IT for government and public sector

Brexit is coming, but is the government technologically ready?

Brexit requires huge IT and technology changes across government, but as departments seem to be struggling to get to grips with the workload, Computer Weekly looks at how preparations are going Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Met Police to get integrated policing system from Northgate

Five-year contract covers integrated IT system to be used across the Metropolitan force, two years after it went out to tender Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Salford gets chief digital officer

Jon Corner has been appointed the city’s first chief digital officer to lead Salford’s smart city and digital technology work Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Virtual tripwire to keep elephant poachers out of Zambian national park

Cisco and Dimension Data are working to protect Zambia’s at-risk elephant population after a successful pilot project in South Africa Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Most CIOs not interested in “massively hyped” blockchain, finds Gartner

Despite the noise surrounding blockchain technology, not many CIOs are using it or planning to do so in the near future, finds Gartner Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Fibre network breakthrough has implications for data security

Researchers have devised a new protocol that they claim vastly extends the range of quantum key distribution over fibre networks Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Netherlands to harness blockchain for waste management operations

Authorities are trying out blockchain to automate many of the processes related to waste transportation in the EU Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Fresh blow for Facebook as court refuses stay in Max Schrems legal action

Facebook has lost a legal attempt to delay the Irish High Court from seeking answers from the European Court of Justice over the legality of EU-US data transfers Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Outsourcing is not dead or dying – it just needs to be done properly

The collapse of Carillion and the profit warning at Capita have created a false sense of fear about the stability of the outsourcing sector Continue Reading

By

• Bob Fawthrop

Up to 270 women may have died due to breast cancer screening IT failure, says health secretary

Computer algorithm failure caused 450,000 women to miss their breast cancer screenings – some of whom will have "had their lives shortened" by the error, Jeremy Hunt has admitted Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Cabinet Office updates spend controls

Revamped spend controls policy aims to give departments more flexibility, but requires them to keep a 15-month pipeline plan of any current and intended technology spend above £5m Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Finnish government launches regional digitisation plan

Finland’s government allocates €400m to support digital projects run by the country’s local authorities Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Ransomware still a threat to business, F-Secure warns

Ransomware attacks tapered off towards the end of 2017 after an explosion in such attacks earlier in the year, but ransomware remains a threat to big business, a report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Gulf Cooperation Council smart city initiatives garner momentum

The Middle East is a hotbed for smart city developments, with activities in the region maturing and adapting to what citizens want Continue Reading

By

• Edward Banda

HMRC dismisses criticism of ‘perfectly good’ IR35 online assessment tool

Senior figures from HM Revenue & Customs have hit back at claims that its online IR35 status tool is not fit for purpose, as survey data suggests public sector contractors are being assessed without the tool’s help anyway Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

CIO interview: Martyn Wallace, CDO, Scottish Local Government Digital Office

Scottish local government’s chief digital officer describes the challenges of driving digital change across the country’s councils Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

Bristol’s historic bridge pressed into service for rural broadband

Gigaclear is running cables underneath Bristol’s historic Clifton Suspension Bridge to bring ultrafast full-fibre services to forgotten communities Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Getting cyber security innovation to market is key, says NCSC

Getting cyber security innovation to market is an important area of focus, according to the National Cyber Security Centre, which runs a cyber accelerator programme and recently stated a Dragons Den style security innovation pitch at the 2018 CyberUK conference Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Over a million homes can now access FTTP, says Ofcom

Access to viable broadband services continues to improve across the UK, according to Ofcom Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Yorkshire and Humber region awards HSCN contract to Redcentric

Network services provider Redcentric wins the first major regional Health and Social Care Network contract as procurements around England gather pace Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Even the smallest of Dutch towns are becoming smart

An increasing number of Dutch towns and cities use street sensors and big data to tackle societal problems. From smart lighting to artificial intelligence that spots violent behaviour in surveillance footage, smart technology is booming in the Netherlands Continue Reading

By

• Ernst-Jan Hamel

DWP to spend nearly £15m on GDPR

A single government department plans to spend nearly £15m on preparing for new European data protection legislation, a report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Government given six months to rewrite snoopers’ charter

The government has until 1 November 2018 to rewrite a key section of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, after the high court declared them unlawful in a judicial review brought by human rights group Liberty Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

What is digital transformation?

A guide for executives in the public and private sectors on the myths, realities and best practice of digital transformation, by digital leaders who have been there and done it Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Greenway, Ben Terrett, Mike Bracken and Tom Loosemore

BEIS yet to begin procuring IT systems needed for Brexit, PAC finds

Public Accounts Committee chair Meg Hillier says the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy “appears to be operating in a parallel universe where urgency is an abstract concept”, as it needs upwards of 12 new digital systems and so far has none Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

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

By

• Dai Davis, Percy Crow Davis & Co

Software-defined networking: gathering momentum in the enterprise?

Suppliers are pushing the benefits of software-defined networking harder than ever, and enterprises are starting to take the plunge rather than remaining on the sidelines Continue Reading

By

• Christian Annesley

Welsh government plans digital pilots in the Valleys

As part of its digital vision for the Valleys, the government looks to pilot Uber-style transport app for NHS patients, a community Wi-Fi scheme and better use of data mapping tool Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

EC calls on online platforms to develop common code of practice to tackle ‘disinformation’

The European Commission says online platforms such as social media and video sites, have not done enough to tackle unethical use, and calls on them “to decisively step up their efforts to tackle online disinformation” Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

European Commission unveils €1.5bn AI funding

Given the UK's new artificial intelligence sector deal, the European Commission is unveiling its own initiative to make Europe a world leader in AI Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

NCSC shows support for common standards for secure communication

The UK cyber security authority is supporting an industry drive towards common standards for secure communication by joining an industry organisation that aims to achieve this goal Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Digital economy research projects to get funding

Research projects aimed at building trust, privacy and security in the use of personal data and digital technologies are to receive funding Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Government promises £300m extra funding as part of £1bn AI sector deal

To become the number one destination for artificial intelligence, the UK needs more specialist skills, and a new injection of funding is aimed at boosting the country’s AI skills pool Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Police forces use Motorola mobile apps to digitise frontline ops

The States of Jersey Police force plans to phase out inefficient paper-based activities with mobile applications, while other forces around the UK report improvements to their overall processes Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Scotland’s digital health and care strategy highlights need for collaboration

The Scottish Government will create a joint decision-making board, a national approach to service redesign and a national digital platform to ensure interoperability Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

EC sets out plans for sharing health data across borders

The European Commission wants to introduce EU-wide standards for health records, and allow EU citizens to access and share their patient information securely across member states Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Home Office Brexit app only works for Android users

Home Office app for EU citizens registering to stay in the UK post-Brexit only works on Android devices as iPhones do not share passport chip data Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Government urges UK businesses to beef up cyber crime defences

Government is urging UK organisations to defend against cyber crime, as newly released figures show that large numbers of businesses and charities suffered at least one cyber attack in the past year Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

One month to GDPR compliance deadline

With one month to go before the deadline for compliance with EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, organisations should ensure they are able to meet minimum requirements to defend against adverse scrutiny Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Full-fibre broadband specialist CityFibre acquired for £538m

Full-fibre broadband specialist CityFibre is to be bought by a Goldman Sachs-backed consortium as it seeks more cash to fulfil its expansion plans Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Unified communications supplier Mitel bought by VCs

Unified communications and networking technology supplier Mitel is to be acquired by affiliates of Searchlight Capital Partners for $2bn Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NHS shared care records: progress, projects and privacy

Sharing health records across health and social care has been something the NHS has worked towards for a long time. As the NHS ramps up its plans, has it finally got the right balance between patient care, privacy and feasibility? Continue Reading

By

• Sooraj Shah

Criminal Courts Review Commission findings in Post Office computer case raise further enquiries

The Criminal Courts Review Commission forensic examination of the IT system at the centre of a legal case against the Post Office has raised further questions Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Ransomware attack hit Ukraine energy ministry website

Cyber attack on Ukraine’s energy ministry shows that websites remain a weak point for many organisations online, say security experts Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

London plans to be a smarter city

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we meet the first ever chief digital officer for London, Theo Blackwell, and find out about his plans for making the capital a smarter city. SAP has overhauled its controversial indirect licensing policy – we look at the implications for users. What are the jobs of the future in retail as the sector is transformed by technology? We ask the experts. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Vodafone CityFibre broadband venture gathers pace

Residents of four more cities – Coventry, Edinburgh, Huddersfield and Stirling – will be hooked up to the ultrafast full-fibre broadband service in the coming months Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Capita’s £500m loss raises more questions for outsourcing

The latest loss announced by Capita adds uncertainty to an outsourcing sector already tarnished by the collapse of Carillion Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Data and digital infrastructure key to genomic sequencing success, say MPs

Science and Technology Committee says genomics had potential to revolutionise the NHS, but is worried delays to NHS digital projects and data sharing concerns could threaten progress Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

GDS on the hunt for new chief operating officer

Cabinet Office offers up to £130,000 for chief operating officer role, to act as Kevin Cunnington’s deputy and be responsible for the internal transformation and day-to-day running of Government Digital Service Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Community Fibre gets £25m to fund broadband in London

Broadband supplier receives backing from the National Digital Infrastructure Fund to bring full-fibre services to 100,000 more properties across London Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Estonia’s digital residency programme faces first headwind

The Baltic country’s programme to offer anyone, anywhere a chance to run a company online is facing its first crisis Continue Reading

By

• Tarmo Virki

Why Windrush scandal demonstrates the importance of technology to political decision-making

The Windrush scandal has revealed many disturbing things about government policy that have nothing to do with IT. But the issues raised amply demonstrate the importance of technology considerations ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

UK surveillance laws a potential ‘sticking point’ post-Brexit

The UK’s controversial Investigatory Powers Act could be an impediment to achieving an adequacy agreement for free data exchanges with the EU post-Brexit, says privacy lawyer Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK Commonwealth cyber security funding welcomed

The security community has welcomed the UK government announcement of funding to help Commonwealth countries strengthen their cyber security capabilities Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK and Indian governments agree tech partnership

Agreement aims to identify organisations in the two countries that can work together and open up opportunities for tech entrepreneurs Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Harvey Nash: 90% of contractors admit post-IR35 reform stress

Harvey Nash Recruitment polls contractors about how they feel the IR35 reforms have affected their livelihoods one year on from launch Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

PAC sets June 2018 deadline for Department of Health to count NHS cost of WannaCry

Government spending watchdog orders Department of Health and Social Care to work out the cost of the WannaCry ransomware attack on the NHS so trusts know where to target their cyber security spending Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Protecting your intellectual property in a digital world

Your business is creating innovative computer code, slick user interfaces, and is using digital technology to solve new problems. How do you protect your investment? Continue Reading

By

• Graham McGlashan, Marks & Clerk

Huawei debuts its first intent-based networking proposition

At its Shenzhen Analyst Summit, Huawei unveiled its intent-based networking concept, promising to address enterprise customer pain points around network management Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

China’s ZTE a national security risk, UK telcos warned

UK national cyber security authority has warned telecommunications companies against using equipment and services from Chinese network equipment supplier ZTE, citing national security risks Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Moving away from analogue health in a digital world

Healthcare records still rely on faxes, email, mail and paper, but the innovative use of technology will lead to major improvements in medical care Continue Reading

By

• Jason S Lee

Judge in Max Schrems v Facebook action raises red flag on EU-US data transfers

The Irish High Court (Commercial Division) has once again cast a long shadow, with a very short deadline, over the arrangements for the safe and legal transfer of data between the EU and the US Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Cahill

Can China’s Alibaba successfully take on the US public cloud giants?

In this week's Computer Weekly, as Chinese cloud provider Alibaba grows its presence in Europe, we ask if it can compete with the US public cloud giants. A government plan to move data policy has caused controversy among Whitehall digital experts – we find out why. And we assess the use of cloud for disaster recovery. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Norway’s tax administration combats economic crime through IT

Authority has updated its IT system to step up the fight against tax evasion Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

UK and US accuse Russia of targeting network infrastructure

The UK and US have accused the Russian government of targeting network infrastructure, calling on network operators to take the necessary protective measures Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

HMRC to stop or delay transformation projects to ensure customs system is ready for Brexit

HM Revenue & Customs chief executive confirms several major programmes will be affected due to prioritising development of new customs IT systems Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

UK businesses urged to ensure they do cyber security basics

The cyber threat to business has never been greater, so the National Cyber Security Centre is urging UK companies to ensure they have implemented all the basic, best-practice cyber security controls and processes Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Ethics key to AI development, says Lords committee

House of Lords Select Committee calls for government to draw up an ethical code of conduct, which organisations developing AI can sign up to Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

EU-US data sharing under threat as Irish court refers Facebook case to Europe

The Irish High Court is seeking answers from the European Court of Justice in a case that could have huge implications for EU-US data sharing and raises questions about US government surveillance of EU citizens. The move could bring a five-year legal battle between Austrian lawyer Max Schrems and Facebook to a close Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

UK playing central role in Facebook data misuse probe

Data protection is a hot issue and all about increasing confidence in the way data is handled, says UK privacy watchdog Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Crown Hosting and Fujitsu urge SIs to rethink approach to public sector IT in cloud era

Crown Hosting and Fujitsu claim shift away from large, multi-year outsourcing deals is a change some systems integrators are intent on ignoring Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Cyber security a shared responsibility, says Amber Rudd

The UK home secretary has emphasised that cyber security is a shared responsibility and committed to promote EU cyber cooperation post-Brexit at the National Cyber Security Centre’s conference in Manchester Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Lauri Love escaped extradition to the US - what does that mean for future cases?

The US lost its attempt to extradite Lauri Love to face hacking charges in a landmark case. What will it mean for other UK citizens facing extradition? Continue Reading

By

• Joanna Dimmock , White & Case

GCHQ growing cyber capability to match threat

GCHQ continues to grow and develop its cyber capability to match the rapidly expanding and evolving threat landscape, says agency director Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK cyber attack reporting set to be more streamlined

Government funding has been allocated to help streamline cyber attack reporting, according to the National Cyber Security Centre Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

The seven levers of digital transformation

Organisations that embark on digital transformation projects often run into difficulties. Following the seven principles of digital transformation will help them reap the benefits of digital technology Continue Reading

By

• Sriram Sabesan, Delegata

22 European countries sign up to blockchain partnership

The UK and 21 other countries have signed a declaration aiming to share blockchain experience and expertise across Europe, as well as preparing to launch EU-wide blockchain applications Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

O2 and Arqiva begin small cell roll-out in London

Mobile operator will use small cells to boost 4G mobile network data capacity in busy areas, such as around stations Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CW Middle East: UAE makes artificial intelligence leap

The United Arab Emirates wants to be at the heart of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution and is already testing its mettle as a global tech advocate and innovator. Also in this issue, read how Abu Dhabi is open to developing its fintech ecosystem, with the next 12 months expected to see more focus on the sector, and how Dubai’s transport authority has enlisted Here Technologies to build a high-definition map of the city to support its goals around self-driving cars. Continue Reading

New cyber incident classification to boost UK response

A new cyber attack categorisation system has been unveiled to improve UK response to incidents Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CBI calls on government to get post-Brexit regulations right

Ensuring the UK gets rules and regulations right is key to a thriving economy, and convergence with the digital single market is critical for tech companies, according to the CBI Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Diversity key to more effective cyber security, says NCSC

Diversity in defence teams is key to improved cyber security, according to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

NSA calls for cyber security community collaboration

A US National Security Agency (NSA) representative has called for cyber security community collaboration at the National Cyber Security Centre’s conference in Manchester Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK to launch crackdown on dark web

The UK is to enhance its specialist law enforcement response to crack down on criminals operating on the dark web Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Finnish government backs national AI development strategy

Government is harnessing Finland’s tech base to help make the country a leading location for the artificial intelligence industry Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

NWIS and Life Sciences Hub Wales to create digital health ecosystem

The NHS Wales Informatics Service and Life Sciences Hub Wales have joined forces to launch a digital health and care network to help tech companies access the sector and share innovations Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Cyber threat to UK business greater than ever, report reveals

The cyber threat to UK business is “bigger than ever” and the best way to defend against it is collaboration between government, law enforcement and business, a report shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Norway government backs ambitious datacentre investment plan

Norway has a plan to be a leading location for datacentres with a policy that will put it in direct competition with some of its Nordic neighbours Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Autonomous drones will fly into danger zones for emergency services

Automated drones will use sophisticated visual systems and machine learning techniques to carry out search and rescue missions where humans fear to tread Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Bringing military discipline to UK Technical Education and Training

On April 6th at the launch of the Apprenticeships Anthology Sir Gerry Berragan, the Chief Executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships outlined progress over the past year and updated his 10 ... Continue Reading

By

• Philip Virgo, Winsafe Ltd

GDS needs to prove it can still transform government after loss of data policy to DCMS

I met Mike Bracken, the first leader of the Government Digital Service (GDS), in 2011, not long after he had started the job, for an off-the-record briefing about his ambitious plans to overhaul IT ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Why businesses must think like criminals to protect their data

Cyber criminals use three main methods of operation to steal commercial data. Understanding their mindset can help organisations put the right defences in place Continue Reading

By

• Andy Barratt, Coalfire

5G mobile spectrum auction raises £1.3bn

The principal bidding stage in Ofcom’s latest mobile network spectrum auction has concluded, raising more than £1bn for the Treasury Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Interview: GDPR will give Dutch privacy watchdog its teeth

The Netherlands’ privacy watchdog has not handed out fines so far because there has been no reason to, says the organisation’s chairman, Aleid Wolfsen Continue Reading

By

• Tijs Hofmans

IR35 reforms: Calls for inquiry into pre-launch tests of HMRC IR35 assessment tool

HM Revenue & Customs hits back at contractors who claim it failed to test its online IR35 status assessment tool rigorously enough in the run-up to its launch in March 2017, as calls for an inquiry into its dev and test procedures grow Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Average attacker dwell time nearly six months for EMEA, study shows

Firms in Europe, the Middle East and Africa take nearly six months to detect cyber attacks on average, a report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Crossing the watershed – digital skills crises will soon be history

There is no shortage of talent, only of employers who train that talent. Thirty years ago it took around 18 months turn a University Graduate into a competent analyst programmer. During that second ... Continue Reading

By

• Philip Virgo, Winsafe Ltd

Data policy move to DCMS causes mixed reactions

Some believe Theresa May handing over government data policy responsibility to DCMS is “downgrading digital government” while others see it as a positive move Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Future of internet regulation is focus of Lords inquiry

Inquiry will seek evidence on whether or not the law is up to the job of regulating online platforms such as Facebook, and what improvements can be made Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

GDS loses government data policy to DCMS

Prime minister confirms long-rumoured move in written statement to Parliament as MPs left for Easter recess Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief