IT for government and public sector

UK economy least likely to grow through AI

The UK's poor productivity record is unlikely to grow hugely from artificial intelligence helpers that augment human work Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

NCSC shows how first year affected cyber attacks on the UK

Initiatives by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have detected and prevented millions of online commodity attacks, the agency’s first annual report shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Appeals court rules Lauri Love will not be extradited over US hacking charges

The lord chief justice, Lord Burnett, says 33-year-old engineering student Lauri Love will not be extradited to the US to face hacking charges, in a landmark legal decision, and the Crown Prosecution Service should bring proceedings against Love in the UK Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin & Julia Gregory

NHS WannaCry review highlights need for accountability and skills

Lessons-learned report on ransomware attack calls for local NHS organisations to put cyber security bosses on their boards and consider suspending IT access to staff who have not completed cyber security training Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Government backs national cyber policy and strategy competition

London is to host a national cyber policy and strategy competition, which has the backing of government, industry and academia Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

As Gov.uk Verify concerns mount, is GDS about to lose control of digital identity policy?

There’s a growing body of opinion that the government’s flagship digital identity system, Gov.uk Verify, has now become a major hindrance to the development of the UK’s digital identity ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Appeal Court to give landmark verdict on Lauri Love extradition

The Appeal Court will decide whether Lauri Love, who has serious health issues, should be extradited to the US to face hacking charges, or face trial in the UK. The landmark case is the first test of legal protections introduced by Theresa May to protect vulnerable people Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Europe’s shameful role in spy-tech exports that led to torture and jail

Governments in Europe actively assisted in government oppression in Iran, Bahrain and Russia by providing states with sophisticated surveillance equipment. The European Parliament is pressing for changes in the law to restrict exports of spy-technology to countries with poor human rights records Continue Reading

By

• Marietje Schaake, European Parliament

Dutch Filmworks disrupts piracy fight by imposing download fines

Netherlands’ privacy watchdog grants film production company permission to collect IP addresses as part of its fight against illegal downloading Continue Reading

By

• Tijs Hofmans

Industrial cyber security continues to be poor, warns report

The number of internet-accessible industrial control systems is increasing every year, researchers warn Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

NAO delivers damning report on delayed and costly DBS transformation project

The Disclosure and Barring Service modernisation programme runs three-and-a-half years behind schedule, suffers from low uptake and increased costs, says NAO report Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

European Commission eyes blockchain opportunity

The European Commission is aiming to get the most out of blockchain technology in a wide variety of sectors Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Dutch companies not ready for GDPR despite approaching deadline

Organisations in the Netherlands are racing towards General Data Protection Regulation compliance, but there is still much to be done Continue Reading

By

• Tijs Hofmans

Facebook reports $15.9bn profit after ‘hard’ year

Facebook has reported a strong fourth quarter and a strong year with quarterly profit up 20% and annual profit up 56%, but chief Mark Zuckerberg admits it has been a challenging 12 months Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Security Editor

Thousands of Universal Credit claimants unable to use Gov.uk Verify to apply for benefits

Government research shows that barely one-third of benefits claimants can successfully apply for new Universal Credit digital service using flagship online identity system Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

TechUK calls on government to extend Digital Marketplace

Report on how to promote public sector innovation says there must be a “step change” in government procurement and opportunities must be grasped Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Carillion not a like-for-like comparison with IT services firms, but an overt reminder

Although Carillion’s problems are unlikely to hit major IT services suppliers, its collapse is a reminder of the need to ensure good governance Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Government surveillance regime unlawful, court rules in Tom Watson case

Appeal court ruled in favour of Labour MP Tom Watson in a legal battle with the government over the UK’s surveillance laws, leading to calls to rethink controversial Investigatory Powers Act Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Brexit highlights need for DDaT skills, says GDS chief operating officer

Government Digital Service’s Alison Pritchard says Brexit preparation requires more digital, data and technology professionals across departments Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Davos: Cyber risks grow as countries turn towards protectionism

The cost of natural disasters is now at record levels, but the cost of cyber crime is far higher. The World Economic Forum hopes to persuade governments to work together on the problem, but with isolationist politics back in fashion, can it succeed? Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Alibaba Cloud to tackle Malaysia’s traffic woes with AI

Chinese cloud service provider Alibaba will use its City Brain artificial intelligence platform to analyse data from camera feeds and traffic junctions in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, Informa TechTarget

Hefty fines confirmed for CNI providers with poor cyber security

The government has confirmed that critical infrastructure providers with poor cyber security face fines of millions of pounds as the National Cyber Security Centre publishes new guidance for the industry Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Security Editor

Government bulks up on AI personnel

The UK government is starting to put bodies behind its artificial intelligence commentary as two departments announce job roles Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

Theresa May's welcome tech enthusiasm comes with a huge Brexit caveat

It’s nice that we have a prime minister that chooses to use one of her most high-profile speeches of the year to talk about technology. It’s equally good that her chancellor similarly discussed the ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Government sets out further details of Digital Charter

The government’s charter aims to tackle challenges and risks brought by technology in “an effective and responsible way”, thereby boosting the digital economy Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

ODI report reveals key data publishing challenges

Lack of standards, vision and adequate skills among key reasons organisations are struggling to publish quality data, according to Open Data Institute Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Select Committee highlights Brexit effect on roaming and data protection

House of Commons Select Committee report sets out Brexit challenges such as uncertainty around regulations, data protection, mobile roaming charges and skills Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Theresa May wants UK to be world leader in ‘ethical AI’

In her World Economic Forum speech, the prime minister highlights the need to harness tech, flies the flag for “responsible AI development” and calls on tech companies to step up and fight paedophiles and terrorists using online platforms Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Forensic investigation into Post Office IT system at centre of legal case nears completion

The investigation into the fairness of court cases brought against sub-postmasters is close to finishing its forensic examination of the IT system at the heart of the controversy Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Most UK organisations unaware of new data protection laws

The UK’s digital and culture secretary is urging businesses and charities to prepare for stronger data protection laws in the light of new information Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Security Editor

Department for International Development launches digital strategy

Strategy highlights potential of technology to reduce poverty as department aims to become a global leader in digital Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Sweden puts government IT outsourcing under increased scrutiny

Government introduces rules to tighten security in IT outsourcing deals following a very public data leak last year Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

Dark web Dream Market drives cyber fraud industry

An international operation shut down the AlphaBay and Hansa marketplaces in July 2017, but new ones have sprung up on the dark web, with one in particular helping to drive cyber fraud Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Security Editor

Mastercard sets biometric ID deadline for banks

Mastercard has committed to guaranteeing that every one of its customers will have access to biometric authentication services by April 2019 Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Thousands of critical systems affected by serious security flaws

Multiple and serious vulnerabilities have been found in a software management system widely used in corporate and industrial control environments, researchers warn Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Security Editor

New controversies as Trump passes US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act

The amended Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which seeks to legitimise US surveillance on foreigners, has been signed off by president Trump Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Cahill

Interview: Kaspar Korjus, Estonian e-Residency lead

As the number of people signing up to become Estonian e-residents exceeds the country’s birth rate, Computer Weekly speaks to the man heading up the programme Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Uncontrolled cyber attacks on UK cyber defenders’ radar

Uncontrolled cyber attacks are just as much a threat as targeted attacks, according to the UK’s cyber defence agency, which continues to consider a major cyber attack imminent Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Security Editor

We must avoid the Brexit risks to London's tech community

London's chief digital officer warns of the risks to jobs, innovation and investment if the UK pursues a hard Brexit when leaving the EU Continue Reading

By

• Theo Blackwell, Mayor of London's Office

UK urged to up spending on cyber defence

Cyber attacks that target military and civilian operations are one of the biggest threats facing the UK, according to a top military officer, but security experts say cyber defence spending must be carefully considered Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Security Editor

Lancashire Police launches voice-driven Amazon Alexa app

Lancashire Constabulary’s new app gives users hourly news updates and sends pictures of wanted criminals straight to their Amazon Echo devices Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Judge will take time to seek answers from EU court over Max Schrems Facebook privacy fight

The Irish High Court will take time to decide what questions to put before the European Court of Justice in a case with significant implications for EU and US trade and the privacy of EU citizens Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

European Parliament votes to restrict exports of surveillance equipment

European Parliament votes to tighten export controls to restrict supply of surveillance and encryption technology to states with poor human rights records amid fears British companies may not have to comply after Brexit Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

UK and France to collaborate on digital tech

The UK and French governments have joined forces to increase technology and innovation cooperation between the two nations Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Health and care in Wales must take advantage of tech, says parliamentary report

The Welsh government must do more to gain the benefits of technology and innovation to deliver better and more effective care, according to a parliamentary review of the country’s health and care system Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

There's nothing for government IT outsourcing to learn from Carillion that we don't already know

The demise of construction and services giant Carillion has brought fresh scrutiny of outsourcing in government. Frankly, you could find some event almost every year that brings fresh scrutiny of ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Cyber attackers upped their game in 2017, warns report

Cyber attackers ranging from criminals to nation states have upped their game in the past year, “moving the needle” in terms of tactics, techniques and procedures, a report by a cyber security firm warns Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Police ICT Company hires Ian Bell as CEO

Current Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire police CIO Ian Bell will take on the role as CEO of the Police ICT Company in February Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Ofcom pushes ahead with spectrum auction despite legal hold-up

Regulator starts preparation work for the long-delayed auction of radio spectrum to support enhanced 4G and future 5G mobile network roll-out Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Tech vital to helping solve crime, says policing minister

Policing minister Nick Hurd calls on police forces across the UK to seize the opportunities brought by digital technologies Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

North Korean hackers tied to cryptocurrency attacks in South Korea

North Korea's Lazarus Group targeted South Korean cryptocurrency exchanges and users in late 2017, but may soon go after exchanges and users in other countries, warns report Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CIO interview: Tom Read, CDIO, Ministry of Justice

The MoJ’s chief digital and information officer, Tom Read, is keen on doing his bit to tear down the Whitehall silos, creating collaborative, simple and effective digital services for staff and the public Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Davos: Disintegration of the internet could create economic turmoil

Politicians and business leaders will discuss the risks posed by fake news, cyber attacks, and artificial intelligence to jobs, political stability and global security, at the World Economic Forum in Davos Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Financial savings just the beginning for CIOs who understand code quality

Businesses need to understand the quality of the code in their applications if they are to avoid unnecessary costs and glitches Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Sweden pilots surveillance technology to combat terrorism and crime

The Swedish police and security agencies are trialling surveillance equipment to help them respond to terrorism and crime more quickly Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Most UK enterprise mobiles not patched for Meltdown and Spectre

Very few UK enterprise mobile devices have been patched against the recently discovered Meltdown and Spectre exploits and almost a quarter cannot be patched, a study shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Oliver Dowden takes on ministerial responsibility for digital government

Cabinet Office junior minister Oliver Dowden has been given the responsibility for digital government, shared services and cyber and resilience in his role as minister for implementation Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Call for statutory regulation of police number plate cameras amid concerns over accuracy

The UK’s automatic number plate recognition database – one the largest non-military data-gathering systems – records up to 1.2 million false readings of number plates every day. It should be subject to statutory regulation, says an independent watchdog Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

HMRC’s transformation programme beset by extra Brexit workload

The Public Accounts Committee has found HMRC to be dangerously overstretched, partly as a consequence of Brexit, and puts the department’s 2020 transformation programme into question Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

Computer science is fastest-growing subject for undergraduates

Computer science is the fastest-growing subject for undergraduate intake in UK universities, according to 2017 statistics Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

How secure are smart energy grids?

The improved efficiency of smart grids need to be weighed against the cost of security - presenting a unique opportunity for the tech sector and a new market for security companies Continue Reading

By

• Peter Ray Allison

Hard Brexit risks 92,000 UK science and technology jobs

Economic analysis commissioned by London mayor Sadiq Khan warns that thousands of jobs in science and technology sectors be at risk if UK crashes out of EU with no deal Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Mobile app flaws are a risk to industrial IT systems, says report

Cyber security vulnerabilities in mobile applications could be exploited to compromise industrial network infrastructure, a report warns Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Cabinet Office unveils renewed shared IT services programme for government

The Cabinet Office reveals details of its latest push to make the shared services model take off in government Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

CW Middle East: Technology transforms healthcare delivery in Gulf region

The Gulf’s healthcare sector has witnessed exponential growth in the past two decades, driven by a rapidly growing population and a rise in lifestyle-related diseases. Read how technology is helping the region’s healthcare sector cope with demand. Also in this issue, find out how an initiative at Avaya hopes to use blockchain networks to help make the citizens of Dubai happy, and how the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s smart transformation is progressing. Continue Reading

Nuclear weapons’ cyber attack risk relatively high, says report

With the potential for catastrophic consequences from a nuclear weapons detonation attack, it is crucial to have the most robust nuclear policies in place, says an international affairs think-tank Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Ministry of Defence announces new CIO

Former Prudential and BP CIO Charles Forte takes over as IT chief for the UK's armed forces Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

EC underlines need for data transfer agreement post-Brexit

The European Commission has emphasised the importance of having a data transfer agreement in place after the UK leaves the European Union Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Citizens want more from public sector digital transformation

Survey shows digital skills and lack of integration are among major barriers to good online government services Continue Reading

By

• Gamil Jassin

Margot James takes over as digital minister after government reshuffle

Former minister for business succeeds Matt Hancock after his promotion to secretary of state Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

UAE tech growth prompts firms to review internal IT security

As IT becomes more prominent in the UAE economy, more and more internal connections between people and systems are created, all of which need to be secured Continue Reading

By

• Alicia Buller

Meltdown and Spectre a big deal for enterprises

Although consumers are relatively unaffected by the recently disclosed security vulnerabilities in most modern processors, enterprises need to take the threat seriously. Computer Weekly looks at how enterprise IT and security professionals should be approaching these threats Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Changes for digital government in Theresa May's reshuffle

Matt Hancock takes over as DCMS secretary of state, while Caroline Nokes says goodbye to her role as the minister responsible for digital at Cabinet Office Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Spanish authorities ready roads for autonomous vehicles

Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic has selected Mobileye technology to develop vision and data analysis for driver assistance and autonomous vehicles Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Cyber attacks in 2017 drive Nordic security efforts

The volume of cyber attacks last year has increased boardroom focus on security in the Nordic region Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

HMRC IT systems crash as customers attempt to file tax returns

Several HMRC IT systems crashed on Saturday, leaving customers attempting to file their tax returns frustrated as the deadline approaches Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

2018 could be year of critical infrastructure attacks, says report

The coming year is likely to see an increase in the number of cyber attacks on critical national infrastructure (CNI), according to a report based on experts’ forecasts Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Case study: Doing digital the Stockport way

Stockport Council’s digital programme is working to transform services for both citizens and staff, saving chunks of money and driving efficiency at the same time Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Scottish Ambulance Service tests satellite to improve critical care process

The Scottish Ambulance Service is testing satellite broadband to help paramedics gather vital information on their patients’ conditions whilst in transit Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NHS Coventry connects GPs to CityFibre broadband

NHS Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group is upgrading to full-fibre broadband infrastructure for GP practices and community health centres Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government yet to ‘fully embrace’ digital, says IoD report

Institute of Directors report says the government’s digital drive has lost momentum and calls on public sector to harness private sector technologies and innovation Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Top IT priorities for Nordic CIOs in 2018

Nordic CIOs tell Computer Weekly about their intentions for the year ahead Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

Building on the UK tech sector’s momentum in 2018

The UK’s digital and tech industry made great progress in 2017, and the government aims to further its support in 2018, says digital minister Continue Reading

By

• Matt Hancock, HM Government

Controversial council broadband service sold to Gigaclear

Ultrafast broadband services supplier Gigaclear has acquired the assets of troubled district-council-backed altnet Aylesbury Vale Broadband Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Top 10 CIO interviews of 2017

IT leaders from across the UK and Europe shared their plans, strategies and best practice advice with Computer Weekly Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Canada’s CGI takes top spot in UK government IT contracts for 2017

Analysis of government procurement data shows CGI topped the table for new IT deals, earning more than four times the amount of its nearest rival Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Fourth industrial revolution AI scepticism rife at Lords committee

In the final session of its enquiry into artificial intelligence and the UK economy, a House of Lords select committee played host to scepticism about the so-called fourth industrial revolution Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

UK government blames North Korea for WannaCry cyber attack

The UK and US governments say a North Korean group was responsible for the ransomware attacks that hit the NHS and other organisations globally this year Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Fear not for the future of digital government - the GIFs are taken care of

I was tempted to write this blog post on Computer Weekly's Downtime blog, where we try to look at the lighter side of the world of IT. But I'm not entirely sure this is a joke. While budgetary ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Top 10 enterprise IT in the Nordics stories in 2017

The Nordic region might be best known in IT circles for its startup communities – but it has much more to offer Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Navigating through digital change

In this week’s Computer Weekly, IT leaders share the lessons learned and discuss best practice in digital transformation. We find out how SAP is addressing customer concerns about its indirect licensing policies. And we assess whether SME IT suppliers are making headway in selling to government CIOs. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

On digital identity in the UK - and the likely future for Gov.uk Verify

Did you know the UK government has a minister for identity? It’s Baroness Susan Williams, whose full responsibilities go under the grander title of minister of state for countering extremism. ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

CW Europe: Eurosport pumps up digital technology for cycling fans

Read how Eurosport is using a novel combination of technology and information to develop immersive viewing experiences for sports fans across a range of platforms. Also find out how Russian state bank Vneshekonombank expects to become a vehicle for a blockchain revolution in the country’s public sector, and what the European Parliament's approval of a new electronic system to store biometric information might mean for UK citizens after Brexit. Continue Reading

Labour MP Liam Byrne launches ‘People’s Plan for Digital’

Shadow digital minister launches online collaborative project for the public and industry to share and debate ideas on the UK’s digital future Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

The 50 most influential people in UK IT 2017

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we reveal our annual list of the 50 most influential people in UK IT, and talk to this year’s winner – Mayank Prakash, chief digital and information officer at the Department for Work and Pensions – about the challenges and opportunities of digital government. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

GDS staff survey reveals concerns over leadership and evidence of bullying and harassment

Employee survey at Government Digital Service shows staff enjoy their work but have concerns about senior management – plus complaints over discrimination, bullying and harassment Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Innovation key to halt cyber attacks

In the light of the number of cyber breaches taking place, innovative security systems are required, according to the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Workers should embrace robots, not fear them, says Labour deputy

Labour deputy leader to say workers need not fear robots taking their jobs, but welcome the opportunities they will bring Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Critical border IT systems won’t be ready before Brexit, says PAC report

Of the 85 IT systems at the UK border, 30 will need to be replaced or changed due to Brexit, but critical new or updated border IT systems won’t ready by the time the UK leaves the EU, PAC report finds Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Tieto wins Stockholm’s multimillion IT outsourcing contract

Swedish capital switches IT services provider after “administrative error” ruled original contractor out of agreement Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo