IT security

ICO wants to ‘empower people through information’

Information Commissioner’s Office sets out commitment to safeguard the information rights of the most vulnerable people in UK society Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Slippery phish wriggles around MFA protections, says Microsoft

Microsoft’s threat researchers share details of a phishing campaign that hit 10,000 organisations, against which standard multifactor authentication provides little defence Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Digital break-up kit to help women get out of bad relationships safely

Domestic abuse charity Refuge teams up with Avast to equip women with the knowledge to effectively and safely end a relationship digitally Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

July Patch Tuesday brings more than 80 fixes, one zero-day

While some admins can put their feet up and let Windows Autopatch do the hard work of updating their Microsoft estates, for the rest of us, the Patch Tuesday bandwagon keeps on keeping on Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

ICO calls for review into government use of private email and WhatsApp messages

Information Commissioner’s Office reprimands Department of Health and Social Care after ministers and officials conducted government business on their own email accounts and messaging apps Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Brits say social media must do more to block harmful content

UK citizens want social media companies to do more to prevent harmful content appearing on their platforms Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

MaliBot Android malware spreading fast, says Check Point

The MaliBot malware is becoming a persistent and widespread problem, and Android users should be on their guard, says Check Point Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Ransomware and backup: Overcoming the challenges

Ransomware attacks that exfiltrate data don’t nullify the value of backups to restore from, but the challenges – such as not restoring corrupted data – require careful planning Continue Reading

By

• Stephen Pritchard

Microsoft Windows Autopatch now generally available

Microsoft customers with Windows Enterprise E3 and E5 licences can now take full advantage of its new automated patching service Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UKtech50 2022: The most influential people in UK technology

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we reveal the 50 most influential people in UK IT for 2022, and talk to the winner of the 12th annual UKtech50, National Cyber Security Centre CEO Lindy Cameron. Also, we take an in-depth look at the crisis in chip supply and what’s needed to solve it. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Singapore doubles down on OT security

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore will fund 80 scholarships to groom a talent pool of operational technology security experts, among other efforts to bolster the security of critical infrastructure in the city-state Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, Informa TechTarget

NCSC CEO: Why we should run towards crises to elevate cyber security

 Continue Reading

Microsoft VBA macro block will return

Microsoft provides more details about its sudden decision to rollback a landmark security policy, and reassures users it is a temporary measure Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

SMEs lagging on multifactor authentication

Only 46% of small business owners say they have implemented multifactor authentication, and just 13% mandate its use, according to a report Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Cyber insurance: An effective use of your scant security budget?

The ISF’s Paul Watts asks if cyber insurance is a must-have item, an expensive luxury, or the emperor’s new clothes Continue Reading

By

• Paul Watts, Information Security Forum

Cyber insurance: Tips for keeping the right level of cover

Transferring risk to an insurer doesn’t mean you are risk-free – so what is not included in your cyber insurance cover? Continue Reading

By

• Paul Furtado and Jim Mello

Stop telling clients to pay ransomware gangs, solicitors told

The NCSC and the ICO are calling on solicitors to help tackle the rising number of ransomware payments being made, and to stop giving erroneous advice to victims Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Sweden and GDPR – four years on

Swedish data protection coordinator talks to Computer Weekly four years into the General Data Protection Regulation Continue Reading

By

• Pat Brans, Pat Brans Associates/Grenoble Ecole de Management

Microsoft appears to reverse VBA macro-blocking

Microsoft quietly reverses VBA macro-blocking across its Office portfolio in a move that has left security experts puzzled Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Lots to consider when buying cyber insurance, so do your homework

When considering implementing a cyber insurance policy, due diligence should be your watchword, says Paddy Francis of Airbus CyberSecurity Continue Reading

By

• Paddy Francis

UK government does not yet understand threat of technology to foreign policy

Select committee chair warns government that the threat posed to global security by malign actors influencing tech standards is no ‘dystopian fantasy’ Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

MI5, FBI chiefs warn of Chinese cyber espionage threat

In a joint appearance in London, MI5 director general Ken McCallum and FBI director Chris Wray warn of the growing threat posed by the Chinese government to UK and US interests Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UK signs ‘in principle’ data adequacy agreement with South Korea

Bilateral adequacy agreement will allow businesses to conduct cross-border data transfers with minimal restrictions Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

The evolution of threat modelling as a DevSecOps practice

Threat modelling is becoming ever more integrated into software architecture design. Here, Stephen de Vries of IriusRisk looks at the evolution of the process Continue Reading

By

• Stephen de Vries

Amid NSO lawsuit, Apple expands spyware protections

Apple previews a new feature called Lockdown Mode to protect iPhone and iPad users from ‘mercenary spyware’ Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Security Think Tank: Cyber insurance – A nice safety blanket, but don’t count on it

In the second instalment of this month’s Security Think Tank, Mike Gillespie argues that cyber insurance should be thought of like car insurance – you don’t start driving recklessly because you’re covered Continue Reading

By

• Mike Gillespie

Latest Marriott data breach not as serious as others

Questions are again being raised over Marriott’s cyber security practices following yet another incident, but fortunately it seems limited in its scope, and the company is responding appropriately Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CW Middle East: UAE citizens embrace new digital technologies

A survey shows that people in the United Arab Emirates believe next-generation technologies such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence will become widespread in the country. Also read how the UAE has improved its security posture amid mounting cyber threats. Continue Reading

Tech companies face pressure over end-to-end encryption in Online Safety Bill

An amendment to the Online Safety Bill, currently going through Parliament, will put pressure on tech companies over end-to-end encrypted messaging services Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Investigations Editor

The Security Interviews: Inside Russia’s Ukraine information operation

Computer Weekly speaks to Craig Terron of Recorded Future about delving deep inside the Russian disinformation machine, and how the Kremlin’s strategy is set to evolve Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

blended threat

A blended threat is an exploit that combines elements of multiple types of malware and usually employs various attack vectors to increase the severity of damage and the speed of contagion. Continue Reading

By

• Kinza Yasar, Technical Writer

UAE bolsters cyber security

 Continue Reading

Plexal seeks new scaleups for next phase of Cyber Runway

Established security startups looking to grow and scale their operations are being invited to join the next phase of Plexal’s Cyber Runway programme Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

ESET: Lazarus APT hit aero, defence sector with fake job ads

ESET researchers present new findings into a series of cyber attacks on the aerospace and defence sectors by North Korea’s Lazarus crime syndicate Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Prepare for long-term cyber threat from Ukraine war, says NCSC

The NCSC has published refreshed guidance on cyber preparedness as the war on Ukraine continues, urging organisations to pay attention to the state of their security teams Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

LogRhythm bullish on growth in APAC

LogRhythm expects its business in the region to grow by over 20% this year thanks to demand from emerging economies where cyber security investments have not kept pace with cyber threats Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, Informa TechTarget

NCSC CEO: Why we should run towards crises to elevate cyber security

National Cyber Security Centre CEO Lindy Cameron, the 2022 Computer Weekly UKtech50 Most Influential Person in UK IT, reflects on a career immersed in crisis management, and how she is using this to elevate cyber security standards across the country Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

How to get the right level of cyber protection

The first part of our buyer’s guide to cyber insurance looks at how the market for cyber insurance is evolving and how IT security leaders can avoid buying the wrong level of cover. Continue Reading

How to get the right level of cyber insurance

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at how the market for cyber insurance is evolving and how to avoid buying the wrong level of cover. We find out what role hydrogen technologies could play in reducing datacentre carbon emissions. And we hear how a 125-year-old bicycle maker is embracing digital innovation. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

MPs call for ban on Chinese surveillance camera technology

Nearly 70 MPs have called on the government to ban Chinese camera technology that is widely used by UK government agencies despite links to human rights abuses in China Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Investigations Editor

Government rejects Lords police tech inquiry recommendations

The government has largely rejected the findings and recommendations of a House of Lords inquiry into police tech, which called for an overhaul of how police deploy artificial intelligence and algorithmic technologies Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Assange appeals against Priti Patel’s extradition order

WikiLeaks founder is expected to raise concerns over the political nature of his prosecution, the likelihood of him receiving a fair trial, and the risk of a coercive plea bargain Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Investigations Editor

Cyber insurance: What does a CISO need to know?

We look at how the market for cyber insurance is evolving and how IT security chiefs can avoid buying the wrong level of cover Continue Reading

By

• Stephen Pritchard

Tech sector efforts to root out forced labour are failing

Digitally mapping supply chains to identify forced labour and slavery is no longer a technology problem for the IT sector, but a lack of government enforcement and corporate inaction are major barriers to effective change Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Security Think Tank: Now is the time to think about cyber insurance

Many IT leaders shy away from cyber insurance, but new, innovative developments in the market can help organisations take an approach that suits their needs Continue Reading

By

• Carl Nightingale

ICO to cut back on fines for public sector data breaches

Information commissioner John Edwards sets out a revised approach to how the ICO handles data breaches in the public sector, saying fining victims risks punishing the public twice over Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Urgent need for new laws to govern biometrics, legal review finds

Independent review says new framework is needed to clear up legal and ethical concerns over the use of biometric data and technologies, which can impact privacy, freedom of expression and other human rights Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

New cyber extortion op appears to have hit AMD

Semiconductor specialist AMD has confirmed it is investigating reports that a ‘bad actor’ has stolen hundreds of gigabytes of its data Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Romance scammers exploit Ukraine war in cynical campaign

Romance scammers can make easy money exploiting people looking for love, but in this newly observed campaign linked to the Ukraine war they are playing on deeper emotions Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Backup maintenance: Five key points to consider

Effective backups need to ensure all data is protected, and to track media and software changes. We look at five key things to consider Continue Reading

By

• Stephen Pritchard

Spy agencies need ‘independent authorisation’ to access telecoms data, say judges

The High Court has ruled that UK intelligence agencies should seek independent authorisation before accessing phone and internet records during criminal investigations Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Investigations Editor

Proposed changes to copyright law open doors for AI data mining

Update to copyright law will mean researchers who already have access to data will not require extra permission from copyright owner to run data mining algorithms, removing barriers to artificial intelligence research and development Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Avast uncovers ‘thieves’ kitchen’ of malware-writing teens

Researchers stumble across online community of 11 to 18-year-olds constructing, exchanging and spreading malware Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Russia-aligned hacktivists behind Lithuania DDoS attack

Killnet hacktivist collective targeted Lithuania with distributed denial of service attacks after its government angered the Kremlin Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Veritas aims at autonomous backup discovery and provisioning

Veritas bets on a backup platform that can discover all enterprise data – on-premise and in the cloud – and make its own decisions about the optimal place to store copies Continue Reading

By

• Yann Serra, LeMagIT
• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

How to retain cyber talent in the Great Resignation

The cyber security industry is experiencing alarming rates of resignations, leaving organisations vulnerable to cyber attacks. How can we better retain cyber talent? Continue Reading

Collaboration key to IT sector sustainability

In this week’s Computer Weekly, as sustainability rises up the corporate agenda, IT leaders say more collaboration is needed to meet climate goals. Microsoft faces further calls for greater transparency over software tools used to monitor employees. And the cyber security industry warns over an increasing loss of talent. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Commercial cyber products must be used responsibly, says NCSC CEO

NCSC’s Lindy Cameron is to speak out on responsible regulation of cyber capabilities at an event in Tel Aviv, Israel Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Brexit a net negative for UK cyber, say CISOs

Six years on from the UK’s Brexit vote, the majority of security professionals say leaving the EU has raised concerns over their ability to keep their organisations safe Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

LockBit ransomware gang launches bug bounty programme

A bug bounty programme is among a number of features LockBit’s developers have added to ‘version 3.0’ of the ransomware Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

The cyber security impact of Operation Russia by Anonymous

The campaign against the Russian government by Anonymous surprised many with the depth and scale of the cyber attacks. What can we learn from this online war? Continue Reading

By

• Peter Ray Allison

Secure everything, not just the weakest link

The rise in cyber attacks on supply chains has expanded the role of IT security chiefs and the complexity of keeping organisations secure Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

10 metaverse dangers CIOs and IT leaders should address

The metaverse poses many of the same risks and security pitfalls that the internet does. Here's a look at 10 of those issues and how IT leaders should address them. Continue Reading

By

• Mary K. Pratt

CW APAC: Tech career guide to cyber security

The demands placed on those fighting against hackers are constantly evolving. In this handbook, focused on cyber security in the Asia-Pacific region, Computer Weekly looks at the skills required to make it in the industry, how Singapore’s critical systems remain protected, the short-term options for tech stack management and how organisations can support cyber professionals’ mental health. Continue Reading

Black Basta ransomware crew aiming for ‘big leagues’

Emergent Black Basta ransomware gang has hit more than 50 countries since bursting onto the scene earlier this year, says Cybereason Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

US cyber agency in fresh warning over Log4Shell risk to VMware

Many VMware Horizon and UAG servers remain defenceless against Log4Shell, and organisations continue to fall victim to the vulnerability Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Assessment and knowledge: Your key tools to secure suppliers

There is no silver bullet that will resolve all the issues arising from today’s interconnected businesses and complex supply chains, but there are some key tools at your disposal Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Morris, Turnkey Consulting

Developers grapple with open source software security

Software developers are taking longer to fix vulnerabilities and many do not know about the dependencies of open source software components they are using, study finds Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, Informa TechTarget

Finding the balance between innovation and data security in healthcare

As the government launches its data strategy for health and social care, a fine line must be trodden between innovating through privacy-enhancing technologies, and retaining data security for patients Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Curran, IEEE

What will the Data Reform Bill mean for UK businesses operating in the EU?

Following the government’s response to the Data Reform Bill consultation, Peter Galdies of DQM GRC looks at what might lie ahead for UK organisations working in the European Union Continue Reading

By

• Peter Galdies

Ukraine cyber agency enlists Radware to protect government networks

Ukraine’s State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection is using Radware cloud DDoS protection and web application firewall services to protect the government from persistent Russian attacks Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

What the world can learn from Saudi Arabia’s fight against industrial control system attacks

Iran learned from attacks on its infrastructure and unleashed similar malware on Saudi Arabia. The world has now gained valuable lessons from the Saudi response Continue Reading

By

• Pat Brans, Pat Brans Associates/Grenoble Ecole de Management

FCA seeks more tech expertise in fight against fraud

UK financial services regulator wants technology professionals to join its team fighting online fraud Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

SolarWinds unveils new development model to avoid a repeat of Sunburst

SolarWinds has unveiled a new, secure-by-design software development model to protect itself from a repeat of the infamous 2020 cyber attack on its systems, and serve as a blueprint for the industry Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Germany – let’s stop debating data retention and start finding solutions

Germany has the opportunity to set the democratic precedent for ending the collection and retention of everybody’s call details record and metadata in the EU. It is time find real and effective solutions to crime Continue Reading

By

• Patrick Breyer

Security Think Tank: Supply chain security demands systematic approach

Supply chain security measures need to be systematic and assessed so as to minimise the complexity and cost to the business Continue Reading

By

• Paddy Francis

Uber drivers strike over pay issues and algorithmic transparency

Unionised Uber drivers take industrial action against the company over its failure to pay workers in line with a Supreme Court decision and inflation, as well as the lack of transparency around how it uses their data Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Why the world needs tech standards for UN Sustainable Development Goals

Chaesub Lee from the ITU argues that the world needs technology standards to address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Continue Reading

By

• Chaesub Lee, ITU Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau

NatWest files under whistleblower’s bed contain live customer data

Former Royal Bank of Scotland worker wants bank to take back customer files and provide an ‘adequate receipt’ Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

How TDCX is building a people-centric business

Every digital tool deployed by the Singapore-based services firm is aimed at augmenting the performance and experience of its employees, says TDCX’s group CIO, Byron Fernandez Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, Informa TechTarget

Security Think Tank: Balanced approach can detangle supply chain complexity

Achieving an appropriate balance between people, processes and technology can help to detangle the complexities of the supply chain and create better security practices Continue Reading

By

• Francesca Williamson, Information Security Forum

We’re all technologists now – the powerful impact of low-code platforms

Low-code platforms are bringing a shift in how organisations develop and use technology – and it’s the job of the CIO to let it happen in a controlled, secure and connected fashion Continue Reading

By

• Rob Mallaband , Crimson
• Tom Cadman, Crimson

Government won’t regulate on professional cyber standards

The government has elected not to proceed with regulatory intervention to embed standards and pathways across the cyber profession Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CNI leaders’ attitude to ransomware lackadaisical at best

A survey of security decision-makers in sectors regarded as critical national infrastructure reveals a disappointing attitude to ransomware threats Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Microsoft Office 365 has ability to ‘spy’ on workers

Microsoft faces calls for ‘transparency’ over tools in Office 365 that allow employers to read staff emails and monitor their computer use at work Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Investigations Editor

Supply chain security goes deep – forget this at your peril

It may have hit the headlines as an IT issue, but supply chain security goes far deeper into an organisation than just technology Continue Reading

By

• Mike Gillespie

Dreams come true – how data and communication saved a failing company

In this week’s Computer Weekly, the former CEO of bed retailer Dreams explains how digital, data and communication helped turn round a failing company. The UK government has a new digital strategy – but it all seems rather familiar. And we talk to the tech firms trialling a four-day working week. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Lords move to protect cyber researchers from prosecution

A cross-party group in the House of Lords has proposed an amendment to the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill that would address concerns about security researchers or ethical hackers being prosecuted in the course of their work Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Complex Russian cyber threat requires we go back to basics

The situation in Russia is anything but simple, but it is the fundamentals of cyber security hygiene that pose the best defence against the country’s digital threat, as Mandiant’s Jamie Collier explains Continue Reading

By

• Matthew Staff

Challenges of securing a software supply chain

The US president has issued an executive order to improve cyber security, which has ramifications across the software development supply chain Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Aussie mobile users most vulnerable to security threats

Australia has the highest percentage of mobile app threats detected on a per-device basis, with iPhone users more likely to download a risky app than an Android user, study finds Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, Informa TechTarget

What the EU’s content-filtering rules could mean for UK tech

EU proposals to clamp down on child sexual abuse material will have a material impact on the UK’s technology sector Continue Reading

By

• Peter Ray Allison

Government responds to Data Reform Bill consultation

Westminster claims its new data laws will boost British benefits, protect consumers, and seize the ‘benefits’ of Brexit Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Consider governance, coordination and risk to secure supply chain

A recent ISACA study found myriad factors that give good reason to be concerned about supply chain security. Cyber adviser Brian Fletcher recommends three areas to zero in on Continue Reading

By

• Brian Fletcher

MoD sets out strategy to develop military AI with private sector

The UK Ministry of Defence has outlined its intention to work closely with the private sector to develop and deploy a range of artificial intelligence-powered technologies, committing to ‘lawful and ethical AI use’ Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

TalkTalk hacker Daniel Kelley gives up his black hat for good

After serving a four-year prison sentence for his role in the 2015 TalkTalk hack and other cyber offences, Daniel Kelley now wants to pursue a legitimate cyber security career Continue Reading

By

• Nicholas Fearn

Privacy-enhancing technologies – myths and misconceptions

As the UK and US prepare to open a joint privacy-enhancing technology (PET) prize challenge, expert Ellison Anne Williams busts some myths and misconceptions around this emerging area Continue Reading

By

• Ellison Anne Williams

Dundee security research centre opens with support from SBRC

An £18m hub at Abertay University in Dundee forms the centrepiece of Scotland’s first security research cluster Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Office 365 loophole may give ransomware an easy shot at your files

Researchers at Proofpoint have discovered potentially dangerous Microsoft Office 365 functionality that they believe may give ransomware a clear shot at files stored on SharePoint and OneDrive Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Security Think Tank: Best practices for boosting supply chain security

In a highly connected world, managing the supply chain landscape requires an adaptation of the ‘traditional’ approach to managing cyber risk Continue Reading

By

• Carl Nightingale