IT news in your industry sector

Tier 2 visas – a challenge for the tech sector

With staff shortages already being reported in the technology sector and Brexit potentially adding to the problem, tech departments need to get their Tier 2 visa applications right Continue Reading

By

• Kerry Garcia and Jackie Penlington

HP Inc results boosted by PC sales as it waits for 3D manufacturing to take off

3D manufacturing is HP Inc’s next big growth area, but that is 10 years away. In the meantime, it needs to rely on PC and printer sales Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

US issues warning about North Korean malware

US government has identified more than 85 networks compromised by two malware families believed to be North Korean in origin Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

US jails Canadian resident who helped Russia hack Yahoo emails

A US court has jailed a hacker on charges of computer fraud for hacking Yahoo email accounts on behalf of the Russian government Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Firms step up spending on digital tech, but struggle with strategy

Businesses and the public sector are stepping up their spending on digital technology, but many business leaders are struggling to keep pace with what it means for their business Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Drone industry set to contribute £42bn to UK economy by 2030

PwC research has predicted drones could add £42bn to the economy and create 68,000 jobs by 2030 Continue Reading

By

• Zach Emmanuel, Computer Weekly

Business still not addressing insider threat

Businesses are still not addressing inside threats when it comes to cyber security, leaving themselves wide open to data breaches as a result, according to a security analyst Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK security spend low despite breaches

The UK is the most breached country in Europe, but IT security spend remains low compared with other countries in the region, a report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Policy Exchange report calls for GDS to be moved to DCMS

Think-tank wants Government Digital Service to create a “single digital government account” for citizens, and says bringing the organisation into the Department for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport will improve focus on “all aspects of digital transformation” Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Tech's role in tackling humanitarian crises

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we learn about how mobile connectivity is a lifeline for Syrian refugees in Turkey, thanks to the mobile network operators in that country. Our latest buyer’s guide examines how modern network security enables digital transformation at a range of companies. And we find out about the technology strategy of logistics firm Hermes from its CIO, and about British Airways’ use of Salesforce to globalise its B2B sales. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Max Schrems’s NOYB initiates GDPR action

A privacy NGO led by Austrian lawyer Max Schrems is among the first to file complaints under the GDPR against Google, Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Former Macedonian PM convicted in corruption case exposed by illegal government surveillance

Information exposed by leaked recordings that were part an illegal mass surveillance campaign orchestrated under the government of former prime minster Nikola Gruevski have led to his conviction for corruption. He was found guilty of rigging a tender and receiving a luxury Mercedes as a bribe. He may still appeal the ruling Continue Reading

By

• Tena Prelec

London CDO: More groundwork needed to gain trust for data use

London’s chief digital officer, Theo Blackwell, says organisations need to do more groundwork if a smarter city is to be real possibility Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

MPs launch inquiry into automation and its impact on jobs

House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee will look at the impact of automation on workers, businesses and the UK economy as a whole Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

MPs slam government for biometrics strategy delay

Science and Technology Committee questions legality of the police’s approach to deleting mugshots of innocent people, and says government’s reasons for four-year delay to a new strategy is “less than convincing” Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Apple wins $539m from Samsung in latest iPhone patent case

Apple has won the latest battle in a long-running patent war with South Korean rival Samsung Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

GDPR puts people first, says ICO

The day of 25 May 2018 marks the biggest change to UK data protection law in a generation, with benefits for businesses and consumers, according to the UK privacy watchdog Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Commitment is the watchword on GDPR D-Day

New rules for protecting European citizens’ personal data are now enforceable by law, and organisations are being advised to focus broadly on commitment rather than narrowly on compliance Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Stronger rules on data protection by EU institutions agreed

On the eve of the GDPR compliance deadline, European politicians agree new rules to strengthen data protection in EU organisations Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

NHS England chooses care record exemplars

Greater Manchester, Wessex and One London are the three areas chosen to become Local Health and Care Record Exemplars, and will receive national funding over two years Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Security experts weigh in on GDPR checklists

Security experts give their views on what final checks businesses should be doing on the eve of the General Data Protection Regulation compliance deadline, while a survey reveals almost half of Brits have not heard of it Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

How artificial intelligence is fuelling engine maintenance innovation at Rolls-Royce

The engine maker has established an innovation centre to enable the company to deliver analytics and artificial intelligence-powered services to airlines using Rolls-Royce engines Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

NHS to launch national data opt-out tool

Patients will be able to opt out of having their health and care data shared by using an online tool developed by NHS Digital Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

CW Nordics: Finland delays e-voting plan

Security concerns have re-emerged to further frustrate the Finnish government’s plans to launch a national e-voting system. Also read about a study by the Stockholm School of Economics that looks at the likely impact of AI, machine learning and robotics on people’s lives. And find out why Norway has accelerated plans to scale up its national cyber security infrastructure. Continue Reading

EU cyber security agencies pledge to up cooperation

Four European cyber security agencies have agreed to increase collaboration in five key areas Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

England and Wales Cricket Board to improve players’ medical data

Cricketers’ medical images will be stored securely in an independent clinical archive, enabling clinicians to access medical data and make treatment decisions more quickly Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

New UK Data Protection Act not welcomed by all

Legislation makes the UK one of the first countries to implement the GDPR in local law, but some have criticised it as a “lost opportunity” Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK calls for new data-sharing model with EU

The UK has proposed a new data-sharing model to ensure ongoing data protection collaboration and free flow of data between the EU and the UK post-Brexit Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

After us the drought of democracy?

The BBC cover of a report from the Environment Agency warning of serious water shortages by 2050 while sufficient to supply 20 million consumers is being wasted prompted an attack of déjà vu. ... Continue Reading

By

• Philip Virgo, Winsafe Ltd

Mobile fraud up 680% since 2015, RSA reports

Fake profiles and throw-away devices are transforming social media into a cyber criminal marketplace, a fraud report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Marks and Spencer speeds up digital transformation plans as profits plunge

Retailer announces plans to accelerate its business transformation and close 100 stores by 2022 after continued shifts in consumer behaviour Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Application and device security under the spotlight

The security of internet-connected devices and associated applications has become a significant concern, prompting suggestions legislation may be required, while the UK government’s recent Secure by Design review suggests several solutions, including legislative measures Continue Reading

By

• Peter Ray Allison

Technicolor speeds up movie production with Excelero NVMe flash

Film giant Technicolor had to duplicate workstreams or schedule access to movies being worked on, but Excelero NVMe allows concurrent access to 10 or more workstations at a time Continue Reading

By

• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

Skills shortage a major cyber security risk

Skill shortages remain a major risk to long-term information security capability and business is still struggling to defend against cyber breaches – but it is getting better at dealing with them, an IISP survey shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Amazon, Toys R Us and a tale of two technology approaches

Many factors contributed to the collapse of Toys R Us, but did a partnership with Amazon at the turn of the millennium play a part in its eventual demise? Continue Reading

By

• Ben Sillitoe

Government pledges full-fibre broadband for all by 2033

In a speech to the CBI, chancellor Philip Hammond pledges to build a nationwide FTTP network by 2033 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Hammond pledges funding to help SMEs adopt digital tech

Chancellor promises to boost smaller companies with funding for digital technologies, and plans to launch a review of the UK’s productivity gap Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Facebook is ready for GDPR, says Zuckerberg

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg has claimed the social network is ready for GDPR, but failed to give any answers to the most probing questions posed by European MEPs Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Singapore to adopt European e-invoicing standard

The city-state is the first country outside Europe to embrace the Peppol e-invoicing standard to speed up business transactions and lower operating costs for SMEs Continue Reading

By

• Kimberly Chua

Tesco announces closure of non-food website Tesco Direct

Supermarket giant Tesco has announced it will be closing its Tesco Direct website, which focuses on the sale of non-food-related products Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Qualcomm and Facebook working on FWA broadband

Qualcomm is to integrate a number of its chipsets with Facebook’s Terragraph technology to build fixed wireless access broadband solutions for urban areas Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Taking the quantum leap: What is quantum technology for business?

Quantum computers are many years away, but the first applications of quantum technology will arrive in only one or two years – so businesses need to be ready Continue Reading

By

• Paul Martin , PA Consulting

The UK fintech economy will create different pockets of excellence all over the country

London should not be seen as competition for fintechs in the North and they should not try to emulate London's fintech model Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Legit tools exploited in bank heists

Cyber criminals attacking the finance and other industry sector are continuing to exploit legitimate administration tools to hide their activities, highlighting the need for threat hunting, a report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Social one of the 'most powerful' tools at brand’s disposal, says retail experts

Using social media to connect with customers is one of the most “powerful” tools retailers have at their disposal, said a panel of experts at the Salesforce World Tour Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

CIO interview: Cathal Corcoran, Gatwick Airport

Computer Weekly speaks to Gatwick Airport’s CIO about a major network upgrade, which will support future expansion and boost its IT services Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Digital identity: Is the puzzle about to be solved?

Solving the digital identity problem is key to the future of the digital economy as a whole – but how close are we? Computer Weekly looks at what is happening with Gov.uk Verify, private sector involvement, and lessons the UK could learn from other countries Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

A third of people would buy insurance from Google or Amazon

Consumers are increasingly likely to buy insurance from tech giants as the insurtech industry hits the mainstream Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Security researchers find fourth CPU flaw

Security researchers have reported another flaw in common microprocessor chips related to the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Sweden’s Telenor makes GDPR consent personal

Telenor Sweden says it has seen market-leading results for General Data Protection Regulation consent after enlisting a customer experience firm to manage the process Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

GDPR is here – are you ready?

The EU’s new data protection regulation, GDPR, comes into force this week. In this edition of Computer Weekly, we ask if companies are ready for it and look at what happens if you’re not yet compliant. Our latest buyer’s guide examines digital transformation and the role of the CIO. And we find out how technology is changing the traditional sport of cricket. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Finland government examines centralised cyber defence

The Finnish government is attempting to centralise its fight against increasing cyber threats to its infrastructure Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Google sued for £3.2bn for tracking UK iPhone browsing

A lawsuit by a group called Google You Owe Us is seeking compensation from Google for tracking millions of UK iPhone users’ browsing data Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Openreach launches Scottish fibre training school

Openreach has launched its Scottish engineering school in Livingston as it prepares to train 400 new broadband specialists to run its full-fibre roll-out Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Pen testers find weaknesses in banks’ cyber security

Humans are the biggest weakness in banks’ cyber defences, but there are several others that also need attention, penetration testers have revealed Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

ICO fines University of Greenwich £120,000

The UK privacy watchdog has issued a monetary penalty against the University of Greenwich for a "serious" security breach Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

One-fifth of global banks think AI will boost customer experience

Economist Intelligence Unit survey shows nearly three-quarters of businesses think retail banking could be mostly automated by 2020 Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

AI could transform cancer diagnosis, says prime minister

Theresa May says artificial intelligence could revolutionise diagnosis of chronic diseases and save 22,000 lives a year by 2033 Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK government promises laws to police 'Wild West Internet'

UK government plans laws to make online activity safer after green paper reveals more needs to be done to protect citizens Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Augmented reality can improve efficiency for retailers

Augmented reality has been positioned as a way to extend digital experiences onto the retail shop floor – but it has far more uses behind the scenes Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

ICO could use new GDPR powers in Facebook probe

UK privacy watchdog is considering using new powers in its investigation of Facebook, while the government is considering new laws to police social media firms Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

NCSC calls for greater interaction with UK business

The UK’s cyber security agency has called for greater interaction with business, particularly when it comes to cyber security incidents Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Most UK marketers GDPR ready, but not all firms have a plan

Most UK marketers believe they are ready for GDPR, but a worrying number believe their employers may not be, as businesses are urged to embrace the positives a week before the compliance deadline Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

IR35 reforms: Government invites feedback on plans to extend tax avoidance rules to private sector

The government is pushing ahead with its plans to explore the possibility of extending the controversial IR35 tax avoidance reforms to the private sector, much to the chagrin of stakeholders Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

BYOD in UK SMEs linked to security incidents

Bring your own device practices have been identified as a cyber security risk for six in 10 SMEs in research published a week ahead of the GDPR compliance deadline Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

GDS seeks advice on migration from Public Services Network

The Government Digital Service has started the process of moving public sector organisations away from the Public Services Network Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Use GDPR to propel business forward, says ICO

GDPR is about a new way of doing things that businesses can use to their advantage, and cyber security is a key element, according to the Information Commissioner’s Office Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Government to get new digital visa service

The Home Office has signed up to a deal with Sopra Steria for a visa service allowing people to use biometrics and digital files as part of their application Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

GlaxoSmithKline R&D creates data platform using Hadoop for the internal sharing of scientific data

GlaxoSmithKline is making better use of the data it has about the development and trials of medicines through a Hadoop-based platform Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

DWP IT engineering is ‘dysfunctional’ and lacks ‘ability to deliver’, claims report

Internal report produced for DWP CTO details challenges faced by department in moving to more agile ways of working Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Nothing compares 2U89X

The government announced this month a brand new method for submitting divorce applications: it can now all be done online! The digital route is intended as a less stressful option than the fusty ... Continue Reading

By

• Ryan Priest

Blockchain technology lacks enough use cases to be disruptive, says Worldpay

Worldpay's Jason Scott-Taggart says although the company is looking at blockchain, there are too few strong use cases for the technology at present Continue Reading

By

• Zach Emmanuel, Computer Weekly

UK tech sector growing 2.6 times faster than overall economy

The latest Tech Nation report on the UK’s IT sector reveals strong growth and positivity, but fears around Brexit in London’s tech engine Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

GDPR impact on Whois data raising concern

The negative impact of the GDPR on internet domain registration information is raising concern in cyber security circles because the data is key to cyber crime fighting operations Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

European cyber attacks up nearly a third in first quarter 2018

The volume of cyber attacks hitting digital transactions in Europe was up by almost a third in the first quarter of 2018 compared with same period a year ago, a report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CW ASEAN: Connect your people with UC

Unified communications has changed the way we access information and make decisions. However, the adoption of UC varies across Southeast Asia, with Singapore and Malaysia ahead of the curve, followed by Indonesia and Vietnam. In this issue of CW ASEAN, we take a closer look at how ASEAN enterprises are embracing UC tools, factors that organizations should consider when developing a UC strategy, and the emergence of start-ups that have been shaking up the marketplace. Download the ezine now. Continue Reading

CIO interview: Phil Lewis, director of digital experience, Boden

Fashion retailer Boden is going through a transformation process, using digital elements across the business and fostering innovation Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

CW ANZ: Australian firms connect people in new ways

Australian organisations such as BPay are turning to unified communications (UC) to create workplaces where employees operate in a flexible and open work environment. But IT and user experiences can differ greatly. What has been the journey of ANZ enterprises when delivering a seamless UC experience for employees? In this issue of CW ANZ, we look at how companies are approaching UC, the state of the market and what organisations need to do to be successful. Download the issue now. Continue Reading

Tier 2 visa refusals paints grim picture for UK tech skills

More than 3,000 visas for people skilled in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) roles were refused entry to the UK since December 2017 Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Most firms see GDPR as an opportunity

A growing number of organisations consider the GDPR to be an opportunity to improve the way they handle data privacy and security, while leaders are using it as an opportunity for full business transformation, a study shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Morgan Stanley uses Amazon Alexa to inform customers

US investment bank Morgan Stanley is giving customers important information about the market via Amazon's voice assistant Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

BT and EE to converge fibre broadband, 4G networks

BT’s consumer unit has launched a network convergence strategy designed to make the most of its national fibre and 4G network assets Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NHS England on the cusp of launching first citizen identity pilot

The NHS will begin trialling its identity verification system with a non-clinical service shortly, with 20 other services in the pipeline, according to NHS England chief digital officer Juliet Bauer Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Saudi-con Valley? Kingdom’s bid for global tech leadership

Has Saudi Arabia got what it takes to build the latest Silicon Valley? Continue Reading

By

• Alicia Buller

US considers UK-style cyber defence model

The US is considering adopting a similar cyber defence model to the UK’s in recognition of the growing threat to all levels of society Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Nordic banks plan major digital transformation of operations

Banks in the Nordic region are set to accelerate their spending on technology as digital services take-up accelerates Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

GDS aims for path of least embarrassment as it shifts strategy on Gov.uk Verify

Last week, the Government Digital Service (GDS) dedicated a whole day to talking about what it’s up to, at its first Sprint event in two years. About time too, many observers said, since GDS seemed ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

How airlines are gearing up for the digital shift

Asian carriers are counting on personalised services, blockchain-enabled loyalty programmes, automation and predictive maintenance to lower costs and improve passenger experience. Continue Reading

SMEs more worried about GDPR’s threat to reputation than fines

SMEs are more worried about the damage GDPR non compliance will do to their reputations than their wallets Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Credential theft a top priority, Rapid 7 report shows

Credential theft is still a top priority for organisations to address in terms of making it more difficult for cyber attackers to gain unauthorised access to their networks, report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Cross-site scripting a top vulnerability, hackers find

Despite the much-publicised advances in cyber attack techniques, a well-known, well-documented and avoidable vulnerability is still the most popular for attackers to exploit – along with others like it that are often overlooked, white hat hackers reveal Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Cage director Rabbani heads for Supreme Court after appeals court rules password demands lawful

Muhammad Rabbani, director of campaigning group Cage, will appeal to the Supreme Court after Court of Appeal rules that police did not act unlawfully by demanding his computer and mobile phone passwords under Section 7 of the Terrorism Act Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Enterprise cyber threat remediation ineffective, study shows

Enterprise cyber threat remediation needs to improve in several key areas, according to an analysis of common remediation strategies Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

The NHS is failing to deliver 'basic IT', says Matthew Swindells

NHS England’s national director for operations and information calls for the NHS to get to grips with data, and says it won’t be able to deliver an integrated health and care system without getting the basics right Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

A strong UK-India bond on tech can benefit us all

The UK tech sector can benefit from the government’s work to forge closer ties with India’s burgeoning digital economy Continue Reading

By

• Julian David, TechUK

Higher interest rates would tempt me even though TSB has just had an IT disaster

I would be tempted to move to a bank that offered higher interest rates even though it had just had an IT disaster Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

TSB refused help from Lloyds as IT meltdown began

TSB turned down an offer of help from Lloyds Banking Group as the migration of customers accounts to its new banking system went wrong Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Vodafone CEO Colao steps down

Long-serving Vodafone CEO Vittorio Colao will step down in October after just over a decade in charge Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Santander latest traditional player to open digital bank

Santander is the latest traditional bank to follow an industry trend and develop a digital banking unit Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Openreach starts countdown to the end of analogue phone services

Openreach has started a consultation on the future of telephony services as its parent signals plans to switch off analogue PSTN phone services in seven years' time Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor