IT for government and public sector

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

Business unaware of scale of cyber threat

Many businesses, especially board members, do not understand the scale of the cyber threat, but international efforts to combat cyber crime are being hampered by political barriers Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK government secures public sector discounts on Microsoft cloud products to April 2021

Government procurement chiefs have secured ongoing preferential pricing on Microsoft cloud products for the public sector through Digital Transformation Agreement Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

IR35 reforms: IT contractors express concerns over ‘inevitable’ private sector roll-out

Research suggests IT contractors are resigned to the IR35 reforms being implemented in the private sector, and many fear an announcement to that effect will come this year Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Home Office ‘over-promised’ on exit checks programme, report finds

Chief inspector of borders and immigration calls on Home Office to re-establish exit checks project with proper data quality in place, but department rejects recommendation Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Home Office issues guidance on tech to prevent identity fraud

Advice highlights the benefits of using identity document validation to audit and share data on fraudulent documents Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Government should take a ‘Lego brick’ approach to public services, report says

Report calling for a radical reform of public services says government should open up, standardise processes and stop developing services that already exist Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Case study: Berkshire NHS trust provides mental health support through social network

Berkshire NHS is using its Support Hope and Recovery Online Network to provide 24/7 support and advice to service users struggling with mental health issues Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

The desktop is changing

In this week's Computer Weekly, corporate PCs haven't changed much in 20 years – as use of Chrome OS grows, we ask if IT leaders are ready for a new approach. Theresa May said Brexit means the UK leaving the EU digital single market – does this mean a return to roaming charges? And we look at the latest developments in Linux. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

UK government publishes export strategy for UK cyber security

The government has published a guide for UK cyber security firms on how it plans to support their efforts to find and secure opportunities to export their products and services Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Swedish study talks up benefits of artificial intelligence

A major report has reassured Swedish society that artificial intelligence will be a positive force for change despite fears of job losses Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Government must improve quality and awareness of childcare website, say MPs

Treasury Committee says government should launch websites only when they can cope with the expected workload, after childcare website was down for 160 hours last summer Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Private sector over-investing against nation-state attacks

The creator of a routing technique that protects the domain name system says the money spent on guarding against nation-state actors could have been better used for other purposes Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, Informa TechTarget

GP contract calls for increased digital uptake

NHS England’s GP contract says practices must move to e-referrals by October 2018, and work on improving uptake of patients using online services to 30% Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Privacy group calls for UK response to data exploitation

Policy-makers need to respond swiftly to the Cambridge Analytica and Facebook data exploitation scandal, according to privacy rights group Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CityFibre consumer broadband collaboration hits Peterborough

CityFibre is returning to one of its earliest Gigabit City projects with Vodafone in tow to upgrade thousands of homes in Peterborough to gigabit-capable full-fibre broadband Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Mayor of London kick-starts drive to make city top for AI

London mayor Sadiq Khan commissions a study to look at improving the capital’s readiness for artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

HMRC sets August launch date for customs IT system

HMRC plans to begin a phased deployment of its Customs Declaration Service this August, with completion expected by early 2019 Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK local councils favour hybrid cloud as legacy IT management needs persist

Research into the IT buying habits of more than 300 local authorities in the UK reveals a growing appetite for using cloud, as councils continue to grapple with managing and maintaining legacy IT Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Shared services project is about user needs, not tech, says strategy director

If you’re hoping for the government’s shared services strategy to “break revolutionary ground” in terms of tech, you’ll be disappointed. It’s about serving user needs – not tech – says its strategy director Andy Helliwell Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

MoD to focus on SMEs to raise supply chain cyber security

The Ministry of Defence continues to develop a joint initiative with industry aimed at raising the security posture throughout the UK’s defence supply chain, with increasing focus on SMEs Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK must hurry to agree science and innovation deal with EU, MPs say

The Science and Technology Committee calls on government to urgently secure science and innovation deal with the EU to get clarity on funding, regulation and talent retention and recruitment Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Popular culture key to giving cyber security much-needed boost

The cyber security industry should turn to popular culture to raise awareness of the cyber threat to businesses and consumers and attract new blood to the field, says McMafia author Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Danish government launches business-focused national digital strategy

Denmark’s government has launched a plan to get more small businesses into the digital economy as it targets being a leader in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

WhatsApp co-founder calls time on Facebook

Brian Acton has called time on Facebook following reports of the firm’s dealings with data mining firm Cambridge Analytica linked to the EU referendum and Donald Trump’s US election campaign Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Croydon Council partners with Rainmaker to shake up its IT

Croydon Council has employed digital transformation specialist Rainmaker to help it change the way it delivers IT over the next three years Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Ofcom opens 5G spectrum auction

Ofcom has opened the bidding in the auction of spectrum to support 4G and 5G mobile networks Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Brexit is an opportunity to transform, says HMRC digital transformation director

HMRC’s digital transformation director Brigid McBride on Brexit opportunities, using AI and robotics to improve services, and growing the API ecosystem Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Think tank reports lifts lid on police cyber crime training

UK think tank Parliament Street has lifted the lid on spending by police forces on training staff to deal with cyber crime and recommended greater collaboration in this regard Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Where neuroscience meets technology

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how computer scientists are using data, cloud and virtual reality to understand the brain and improve mental wellbeing. We analyse newly published government documents detailing the early problems with the Universal Credit IT project. And we look at how emerging artificial intelligence techniques can help improve cyber security. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Wigan data breaches underline need to share threat intelligence

Ongoing data breaches experienced by local authorities underline the need for greater sharing of threat intelligence, say security experts Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst