IT security

Changing the rules against cyber attacks

UKRI’s John Goodacre reveals how projects supported by the Digital Security by Design Challenge aim to improve cyber security resilience, beginning with the very fundamentals of computing Continue Reading

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• John Goodacre

CIA sought revenge against Julian Assange over hacking tool leaks, court hears

The CIA discussed kidnapping Julian Assange after WikiLeaks published thousands of documents revealing its arsenal of hacking tools, defence lawyers tell a London court Continue Reading

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• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Illegal state surveillance in Africa ‘carried out with impunity’

Analysis of surveillance laws and practices in six African countries finds that existing privacy laws are failing to protect citizens from illegal digital surveillance, which is being facilitated and enabled by global tech companies Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

How ransomware crews pile on the pressure to get victims to pay

Sophos researchers share some of the more common tactics ransomware gangs use to pressurise their victims into paying up Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

‘No-one extradited from UK to US has committed suicide,’ US tells court in Assange appeal

US government claims that a district judge has given WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange a ‘trump card’ to avoid extradition   Continue Reading

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• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Government commits millions to security investment

Spending Review adds more than £750m of funding to improve cyber security resilience across government Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Cyber sector growth exacerbating skills shortage

Data from security association (ISC)² shows demand for cyber pros is still outpacing supply as the sector continues an upward growth trajectory Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

DarkMarket takedown results in 150 arrests

A coordinated operation by law enforcement has seen 150 taken into custody amid allegations of buying or selling illicit goods on the dark web Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Cyber experts on how to nobble a Nobelium attack

A recent spate of attempted Nobelium cyber attacks were mostly unsuccessful, but serve as a reminder to pay attention to some more fundamental aspects of security Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

encryption key

In cryptography, an encryption key is a variable value that is applied using an algorithm to a string or block of unencrypted text to produce encrypted text or to decrypt encrypted text. Continue Reading

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• Peter Loshin, Former Senior Technology Editor

Managing cyber risk by integrating supply chains

In this week’s Computer Weekly, our latest Buyer’s Guide examines the security and IT integration challenges of modern supply chains, especially post-pandemic – while we also talk to the CEO of software provider SolarWinds about how the company overcame its huge supply chain attack. And we look at how a small town in Lancashire was chosen as the HQ for the UK’s new National Cyber Force. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Lacework expands into ANZ, eyes APAC market

DevSecOps supplier Lacework’s expansion into Australia and New Zealand will pave the way for a broader move into the Asia-Pacific region Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

How Samlesbury, Lancashire became the home of the National Cyber Force

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The Security Interviews: How SolarWinds came through its darkest hour

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Managing cyber risk through integrated supply chains

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At last, the UK has a mass-market digital identity system - now let's use it

Great news for all those who have followed the troubles and travails of digital identity in the UK for the past couple of decades. Finally, we have a digital ID system, developed in the public ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Attempted hack causes Tesco website outage

Retailer’s website and app back after attempted hack caused problems over the weekend Continue Reading

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• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Multi-government operation targets REvil ransomware group

REvil has been forced offline by a multi-government hacking operation, marking the second time in 2021 that the group has gone dark Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

MEPs vote to expand Europol data mandate

The European Parliament has voted in favour of expanding Europol’s mandate to process data and develop AI tools, but critics claim it contradicts a previous vote which opposed using new technologies to predict crime Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Airport operator MAG boosts threat visibility with hybrid SOC

With budget concerns weighing heavy during the pandemic, Manchester Airports Group ditched an impending capex-heavy cyber investment in favour of a hybrid managed/in-house approach. Learn more about its experience Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

script kiddie

Script kiddie is a derogative term that computer hackers coined to refer to immature, but often just as dangerous, exploiters of internet security weaknesses. Continue Reading

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• Ben Lutkevich, Site Editor

APAC organisations warm to zero trust

Two-thirds of APAC organisations have a zero-trust strategy even as they grapple with the lack of skills and other organisational challenges, study finds Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

US intelligence agencies issue advisory on BlackMatter gang

Joint advisory on ransomware gang warns about potential of further attacks on critical infrastructure providers Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

LightBasin hackers breach 13 telcos in two years

Hackers have obtained an undisclosed volume of subscriber information and call metadata in a sustained campaign against telecommunications firms Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Police IT buyers should compel suppliers to prove AI claims

House of Lords told that UK law enforcement bodies should use their position as buyers to compel private sector suppliers to divulge more information about how their AI-powered technologies work Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Back on the office network: What are the risks for mobile users?

Many people are returning to offices and bringing their mobile devices with them. What are the cyber security implications of this? Continue Reading

By

• Nicholas Fearn

Time to take a step back on police use of facial recognition

We’ve all seen the detective shows on TV. The cops find a CCTV picture of the likely “perp”. The put-upon junior detective is tasked with wading through a database of photos in the hope of finding ... Continue Reading

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• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

How Samlesbury, Lancashire became the home of the National Cyber Force

The National Cyber Force, a new branch of the military, is gearing up to fight battles in cyber space from the fields of Lancashire. Its presence is expected to bring a high-tech renaissance to the region Continue Reading

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• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

DCMS appoints Plexal to drive telecoms diversity strategy

Government chooses UK innovation company to understand and develop the role of SMEs in the telecoms market with particular reference to how to create a diverse market that supports the creation of home-grown, sovereign technology Continue Reading

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• Joe O’Halloran, Computer Weekly

No easy fix for vulnerability exploitation, so be prepared

Vulnerability management and disclosure is a tricky business with ethical and business ramifications for software vendors, CISOs and ethical hackers alike – and CISOs sit right in the middle of this Continue Reading

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• Andrew Morris, Turnkey Consulting

Doing the right thing: How CISOs should approach responsible disclosure

Owen Wright, responsible for penetration testing and adversary simulation at Context, part of Accenture Security, advises how CISOs should approach responsible disclosure Continue Reading

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• Owen Wright, Accenture Security

Apple scheme to detect child abuse creates serious privacy and security risks, say scientists

Apple’s plan to automatically scan photos to detect child abuse would unduly risk the privacy and security of law-abiding citizens and could open up the way to surveillance, say the world’s top cryptographic experts Continue Reading

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• Duncan Campbell , 2QQ Ltd, Sussex University

CW APAC, October 2021: Tech Career Guide

Despite marked improvements, tech still faces a diversity problem. In this handbook, focused on cyber security’s gender gap in the Asia-Pacific region, Computer Weekly looks at the mentoring programmes aiming to combat the issue, the career path of IAG’s Elaine Muir, how hacking won Claudean Zheng a job and what else needs to be done to tackle the ongoing gender imbalance Continue Reading

NHS Digital enhances in-house cyber awareness drive

Keep IT Confidential campaign aims to help NHS staff understand more about security threats and learn how to reduce risk Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Encryption protects the marginalised – and it’s under threat

Encryption keeps marginalised groups connected and safe, but new regulatory attempts to break it put them at risk Continue Reading

By

• Callum Voge

Generation Novel hybrid workers bring new demands and risks

Aruba survey warns business leaders that they must strike a balance between flexibility and security to address risky behaviours and evolving expectations of today’s tech-savvy workforce Continue Reading

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• Joe O’Halloran, Computer Weekly

Google Cybersecurity Action Team springs into life

Google has announced a new Cybersecurity Action Team, with a mission to support security and digital transformation in governments, critical infrastructure, enterprises and small businesses Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

FCA warns over future hybrid working security risks

Earlier this week, the Financial Conduct Authority issued fresh guidance to regulated organisations on keeping hybrid workers safe and secure Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Microsoft warns of MysterySnail on October Patch Tuesday

Microsoft has fixed a zero-day that is being actively exploited to deliver a new remote access trojan dubbed MysterySnail to targets Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Former signals intel leader named godfather of UK security

Sixth annual Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards honours former Royal Corps of Signals colonel and infosec pioneer John Doody Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Australia unveils ransomware action plan

The Australian government has established a task force to address the ransomware menace and is proposing legislation to mandate reporting of ransomware incidents by businesses Continue Reading

By

• Stephen Withers

BCS calls on government to retain protections against AI

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, wants the government to retain protections that allow people to have decisions about them made by an AI reviewed by humans if needed Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Ban UK police use of facial-recognition, House of Lords told

Experts giving evidence to the House of Lords have said that UK police use of facial-recognition technology is disproportionate and ineffective, and further questioned the utility of algorithmic crime ‘prediction’ tools Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Microsoft thwarts mega-DDoS attack on Azure platform

2.4Tbps DDoS attack on an undisclosed Microsoft Azure customer may have been the largest ever attempted against a single target Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Malaysia’s highway authority improves DR capabilities

The Malaysian Highway Authority is now more resilient against cyber attacks through a local disaster-recovery-as-a-service offering powered by Veeam software Continue Reading

By

• Edwin Yapp

Covid-19 will loom over cyber strategy for years to come

In remarks delivered to a Chatham House conference, NCSC head Lindy Cameron reflects on the security challenges facing the UK, and sets out some plans for the future Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Sensitive documents to stay with whistleblower after deadline for agreement for their return passes

A deadllne to agree the safe return of the sensitive banking details of former and current NatWest Group customers has passed without agreement Continue Reading

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• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Singapore refreshes cyber security strategy

The city-state updates its national cyber security strategy to shore up the security of critical infrastructure and enterprises while growing its cyber security industry, among other goals Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Craft beer specialist Brewdog fixes serious app vulnerability

Vulnerability in brewer’s mobile app could have resulted in serious consequences for its shareholders and customers Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Fast-moving Ryuk campaign targets healthcare organisations

Newly designated FIN12 gang leverages the work of the cyber criminal ecosystem to conduct lightning-fast ransomware attacks Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NatWest admits to weaknesses in anti-money laundering systems

Bank pleads guilty to failures concerning the laundering of hundreds of millions of pounds, but says it has since improved its anti-money laundering systems Continue Reading

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• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Addressing the backup dilemma to ransomware recovery

Everyone knows good backups are essential if one is to recover from a ransomware attack, but using them effectively poses challenges that IT teams need to know about Continue Reading

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• W Curtis Preston

ICO expresses concerns over its future independence

In its response to the government’s data protection consultation, the Information Commissioner’s Office has raised worries over its future ability to function independently of government interference Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

What is a next-generation firewall (NGFW)?

A next-generation firewall (NGFW) is part of the third generation of firewall technology that can be implemented in hardware or software. Continue Reading

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• Casey Clark, TechTarget
• Sharon Shea, Executive Editor

Uber faces legal action over ‘racist’ facial verification system

Two UK-based unions are taking Uber to court, claiming their members have been unfairly dismissed as a result of misidentification by the company’s facial verification system Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Twitch data breach investigations continue

Investigations are ongoing into a 125GB data breach that hit livestreaming platform Twitch, apparently the work of hacktivists Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CW Middle East: Middle East hospitals accelerate take-up of healthcare technologies

The Middle East is accelerating its take-up of digital healthcare technologies following lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, with regional government turning to technology to track disease trends and monitor treatment. Also read in this issue how the UAE’s National Program for Coders will offer ‘golden visas’ to 100,000 entrepreneurs, enterprise owners and startups. Continue Reading

US lawmakers propose ransomware reporting rules

Former presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren lends her support to a bill that would require corporate ransomware victims to disclose more information about their attacks to the authorities Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Security Think Tank: Responsible vulnerability disclosure is a joint effort

By working hand-in-hand, developers and security researchers can both play a vital role in ensuring newly-discovered vulnerabilities are addressed appropriately, writes Paddy Francis of Airbus CyberSecurity Continue Reading

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• Paddy Francis

Gaming service Twitch hacked, data leaked

Users of livestreaming platform Twitch may be at risk after a 125GB torrent of data was leaked Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Apache web server users urged to patch immediately

New zero-day in Apache HTTP Server is already being actively exploited and must be addressed immediately Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Auto-enrolment begins for Google multi-factor authentication

Google has started to turn on multi-factor authentication on consumer accounts by default, and aims to auto-enrol 150 million users by the end of 2021 Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Top women in UK tech, AI on puffin island – Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast

In this episode, Caroline Donnelly, Clare McDonald and Brian McKenna discuss CW’s annual programme to choose the most influential women in UK tech, as well as Newham Sparks, and puffin-counting AI Continue Reading

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• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK
• Clare McDonald, Business Editor
• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

Israeli Orca to invest in UK cyber scene

Tel Aviv-headquartered Orca Security wants to set up a new R&D centre in the UK Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

New strategies needed to close the cyber security skills gap

Teaching cyber security in schools is a long-term solution to a present-day problem Continue Reading

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• Martin Smith, SASIG

New Python-based ransomware attacks unfold in record time

Sophos researchers detail a new variety of Python-based ransomware attack targeting VMware ESXi-hosted VMs Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Invest in cyber security with confidence using a structured approach

Cyber security has never been more challenging or important in rapidly changing business, regulatory, IT and threat environments. There is a need for a more structured approach to investment Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)

Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is an extension of the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) used by an internet service provider (ISP) to enable the operation of a virtual private network (VPN) over the internet. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Zola

Keeping the UK in the global race to adopt digital identity

The UK government’s proposed digital ID trust framework is a step in the right direction, but more is needed to ensure the successful adoption of digital identity across the economy Continue Reading

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• Nick Mothershaw, OIX

ICO cookie consent: How will the plan affect businesses?

A data privacy and compliance expert considers what the ICO’s proposals for an overhaul of cookie consent procedures could mean for businesses Continue Reading

By

• Peter Borner

Facebook unplugged for six hours due to configuration error

A configuration change effectively disconnected Facebook from the internet, with billions affected by loss of services Continue Reading

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• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Australian organisations lack maturity in responsible AI

Most Australian organisations are still in the early stages of their responsible artificial intelligence efforts despite growing use of AI by businesses and consumers, study finds Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Mandiant name returns to fore ahead of FireEye sale

Mandiant has completed its corporate rebrand pending the imminent sale of the FireEye products business to a private equity group Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

One Identity buys OneLogin for access management expertise

Acquisition of OneLogin adds access management solutions to One Identity’s Unified Identity Security platform Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Two arrests made in European ransomware investigation

Unnamed ransomware operation was disrupted last week in Kiev, Ukraine, following a coordinated investigation Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Security Think Tank: Embracing vulnerability management for the greater good

When it comes to vulnerability management, CISOs should define a responsible disclosure policy so that they can receive and manage identified vulnerabilities transparently, practically and collaboratively, says Paul Watts of the ISF Continue Reading

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• Paul Watts, Information Security Forum

How GYG Singapore moved to paperless contracts

The Singapore franchisee of Mexican cuisine specialist Guzman y Gomez has turned to electronic agreements and digital signatures to ease the administrative burden on its HR team Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Met Police purchase new retrospective facial-recognition system

Retrospective facial-recognition software purchased for £3m by the Met Police will be deployed in coming months amid continuing controversy around the use of biometric technologies by law enforcement bodies Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Amnesty International exploited in malware campaign

According to new intelligence from Cisco Talos, Amnesty International’s branding and profile is being used as part of a new malware campaign that exploits people’s fears of the notorious Pegasus spyware app Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

JVCKenwood hit by Conti ransomware attack

Nearly 2TB of data was stolen from Japanese electronics firm in a Conti ransomware hit Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

IR35: Giant Group cyber attack prompts renewed calls for statutory regulation of umbrella companies

As details about the fallout from the cyber attack on the Giant Group umbrella company emerge, stakeholders say the incident should prompt the government to expedite regulating contractor payroll processing firms Continue Reading

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• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Team leaders urged to address developer mental health

The pandemic led to many developers working from home, and many have experienced burnout Continue Reading

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• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

UK consumers would collectively pay over £1bn a year for control of their data

UK consumers are willing to pay a small fee per month to have control of the data they share with Google and Facebook Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

NUS and Thales to develop quantum technologies

The National University of Singapore and Thales have joined hands to test quantum technologies for commercial applications in security and sensing Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Secure Electronic Transaction (SET)

Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) is a system and electronic protocol to ensure the integrity and security of transactions conducted over the internet. Continue Reading

By

• Rahul Awati

Russia arrests prominent cyber security executive

Founder and CEO of cyber security firm Group-IB detained in Moscow on treason charges Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

FoggyWeb malware latest tool of dangerous Nobelium APT

Microsoft’s threat intelligence team warns of a new strain of malware being used by the Russia-linked Nobelium APT Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Security boost in Windows 11 limits PC reuse

Microsoft has put a lot of emphasis on improving security in Windows 11, but this comes at a cost as old hardware is no longer supported Continue Reading

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• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Dedicated number for victims of fraud launched amid national security threat

Consumers that suspect they are being targeted by fraudsters can call 159 to be directly linked to their bank, as part of a 12-month pilot Continue Reading

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• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

The Security Interviews: How SolarWinds came through its darkest hour

In his first major UK press interview, SolarWinds CEO Sudhakar Ramakrishna tells Computer Weekly how a relentless focus on transparency saw the company safely through a nightmare cyber breach scenario Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UK consumer trust in banks, retailers and telcos declines as scams increase

Consumers are blaming banks, retailers and social media for the huge increase in online scams, survey shows Continue Reading

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• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Digital regulators need discrete but cooperative remits

The UK’s information commissioner has told MPs that digital economy regulators need discrete remits backed up by strong information sharing powers to both provide clear focus as well as allow for greater cooperation between their disparate but interlinked regimes Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

How one red team exercise averted a new SolarWinds-style attack

Palo Alto Networks shares details of how its red teamers found and sealed a customer vulnerability that could have led to another SolarWinds-style supply chain attack Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Uber drivers strike over pay issues and unfair dismissal claims

Unionised Uber drivers take industrial action in response to ongoing disputes over pay and claims that drivers are being unfairly dismissed as a result of the company’s technologies Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Women and BAME people bear brunt of cyber crime impact

Cyber crime has a disproportionate impact on women and BAME people, according to a new report Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Giant Umbrella contractors suffer salary payment delays following suspected ‘data breach’

Following the discovery of “suspicious network activity” in its systems, payroll processing firm Giant Umbrella has taken itself offline, leaving contractors to fume over missing salary payments Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Dubai International Finance Centre’s data protection law to be boosted by new federal regulation

New UAE data protection regulation on the horizon a year after a Dubai-specific law came into force Continue Reading

By

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

What it takes to attract and retain women in cyber security

The narrowing gender gap may be a cause for cheer, but more needs to be done to curb discrimination, and attract and retain women for cyber security roles in Asia-Pacific Continue Reading

By

• Ai Lei Tao

Empowering APAC women on the frontlines of cyber security

In this webinar, we discuss the issues facing women in cyber security, the challenges of breaking into the field and why it’s important to close the gender gap Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Facial recognition cannot be a standalone authentication method

As more organisations look to facial recognition to improve their digital identity practices, they must remember that it cannot stand in isolation Continue Reading

By

• Amir Nooriala