IT security

Sodin ransomware exploiting Windows zero-day, Kaspersky warns

Security researchers are warning that a recently discovered type of ransomware is now exploiting a zero-day Windows vulnerability, and does not require user interaction to trigger an infection Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Top VPNs secretly owned by Chinese firms

Nearly a third of top VPNs are secretly owned by Chinese companies, while other owners are based in countries with weak or no privacy laws, potentially putting users at risk, security researchers warn Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Cloudflare outage: Firm blames global website outage on routine software update gone rogue

Content delivery provider traces outage back to failings that occurred during a routine update to its web application firewall service Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

A glossary of 10 essential network security terms

This network security glossary covers both old and new key terms -- such as zero trust networks and microsegmentation -- that can bolster anyone's security vocabulary. Continue Reading

By

• Michaela Goss, Senior Site Editor

CPS faces legal ruling over refusal to disclose emails with US on WikiLeaks and Assange extradition

A court will decide whether the Crown Prosecution Service can refuse to neither confirm nor deny the existence of correspondence with US on investigations into Julian Assange and WikiLeaks Continue Reading

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• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

UK consumers still concerned about personal data security

Most UK consumers are still concerned about the security of their personal data, indicating that organisations need to do more to gain consumer trust, such as implementing biometric controls Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Sweden’s Protective Security Act targets cyber risks

IT suppliers must comply with tighter cyber security requirements, but are being offered help from government agencies Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Podcast: The Computer Weekly Downtime Upload – Episode 22

In this week’s episode of the Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast, Brian McKenna, Caroline Donnelly and Clare McDonald talk about digital transformation in the NHS, Sky’s efforts to get more women working in tech and how big businesses could be risking extinction by ignoring IT Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Orvibo data leak puts security spotlight on IoT back end

The security of devices that make up the internet of things (IoT) is a top concern for many in the industry, but leaks from an IoT database highlights the importance of back-end security too Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Perfect storm for data science in security

After nearly 20 years of research, the perfect storm of computing technologies is finally enabling data science to realise its potential to make valuable contributions to improving cyber security capabilities Continue Reading

The UK manufacturing sector needs a digital upgrade

In this week’s Computer Weekly, the UK manufacturing sector is lagging behind on digital technology – we examine the challenges for the industry in becoming a global leader. Our buyer’s guide looks at enterprise social media and collaboration tools. And we find out how data science is helping to boost cyber security strategies. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Singapore to beef up police tech capabilities

Singapore government singles out biometrics, data analytics and digital forensics as promising areas to boost crime-fighting efforts Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Few UK firms are cyber insured despite financial losses

More than one-fifth of UK firms have been impacted financially by cyber attacks, yet potentially more than three-quarters of companies polled have never been insured for cyber-related losses Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Symantec gearing up for future cyber security

Symantec is focusing on enabling businesses to secure data in the cloud after a string of acquisitions, but it also has its eye on the future, which will be all about empowering people, says CTO Hugh Thompson Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Facebook’s privacy game – how Zuckerberg backtracked on promises to protect personal data

Facebook promised its users privacy then quietly abandoned its promises in pursuit of profits. Now it faces antitrust regulation Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin and Sebastian Klovig Skelton

Huge jump in cyber incidents reported by finance sector

The number of cyber incidents reported by financial services firms increased nearly 12-fold in 2018 from 2017, mainly due to third-party failures, highlighting several key areas that need improvement Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

How to get the basics of mobile device management right the first time

When adopting mobile device management, there are often fears around implementation and whether or not the strategy is even required Continue Reading

By

• Rene Millman

TIN coalition calls for industry action against cyber fraud

An industry group aimed at improving cyber security by tackling enduring challenges has called for collaboration in the fight against cyber fraud Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Cyber crime reporting crucial, say UK police

UK police are gearing up to make it easier for business to report cyber crime, saying that under-reporting continues to be a challenge Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Comparing EDR tools: Cybereason vs. CrowdStrike vs. Carbon Black

Learn how tools from leading EDR vendors Cybereason, CrowdStrike and Carbon Black compare when it comes to helping security teams fight endpoint threats and respond to incidents. Continue Reading

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• Kevin Beaver, Principle Logic, LLC

How to retool incident response best practices for the digital age

As companies become more cloud- and mobile-centric, they need to reassess their incident response best practices and automate as much as possible. Continue Reading

By

• Johna Till Johnson, Nemertes Research

How to prevent cybersecurity attacks using this 4-part strategy

It can be daunting to defend an enterprise against cyberattacks, but these four defensive moves can help fortify and repel whatever comes your way. Continue Reading

By

• Dave Shackleford, Voodoo Security

Dutch bank and researchers begin defence against quantum computing’s dark side

ABN Amro is working with QuTech to ensure that banks can protect data against quantum computers in the future Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

How privacy could breathe new life into personalisation

As much of the advertising technology used by marketers to deliver personalised content online is deemed unlawful, there are signs regulation could actually be a win-win for both consumers and business – as long as the industry embraces change Continue Reading

By

• Jim Mortleman

DWP looks to extend digital identity capabilities

Department for Work and Pensions wants to reduce reliance on existing identity assurance methods such as Gov.UK Verify and face-to-face Continue Reading

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• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Cloud snapshots and backups: How to protect data in the cloud

You often need more data protection than native cloud services will give. But should you choose backup or snapshots? And what about third-party backup in the cloud? Continue Reading

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• Paul Stringfellow, Gardner Systems

Fido Alliance announces new standards

Fido Alliance announces new identity verification and IoT initiatives to expand the reach and impact of Fido authentication, which seeks to eliminate the world’s dependence on password-based security Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Commercial interests put customer security at risk, survey shows

Firms are bypassing security to push products and services into the market, increasing security risks for the organisation and its customers, a poll of information security professionals shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Wider threat campaign behind Wipro breach

A sophisticated, far-ranging threat campaign was behind the breach at Indian IT services firm Wipro in April, which was not an isolated incident, RiskIQ report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Six arrested over €24m cryptocurrency theft

Police have arrested six people in the UK and the Netherlands in connection with the theft of cryptocurrency worth €24m Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Singapore government forms digital industry office

New office will help local tech firms grow their regional footprint and build new capabilities in order to thrive in APAC’s booming digital economy Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

How facial recognition technology threatens basic privacy rights

As adoption of facial recognition systems continues to grow worldwide, there is increasing concern that this technology could undermine fundamental privacy rights and how it can be kept in check Continue Reading

By

• Nicholas Fearn

UK cyber security progress stalled, says report

UK firms rank cyber attacks as a top business issue, but are stalling in cyber security best practice, lagging behind top performers in India Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

There's AI and, er, AI....

It's hard to recall a recent presentation from a vendor that didn't include the AI or Machine-Learning buzz-phrases. I'm not just talking IT here - coffee vending machines probably also incorporate ... Continue Reading

By

• Steve Broadhead, Broadband Testing

AI will drive reskilling in problem solving, creativity and collaboration

A study from the Economist Intelligence Unit has found that executives do not believe that artificial intelligence will lead to job losses, but staff will need retraining Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Saving bees with the internet of things

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how internet of things technologies and “smart hives” are helping bee conservation. We examine Facebook’s new digital currency, Libra, and analyse its pros and cons. And we look at how IT leaders are rising to the challenge of delivering ethics and sustainability in tech. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

APT attack on telcos highlights need for comprehensive defence

A global cyber attack against multiple telecommunications firms underlines need for comprehensive approach to cyber defence, say researchers and industry commentators Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Saudi banks trial blockchain-based identity technology at ATMs

Biometric and blockchain technologies are being used in tandem to provide ID verification at Saudi Arabian cash machines Continue Reading

By

• Alicia Buller

Airbus opens cyber innovation hub in Wales

Newport hub will focus on industrial control systems, artificial intelligence and data analytics Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Cyber attackers using wider range of threats

Businesses need to ensure they are able to defend against a wide range of threats in the face of increased malicious Office documents, Mac malware and web application exploits, report shows Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK firms downloading vulnerable open source software

Vulnerable open source software components are posing a security threat to UK firms, according to a report that also shows how best practice, including automation, can reduce the risk Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Hospitality industry at highest risk of phishing

Benchmarking report shows average phish-prone percentage across all industries and sizes of organisations at 29.6% – up 2.6% since 2018 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK takes world lead in surveillance camera security

Although the UK is sometimes referred to as “the most surveilled country” in the world, it has taken the lead in setting minimum security requirements for surveillance cameras. But how will this make a difference internationally? Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Nominations open for UK’s security unsung heroes

The Security Serious cyber awareness campaign has opened nominations for the fourth annual cyber security Unsung Heroes awards Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Parents don’t know enough about cyber careers

Research by the SANS Institute finds that while parents are aware of cyber security, they don’t know enough to encourage their children into cyber roles Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Small business not necessarily weakest security link

Small businesses may not be the weakest link in the supply chain after all, with a lack of skills and best practices being bigger factors, a study by (ISC)² reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Disaster planning: How to expect the unexpected

Focusing too much on specific disasters rather than considering an organisation’s data protection, network security and process requirements, can lead to unpredicted vulnerabilities Continue Reading

By

• Peter Ray Allison

Alibaba Cloud earns validation from Singapore banking association

Alibaba Cloud said it has become the first public cloud supplier in the industry to obtain the Outsourced Service Providers Audit Report (OSPAR) validation by the Association of Banks in Singapore ... Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

CIOs experience stress, verbal and physical abuse during IT failures

Business continuity involves more than the investment in resilient IT – staff and their families need support too Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Surveillance camera czar calls for stronger UK code of practice

Surveillance cameras are for supporting communities, not spying on them, but the UK needs stronger regulation and citizen engagement in this area, says surveillance camera commissioner Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Online porn age-verification checks delayed for six months

Changes to force UK internet users to prove their age to access adult content are postponed for a third time because of failure to notify the European Commission of key policy details Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Facebook officially unveils cryptocurrency plans

Facebook has released details about its Libra cryptocurrency, but questions still remain over how, and if, it will work Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Enterprises challenged with security basics

Visibility, security tool overload and manual reporting are cited as top concerns by UK security leaders, a report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK to launch security standard for surveillance cameras

The UK is launching the world’s first voluntary cyber security standard and compliance certification mark for the manufacturers of surveillance cameras Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Most mobile apps vulnerable to malware

iOS and Android apps equally vulnerable to being exploited remotely by malware, report reveals Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Lloyds Bank uses community effort to push out DevOps

The developers and IT operations teams were once separate. Now they are one. The challenge is getting this to scale across the business Continue Reading

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• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

IoT Security Foundation publishes smart building whitepaper

The IoT Security Foundation has published a guide on security for smart buildings to highlight key issues and gather feedback to inform future guidance for industry stakeholders Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Converged security takes centre stage at IFSEC

The importance and benefits of combining physical and cyber security was underlined in the opening session of the 2019 IFSEC security conference Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK government pushes data-driven agenda

A smart data report has been published with consultations under way, while an open call for evidence has been launched to help shape the national data plan Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Signify goes after Wi-Fi with range of Li-Fi office lighting

Although analyst Gartner has urged IT departments to approach Li-Fi with caution, the use of light as an alternative to Wi-Fi is set to gain momentum Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Debugging bug bounty programmes

Bug bounty programmes have become popular, but poor programme management can lead to development teams becoming overwhelmed and bugs being missed. Continue Reading

Applying AI to road safety

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we visit a Tokyo project where artificial intelligence is helping to improve road safety by detecting potential subsidence. As bug bounty programmes become popular, we look at what’s involved and the pitfalls to avoid. And we discuss digital development in healthcare with NHS England. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

UK to host world’s first surveillance camera day

The UK is to host the world’s first surveillance camera day to raise awareness about surveillance cameras and generate a debate about how they are used Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Singapore faced fewer cyber threats in 2018

Despite the fall in the number of common cyber threats last year, Singapore will continue to face advanced persistent threats, CSA warns Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Security Think Tank: Business needs to see infosec pros as trusted advisers

How can security professionals communicate effectively with the board and senior business leaders – what works and what doesn’t? Continue Reading

By

• RV Raghu, ISACA

A good business disaster recovery plan considers IT, staffing

Not sure if your disaster recovery plan takes business needs into account? A good plan should cover business operations, as well as technology and staffing requirements. Continue Reading

By

• Alan R. Earls

DevSecOps is key to uniting opposing forces

Unifying DevOps and security teams with the aid of automation will bring harmony and added business benefits, says systems engineer Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Security Think Tank: Top infosec task is getting on board agenda

How can security professionals communicate effectively with the board and senior business leaders – what works and what doesn’t? Continue Reading

By

• Petra Wenham

Asco breaks silence on ransomware attack

A week after reportedly being hit by a ransomware attack, Belgium-based mechanical equipment manufacturer Asco has finally provided some details Continue Reading

Inside F5’s cyber security playbook

F5 Networks' CISO talks up measures that the application delivery and security specialist is employing to fend off cyber attackers that come knocking on its doors Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Building a cyber-physical immune system

Shantanu Rane, researcher in cyber-physical systems security at the Palo Alto Research Center, explains how our own immune systems can inspire the design of modern cyber-physical systems Continue Reading

By

• Shantanu Rane, PARC

Security Think Tank: Infosec needs to avoid FUD and keep it real

How can security professionals communicate effectively with the board and senior business leaders – what works and what doesn’t? Continue Reading

By

• Ellie Hurst, Advent IM

Innovation drives Nominet to cyber security

Embracing an innovation strategy for a mature organisation led domain name registry Nominet to found a cyber security business based on its core expertise, its CEO tells London Tech Week Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CW Europe: Why are Dutch companies slow to take advantage of the IoT?

Many organisations in the Netherlands are missing out on the benefits of the internet of things because they lack awareness of its potential. Also read why construction of Apple's first non-US datacentre has halted in Denmark, and why some scientists have raised questions about the effects of 5G mobile phone radiation on public health. Continue Reading

UK firms need to address risky user habits

McAfee calls for companies to ramp up their security culture and improve the integration of technical security controls to minimise exposure from workers Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Facebook London hiring spree focuses on tackling online harms

Facebook is hiring for 500 tech jobs in the capital in the next six months, with a particular focus on seeking out and clamping down on malicious content and fake accounts, and curbing other harmful behaviour on its platforms Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Security Think Tank: Security risk ratings key to security/business understanding

How can security professionals communicate effectively with the board and senior business leaders – what works and what doesn’t? Continue Reading

By

• Maxine Holt, Omdia

AI-enabled cyber attacks a reality soon, warns Mikko Hypponen

Technology continues to shape human conflict and artificial intelligence will be no exception, so business needs to up its ability to detect attacks and respond, says security expert Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Operational technology security improving, but attack surface continues to grow

Critical national infrastructure providers and others are improving cyber security capabilities around industrial control systems, but the cyber threat remains high and continues to evolve, a study shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Security Think Tank: Focus on business impact and likelihood of cyber attacks

How can cyber security professionals communicate effectively with the board and senior business leaders – what works and what doesn’t? Continue Reading

By

• Paddy Francis

Austrian Supreme Court green-lights GDPR case against Facebook

A potential landmark case against Facebook for violating General Data Protection Regulation rights has been given the go-ahead by the Austrian Supreme Court Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Why the rise of IT managed by the business is driving creative thinking

Organisations that encourage business units to implement and run their own IT systems have an edge over competitors that rely entirely on the IT department, research from Harvey Nash and KPMG reveals Continue Reading

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• Steve Bates, KPMG

In a cyber data breach, preparation is key

The importance of preparation was strongly emphasised at a breach response workshop hosted by DAC Beachcroft as part of London Tech Week Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Cisco shows off AI-driven network analysis at customer event

New tools to help IT departments better understand network behaviour and predict potential problems were among a series of announcements made on the opening day of Cisco Live in the US Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government increases efforts to drive Verify uptake

Renewed push to create a ubiquitous digital identity market will include a consultation with the private sector and the creation of a dedicated unit Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Most code-signing processes insecure, study shows

The majority of organisations are failing to enforce security for code-signing processes, providing opportunities for cyber criminals, a survey reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Are schools delivering on digital skills?

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at the differing approaches to teaching computer science across the UK and assess the pros and cons of each. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the technologies and best practices of multicloud environments. And we find out what you get for your money when buying cyber insurance. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

MP brands Huawei exec a ‘moral vacuum’ as operators demand 5G clarity

Huawei chief security officer John Suffolk faces tough questions from parliament’s Science and Technology Select Committee over the firm’s links to the Chinese government Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Security Think Tank: Frame cyber security impacts in business contexts

How can security professionals communicate effectively with the board and senior business leaders – what works and what doesn’t? Continue Reading

By

• Simon Persin, Turnkey Consulting

Implementing Dmarc a top priority for UK

Basic email security should be a top priority for UK firms, followed by reducing third-party web exposure and monitoring data flows leaving the enterprise, a Rapid7 study reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Security Think Tank: Infosec letter to the board

How can security professionals communicate effectively with the board and senior business leaders – what works and what doesn’t? Continue Reading

By

• Emma Bickerstaffe, Information Security Forum (ISF)

Large firms look to zero-trust security to reduce cyber risk

In the face of increasing cyber breach risk as organisations move to hybrid multi-cloud IT environments, just over half of large firms in Europe are planning a zero-trust approach to security Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

‘A breath of fresh air’ for Gov.uk Verify?

Three months ago, the Government Digital Service (GDS) appointed the first ever director of digital identity, Lisa Barrett – tasked with taking on the troubled Gov.uk Verify programme. Barrett ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

NotPetya offers industry-wide lessons, says Maersk’s tech chief

There are several key industry-wide lessons to be learned from the NotPetya attack in 2017, according to the information chief at one of the companies most heavily impacted Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Threat vs trust: the overlooked power of words

Words have power – in particular, your choice of words modifies how your readers or listeners react to what you write or say. Politicians do this sort of thing all the time, swapping one word or ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Betts, Freeform Dynamics

Misconfigured container services are a security risk

Researchers at Palo Alto Networks have released details of the scale of misconfigured and exposed container services putting organisations at risk of cyber attack Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Apple tackles iPad-to-Mac app portability

Xcode framework enables app developers to use one set of source code to target either iPadOS or MacOS Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

How ASEAN firms are using AI to combat cyber threats

Artificial intelligence tools are becoming a vital part of the security arsenal for organisations and cyber criminals alike Continue Reading

By

• Ai Lei Tao

Weak cyber security top challenge, says NCSC chief Ciaran Martin

UK cyber security agency NCSC is focusing on practical support and making the internet and technology safer to use, but says the area that needs most attention is improving basic cyber security in firms, says agency chief Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

TNMOC showcases role of Wren Colossus operators in D-Day

Colossus was used to decypher German Lorenz encrypted messages, one of which appears to have given the Allies the green light Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor