection regime Continue Reading
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UK’s new data protection strategy risks costing business more than it gains
The apparent business benefits of pursuing data adequacy agreements around the world may not be as enticing as they at first appear Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: Steps to a solid data privacy practice
Petra Wenham of the BCS shares her expertise on building, or rebuilding, a solid business data privacy practice in a post-Covid-19 world Continue Reading
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Basel III: How fintech can provide allocated gold for banks
Banking rules that were over 10 years in the making as a response to the financial crisis have finally come into effect, marking a seismic shift for European banks and their dealings with gold – potentially completely altering the landscape of ... Continue Reading
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The ransomware debate – to pay or not to pay?
The debate around banning ransomware payments is highly nuanced, and we must take care to avoid overt victim-blaming, in favour of an open and honest approach, says SASIG’s Martin Smith Continue Reading