IT careers and IT skills
IT professionals increasingly need to take responsibility for ensuring that their IT skills are kept up-to-date, and for pursuing opportunities that will develop their IT careers. We examine the issues around career development at all stages of an IT professional's working life, from education through to training and recruitment.
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News
30 Apr 2025
Government funds training to build UK chip skills
The UK semiconductor sector needs talent but a report highlights challenges Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2025
Artificial intelligence roles the ‘only safe jobs in banking’
World’s biggest banks have increased the number of employees working with artificial intelligence by 13% in the past six months Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2023
DWP to surveil bank accounts of benefit claimants for fraud
The UK government has outlined how it plans to tackle benefit fraud by giving the Department for Work and Pensions new powers compelling banks to collect and share data on claimants’ bank accounts Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2023
Three-quarters of finance executives expect generative AI to replace them
Survey reveals an expectation that GenAI will take over many of the finance executive roles currently held by people Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2023
AWS to offer free AI training courses to two million people by 2025
Public cloud giant AWS has set its sights on bolstering the AI skill sets of two million people globally Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2023
Executive interview: TechUK CEO Julian David on 10 years of change in UK IT
It’s 10 years since the UK technology trade association relaunched as TechUK – its chief executive looks back on a dramatic decade, and discusses what’s next for the UK tech sector Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2023
Altman’s back at OpenAI. What next for Microsoft?
Fired and now rehired, Sam Altman returns to OpenAI, leaving a hole in Microsoft’s Advanced AI plans Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2023
boomerang employee
A boomerang employee is a person who leaves a company and returns to work for the same company in the future. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2023
organizational change management (OCM)
Organizational change management (OCM) is a type of change management framework for managing the effect of new business processes, changes in organizational structure, or cultural changes within an enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2023
Deputy prime minister heads up AI central government drive
The government has established a new initiative called i.AI in a bid to drive AI across the public sector to improve efficiency Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Nov 2023
Why transparency and accountability are important in cyber security
If we accept that the humans who build technology and systems are naturally fallible and mistakes inevitable, and then deal with that with good grace, we could do much to improve cyber standards, writes Bugcrowd's Casey Ellis Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2023
Government response to digital exclusion recommendations lacking, say Lords
The government’s response to a committee report that makes recommendations for addressing digital exclusion has been met with criticism from the House of Lords Continue Reading
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E-Zine
21 Nov 2023
Can AI take education to a new level?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine how large language models are being used to teach, support and assess students, enhancing education rather than impairing it. We look at how the AI revolution is impacting the semiconductor sector as the big tech companies put off server upgrades. And we find out how generative AI is changing the way enterprise software works. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2023
AI productivity gains could result in four-day weeks for millions
Autonomy think tank publishes paper on potential for artificial intelligence-driven large language models to shorten people’s work weeks Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2023
Elected officials' lack of digital skills affects public services
A lack of digital skills and tech expertise among elected officials encourages government to contract out IT work instead of building up internal capacity, making the public sector increasingly reliant on outside knowledge to get things done Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2023
Software engineers worry about speaking out
A culture of fear exists in many software teams, preventing individuals from raising concerns over problems Continue Reading
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News
17 Nov 2023
US civil society groups demand better conditions for AI workers
Some 24 US civil society groups and unions and have written a letter to the US Senate asking for action to improve the working conditions of the people who train and maintain their artificial intelligence systems Continue Reading
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Podcast
17 Nov 2023
Walmart’s enterprise software: A Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast
We speak to Walmart’s David Glick about the build/buy debate and how the retailer works with large language models Continue Reading
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News
17 Nov 2023
Interview: Walmart’s David Glick discusses technology scale
We speak to Walmart’s head of enterprise business services about managing IT and technology innovation at the retailer Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Nov 2023
managerial grid model (The Blake and Mouton Managerial Grid model)
The managerial grid model was developed by Robert R. Blake and Jane S. Mouton in the 1960s to help companies and individuals analyze and improve management styles. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2023
Workato CEO calls for new automation mindset
Workato CEO Vijay Tella urges organisations to go beyond the ‘mechanistic glue’ of automating manual processes and embrace a new automation mindset that focuses on transforming their business Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2023
Interview: Dan Huddart, CTO, Homeprotect
After building up experience in the insurance sector, Homeprotect’s chief technology officer sought the freedom to innovate being offered at the rapidly scaling company Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2023
PeopleSpot dishes out people-related advice
The PeopleSpot app provides resources to help workers deal with people-related challenges and enables organisations to surface HR issues through its analytics capabilities Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Nov 2023
Are firms using mergers and acquisitions to inherit talent?
Getting the right tech skills is proving increasingly difficult for businesses, so some are resorting to combining companies to find the industry’s existing talent – but what are the pros and cons? Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Nov 2023
What’s the smart way of moving forward with artificial intelligence?
Don’t try to use AI to solve everything at once – be clear about what specific use cases you want Continue Reading
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E-Zine
14 Nov 2023
The UK AI Safety Summit – what did it achieve?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look back at the UK government’s AI Safety Summit and assess what it achieved – and what it didn’t. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the future of business software and modernising legacy applications. And we find out how the UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act aims to protect your smart devices. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Nov 2023
Why digital leaders should build their personal branding
Prioritising the development of personal branding can help your organisation attract talented people Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Nov 2023
As the jobs market evolves, maximise opportunities, mitigate AI risk
Heather Thomson, Director of Skills and Talent at The Data Lab urges society to keep calm and focus on the opportunities afforded by artificial intelligence Continue Reading
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News
10 Nov 2023
APAC cyber security workforce hits record high
The cyber security workforce in Asia-Pacific now stands at just under a million people, but demand for cyber security talent in the region continues to outpace supply Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Nov 2023
How to manage the cultural and operational impact of AI
Organisations will need to address workplace fears of potential job losses, manage change and improve their talent mix to drive success in AI adoption Continue Reading
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Podcast
09 Nov 2023
Gartner’s CIO agenda: A Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast
We speak to Gartner’s Tina Nunno at the analyst firm’s annual conference in Barcelona about IT management challenges Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2023
UK government does not see need for specific AI legislation
The UK government does not currently see the need for new artificial intelligence legislation, as many regulators are already dealing effectively with AI-related harms Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2023
The Security Interviews: Why cyber needs to integrate better
Cyber security is an intensely technical field, but we shouldn’t ignore the soft skills of communication and collaboration. Wipro’s Tony Buffomante explains why a robust security posture is dependent on a security team engaging with the wider organisation Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Nov 2023
Heineken lets the data flow
In this month’s CW EMEA ezine, we find out about Heineken’s mission to make the most out of the data it holds through an enterprise-wide data ecosystem. We also look at how the UK has turned its back on the German government-funded Gaia-X data platform, why cyber experts are urging the EU to rethink vulnerability disclosure plans, and how the IT industry is responding to the software developer skills shortfall. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Nov 2023
employee resource group (ERG)
An employee resource group is a workplace club or more formally realized affinity group organized around a shared interest or identity. Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2023
The Security Interviews: ISC2’s Clar Rosso on cyber diversity and policy
Computer Weekly catches up with ISC2 CEO Clar Rosso to talk about diversifying the cyber workforce and supporting cyber pros as they keep up with growing compliance and security policy demands Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Nov 2023
MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate)
MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) was a certification program offered by Microsoft and intended for people seeking entry-level jobs in an IT environment. Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2023
AI Safety Summit review
Computer Weekly takes stock of the UK government’s AI Safety Summit and the differing perspectives around its success Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 Nov 2023
How ExxonMobil is leading with data
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to the leader of ExxonMobil’s data organisation, about the energy giant’s strategy to establish enterprise-wide principles for the use of data. As the UK’s Online Safety Act comes into force, we examine the tech sector’s concerns over the laws around end-to-end encryption. And we look at the software tools available to HR teams to help improve staff retention. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2023
Executive interview: Sergio Gago, Moody’s
Why should companies invest in quantum computing? We speak to Sergio Gago, managing director for artificial intelligence, machine learning and quantum at Moody’s Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Nov 2023
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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News
02 Nov 2023
Tech employers claim Gen Z lack core technical skills
Research by Wiley Edge has found that almost half of businesses offering tech roles claim that candidates lack the skills needed for the job Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2023
Cloud banking fintech unicorn cuts 50 staff
UK fintech unicorn reduces its total staff by about 7% with sales and marketing roles taking the biggest hit. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2023
Government announces millions to fund AI skills
Funding has been allocated to ensure the UK grows its understanding of artificial intelligence and develops an AI talent base to help properly utilise the technology in the future Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2023
Darktrace CEO Poppy Gustafsson on her AI Safety Summit goals
As the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park takes place, Computer Weekly caught up with Darktrace CEO Poppy Gustafsson to find out what one of the UK’s most prominent AI advocates wants from proceedings Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Oct 2023
We mustn’t let the return to offices kill the growth of women in tech
How can tech employers continue to attract women to tech jobs as more companies require employees to work from the office? Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2023
FDM Group partners with ISACA to boost cyber training programme
The FDM Group has announced a partnership with ISACA to help develop and boost their cyber training programmes and credentials Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2023
More office days leads to fewer women, says Nash Squared
A lack of flexibility could be standing in the way of a more diverse tech workforce, according to Nash Squared Continue Reading
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News
27 Oct 2023
‘Egregious’ to link passport data with facial recognition systems
The Scottish biometrics watchdog has spoken out against the UK policing minister’s plans to integrate passport data with police facial recognition systems Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2023
Sunak sets scene for upcoming AI Safety Summit
Prime minister Rishi Sunak has outlined how the UK will approach making AI safe, but experts say there is still too big a focus on catastrophic but speculative risks over real harms the technology is already causing Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Oct 2023
Finland shows off its new 20-qubit quantum computer
Anybody who scoffs at Finland’s lofty ambitions in the field of quantum computing should remember that not only is the country home to one of Europe's most successful companies (Nokia), but it also houses Europe’s most powerful supercomputer (LUMI). Continue Reading
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Podcast
25 Oct 2023
Learning from Google: A Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast
We speak to the CEO of Glean about learning on the job and artificial intelligence democratisation Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2023
UK IT professionals express concerns about government’s generative AI goals
Research reveals 93% of UK IT professionals are concerned by the government’s current plan to become a global leader in artificial intelligence because of lack of training and risk assessment Continue Reading
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E-Zine
24 Oct 2023
Brewing data insights at Heineken
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how brewing giant Heineken is building a data ecosystem to share insights and tap into AI capabilities. The UK is conducting a formal investigation into AWS and Microsoft’s cloud dominance – what will it mean for users? And we examine how generative AI could be used to improve customer experience. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2023
A guide to sustainability certifications for professionals
From starter-level training to in-depth ESG reporting, explore more than 30 sustainability classes, credentials and certifications that working professionals can consider now. Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2023
Gartner: CIOs must prepare for generative AI disruption
The growth of generative AI poses risks and opportunities for IT and business leaders Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2023
How Ensign is leading the charge in cyber security
Lee Fook Sun, chairman of Ensign InfoSecurity, traces the company’s journey and how it is leading the charge in cyber security by doing things differently, investing in R&D and engaging with the wider ecosystem Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Oct 2023
chief marketing officer (CMO)
A chief marketing officer (CMO) is a C-suite executive responsible for overseeing the planning, development and execution of an organization's marketing and advertising initiatives. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2023
Computer Weekly contributor named Godfather of UK Security
Advent IM founder Mike Gillespie was among those honoured at the eighth annual Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2023
Fixing developer AI fear is a team effort
A study by Pluralsight has looked at the risks of building a team of “star developers” and instilling a competitive culture Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Oct 2023
site reliability engineering (SRE)
Site reliability engineering (SRE) is the application of scripting and automation to IT operations tasks such as maintenance and support. Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2023
Loughborough Uni to create five cyber AI research posts
Supported by Darktrace, Loughborough University is to recruit five doctoral researchers focusing on cross-disciplinary research in AI and cyber security Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2023
chief digital officer
A chief digital officer (CDO) is charged with helping an enterprise use digital information and advanced technologies, such as the cloud, AI, machine learning, automation, IoT, mobile and social media, to create business value. Continue Reading
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17 Oct 2023
How Agatha Christie inspired this year’s Most Influential Woman in UK Tech
From crime dramas to intelligence, this year’s Most Influential Woman in UK Tech, Suki Fuller, talks about her path into the tech sector and the ever-changing nature of the digital world Continue Reading
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E-Zine
17 Oct 2023
The Most Influential Women in UK Technology 2023
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we announce this year’s list of the 50 most influential women in UK technology. We talk to Suki Fuller, who topped the list, about her journey in IT and the importance of diversity and inclusion. And we meet our rising stars – the women on a trajectory to influence the UK tech community. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
17 Oct 2023
UK Apple Store workers detail ‘union-busting’ tactics
Apple Store workers in the UK are attempting to unionise, but say they are facing pushback from the company, which is allegedly deploying a variety of “union-busting” tactics Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Oct 2023
T Levels expand the work-ready tech talent base and now include a specialism in cyber security
T Levels are creating a pathway into the technology sector, from software development to cyber security, for people who feel a more academic route is not for them Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2023
UAE makes significant contribution to AI computing power
UAE technology holding company G42 recently began a partnership with US-based Cerebras Systems to build a cluster of supercomputers and a set of accompanying technologies that will speed up the training process for large language models Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2023
Scottish biometrics watchdog outlines police cloud concerns
Police Scotland’s response to the biometrics commissioner’s formal information notice ‘did not ameliorate’ his concerns about the sovereignty and security of the sensitive biometric information being uploaded to cloud infrastructure that is subject to intrusive US surveillance laws Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2023
How Agatha Christie inspired this year’s Most Influential Woman in UK Tech
From crime dramas to intelligence, this year’s Most Influential Woman in UK Tech, Suki Fuller, talks about her path into the tech sector and the ever-changing nature of the digital world Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2023
Computer Weekly’s Women in UK Tech Rising Stars 2023
Each year, Computer Weekly selects a number of Rising Stars in the women in tech sector who are making waves in the women, diversity and inclusion in tech space and may find themselves on the top 50 list in the future Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2023
Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in UK Tech 2023
Computer Weekly has revealed who is on the 2023 list of the 50 Most Influential Women in UK Tech, including this year’s winner, Suki Fuller Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2023
Public sector buyers of AI tech must interrogate its suitability
The Ada Lovelace Institute has published a review on public sector use of artificial intelligence foundation models, looking at the risks and opportunities associated with the technology, and how these can be dealt with from the early stages of procurement onwards Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Oct 2023
How to move from tech leader to the boardroom
Five tips to help technology leaders secure a seat on the board Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2023
ICO issues guidance on workplace surveillance
Guidance on employee monitoring covers how employers can conduct their digital surveillance lawfully, transparently and fairly, and warns against businesses intruding on their workers’ private lives Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Oct 2023
AI interview: Gavin Mueller, media studies professor
Author Gavin Mueller speaks to Computer Weekly about the history of resistance to automation, and why Luddite perspectives and practices are useful in pushing for more equitable digital futures Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2023
The AI developer opportunity
Given the need for new software to support digitisation, we look at how the IT industry is responding to the software developer skills shortfall Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2023
Public sector needs systemic reform of capacity to innovate
Improving the public sector’s capacity to innovate requires a culture of innovation underpinned by people, skills and new ways of working with the private sector Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2023
CIISec scores DSIT funding to expand successful CyberEPQ scheme
DSIT has committed to enhanced funding to expand CIISec’s CyberEPQ education programme after recording excellent results to date Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Oct 2023
How AI-powered software development helps digitisation
AI-powered software development can enable IT leaders to beat the developer shortage and turbocharge innovation Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2023
Government to hire 2,500 people for digital roles by 2025
Government is aiming to ramp up digital skills in Whitehall with a promise to recruit 2,500 new tech and digital roles through apprenticeships and talent programmes Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2023
Scottish watchdog urges wider biometric oversight
Scotland’s biometrics watchdog urges Scottish Parliament to extend oversight of biometric information to include the entire criminal justice system, not just police Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2023
How to build an effective upskilling program for employees
Learn how upskilling can benefit an organization by helping to fill open positions and the steps needed to create a program that involves management and employee feedback. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2023
US lawmakers write to AI firms about ‘gruelling’ work conditions
Lawmakers have written to nine tech companies – including Amazon, Google and Microsoft – about the working conditions of those they employ to train and maintain their artificial intelligence systems, giving them until 11 October 2023 to respond Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2023
City of Las Vegas masters cyber incident response with Darktrace
The high-rolling city of Las Vegas experiences unique cyber security challenges rarely seen elsewhere. CIO Mike Sherwood reveals how he turned to Darktrace to help address incidents quicker and with confidence Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2023
UK government quietly disbands data ethics advisory board
The government has disbanded its Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation’s advisory board in favour of pulling the relevant artificial intelligence (AI) and data knowledge from a pool of external experts Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2023
Care responsibilities excluding women from tech, says TTC
A lack of flexibility at work is causing many women to leave their jobs, or leave the sector entirely, according to research by Tech Talent Charter Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2023
Visa to fund AI scholarships for underrepresented students in government scheme
Payments giant supports UK scheme to increase diversity in the data and artificial intelligence sector through funding Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2023
Annual Security Serious Awards nominations announced
Annual Security Serious Awards will recognise the professionals and organisations doing the most to safeguard and advance cyber security, as well as those committed to diversity and mental health in the industry Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2023
What are the advantages and disadvantages of MOOCs?
The need to continuously retrain employees has contributed to the growing popularity of massive open online courses. Explore the pros and cons of this learning approach. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
19 Sep 2023
Securing Eurovision’s online voting system against cyber attacks
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we discover how Once.net and Cloudfare defended the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest against cyber attacks. Our buyer’s guide continues to look at integrating software-as-a-service applications, with the governance of SaaS connectivity to the fore. Also, HCLTech’s Ashish Gupta relates how the company has embraced a new, pandemic-influenced, remote working model. And we find out how retail tech leaders influence their boards on transformation projects. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2023
UK space sector needs more people with AI skills, according to survey
Space sector survey shows machine learning and artificial intelligence skills are highly sought after, as the industry struggles to recruit and retain people with the necessary talent Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2023
More than 60% of firms have lost diverse tech talent
Focusing on recruiting diverse tech talent can be hard, but firms are finding that keeping the talent they already have can be an even harder task Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2023
Government appoints Dave Smith as UK national tech adviser
The former Rolls-Royce technology director will take over the role of UK national technology adviser, following government recruitment campaign for the role in the wake of former tech adviser Patrick Vallance’s departure Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Sep 2023
CIO interview: Petra Tesch, Vizrt
Straight-talking when it comes to getting her messages across to the wider company, Vizrt CIO Petra Tesch revels in transformation and communication Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2023
Ancient MoD IT systems could cause supply issues for frontline troops
Deliveries of inventory to the front line are being put at risk due to legacy IT systems and poor data, according to the National Audit Office Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2023
Whitehall only capable of ‘piecemeal’ digital transformation, says PAC
The Public Accounts Committee is unconvinced government will achieve its digital transformation ambitions as progress is thwarted by staff shortages and a lack of senior leadership engagement Continue Reading
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News
11 Sep 2023
UK boardrooms and CISOs increasingly aligned on cyber risks
Board members and CISOs in UK organisations seem to be working together much better, but while this is an encouraging sign, there remain some areas of concern over how the two relate to each other Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Sep 2023
Women in tech – is retention currently more important than hiring?
Women make up a small proportion of the tech sector despite accounting for almost half of the UK workforce – but are efforts to attract more women into the sector a distraction from trying to keep the women the sector already has? Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 Sep 2023
CW EMEA: The value of valuing people
In this month’s CW EMEA ezine, we look at HR software and strategies that can help combat staff attrition, find out how Finland’s and Sweden’s plans to join NATO have initiated activity in the Nordic cyber security sector already, consider the data privacy challenges associated with generative AI, and find out why it is important for companies to implement new cryptography standards now in preparation for quantum-safe communication. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2023
Government AI taskforce appoints new advisory board members
An initial progress report published by the Taskforce provides detail on new appointments to its external advisory board as well as rebrand to focus on “frontier” artificial intelligence Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Sep 2023
The search for sustainable UK tech talent
The UK has plans to become a tech superpower by the end of the decade, but the region still has problems with attracting and retaining talent – so how are these issues being addressed? Continue Reading