Information technology (IT) in Benelux
Read the latest tech news and trends in Benelux. Find articles and resources on IT security, data storage, backup and recovery, networking, data centre, cloud computing, mobile technology, virtualisation, big data, virtual machines and more.
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News
13 Sep 2023
Banks less focused on metaverse technology than last year
Senior banking executives have reduced their focus on investigating metaverse technology in the past 12 months Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2023
European enterprises to spend more on generative IT to close gap on US
European organisations are upping their spending on generative AI innovation, but face challenges recruiting the right people to support this Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2021
Belgium’s Federal Justice Service advances digitally with fast networks
Security and networking firms team to claim 20 times faster connectivity for Belgium’s justice system so it can hold court hearings and prison visitations remotely and exchange information between services and applications securely Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2021
How far has open banking come in Europe?
Open banking is a relatively new concept, having come into effect in Europe only in the last couple of years. So what is the state of play? Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2021
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences combines AI and practice
University ensures cooperation between scientists and industry when developing artificial intelligence Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2021
Anti-money laundering technology must operate in a collaborative ecosystem
With new technologies making it easier for banks to spot money laundering activity, we look at why the problem persists at scale, finding that ecosystems and collaborative processes need to be built Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2021
Digital Green Certificate proposed for travel in Europe
Digital Green Certificates will supposedly help re-establish freedom of movement within the European Union Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2021
Judges refuse EncroChat defendants’ appeal to Supreme Court
Experts suggest Parliament and Investigatory Powers Tribunal need to consider the implications of a court decision on police use of data from the EncroChat phone network Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2021
Arrest warrants issued for Canadians behind Sky ECC cryptophone network used by organised crime
The US has issued arrest warrants for the CEO of Sky Global and a former distributor for racketeering, aiding and abetting the distribution of illegal drugs by supplying encrypted phones to criminals Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Mar 2021
CW Europe: Nordic tech startups create blueprint for post-Covid working environment
Business can learn lessons from Nordic tech startups to prepare employees to return to the office after Covid restrictions end. Also read why Netherlands police need a training ‘roadmap’ to get them up to speed to tackle cyber crime. Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2021
Police crack world’s largest cryptophone network as criminals swap EncroChat for Sky ECC
Belgian and Dutch police have breached the encryption of users of Sky ECC, the world’s largest cryptophone network. There are significant parallels with the international police operation against the EncroChat cryptophone network which led to hundreds of arrests Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2021
Belgian police raid 200 premises in drug operation linked to breach of encrypted phone network
More than 1,600 police and law enforcement officials conduct drug raids after the compromise of an encrypted mobile phone network that has parallels with EncroChat Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2021
EBA restores services after Microsoft Exchange attack
European Banking Authority was breached through vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server, but is now back online Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2021
EU seeking pan-European Covid-19 passport solution
The European Union’s proposal could see the creation of a Covid-19 vaccine passport to enable travel across the EU Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2021
Amsterdam to open environmental talks with datacentres
City authorities and datacentre operators will open dialogue about sustainable datacentre industry expansion in the Dutch capital Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2021
Fingerprints will help payment cards retain relevance
Biometric payment cards using fingerprint technology could add billions to global banking revenues, says UBS Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2021
TransferGo to harness Google-inspired tech capability
Payments fintech TransferGo chooses cloud-native core banking platform to build a digital wallet and expand its services Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Feb 2021
Why Brexit will make software licence transfers and database copyright harder for UK firms
Brexit will make it more difficult for UK companies to sell unused software licences and to enforce their database rights in Europe. Firms will face a legislative disadvantage over AI-generated databases Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Feb 2021
CW Benelux: Is reluctance to report cyber crimes in the Netherlands helping the criminals get away?
According to an academic study in the Netherlands, only one in seven Dutch people report a cyber crime to the police when it happens - feeling it is better to sort the problem out themselves because they don’t think the police will do anything. This is storing up trouble as cyber crime is an increasing problem in the country. Also in this issue, read why Dutch bank ABN Amro is selling its head office. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2021
Data of thousands of Dutch citizens leaked from government Covid-19 systems
Weak access controls and outdated systems blamed for leaking of the personal details of thousands of Dutch citizens tested for Covid-19 Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2021
Nordic countries dominate European online banking take-up
Nordics dominate online banking take-up in Europe, but the UK is not far behind Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
Grindr complaint results in €9.6m GDPR fine
Norway’s data protection authority plans to apply a fine totalling 10% of LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr’s revenues over its data sharing practices Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2021
Digital knowledge must be integral part of Dutch police training
Research reveals gaps in digital knowledge among Netherlands police, with calls for a training ‘roadmap’ to get officers up to speed to tackle cyber crime Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2021
All EU states can take data protection cases against Facebook, says EU court
An opinion from the European Court of Justice has the potential to lead to a flood of privacy complaints against Facebook if upheld Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2021
Jobs in fintech bounce back after brief lockdown lull
Fintechs and payments companies need to make staff recruitment a priority as talent pool shrinks Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2021
Robust member administration system indispensable for Dutch Coeliac Society
Organisation had to find a dedicated member administration system to support existing members, new members and countless volunteers Continue Reading
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News
30 Dec 2020
Top 10 Benelux IT stories of 2020
Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 Benelux IT stories of 2020 Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2020
Cyber crime victims in the Netherlands not reporting offences
Dutch victims of online crime rarely report it to the police and when they do, they are often dissatisfied Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2020
Interview: Sudaman Thoppan Mohanchandralal, chief data and analytics officer, Allianz Benelux
The financial services firm is demonstrating the value of the chief data officer role Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2020
Data on Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine stolen in cyber attack
The European Medicines Agency has launched a full investigation into an apparent security incident that has seen documents on the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine stolen Continue Reading
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E-Zine
10 Dec 2020
CW Europe: Tour de France fans get a virtual experience
The organisers of this year's Tour de France worked with technology services company NTT in partnership with Amaury Sport Organisation to provide what they described as an “enhanced experience” for race fans who could not be at the roadside because of Covid restrictions. Also read why Deutsche Bank has agreed to sell its retail banking IT operation to one of its main IT suppliers for a token €1. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
03 Dec 2020
ICT disaster threatens Dutch environment law
The Dutch government’s revamp of its construction planning law faces major IT challenges and scepticism Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2020
ABN Amro to sell head office as it focuses on enabling remote working
Dutch bank is selling its head office and redesigning another facility to facilitate increased home working Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2020
Data safes will give users control over their data
Belgian computer scientist tells Computer Weekly how people can regain control of their online personal information Continue Reading
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E-Zine
26 Nov 2020
CW Nordics: Bank branch closures continue as digital banking grows
Sweden’s Handelsbanken is cutting its branch network by nearly half, which means more money will be invested in IT. But it’s not just Sweden and the Nordics – banks across the world are watching the fintech industry demonstrate to consumers what banking can be like if the right technology is in place. Also in this issue, read about the Norwegian government’s decision not to implement an outright ban on the use of 5G equipment supplied by China's Huawei. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2020
Privacy advocates call for European probe into Palantir
Dutch group SOMI is trying to raise awareness of Palantir’s data privacy practices and how it works with European government agencies Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2020
IT Priorities 2020: European IT budget share reflects home-working challenges brought by Covid
European organisations are being forced to redivert more limited budgets during the pandemic Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2020
Dutch IT award recognises importance of research in the wild
Promoter of human-centric scientific research techniques claims the prestigious 2020 Netherlands Prize for ICT Research Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Nov 2020
CW Benelux: Dutch Alzheimer’s app helps dementia patients
An app aimed at helping dementia patients and their families has been developed by the Alzheimer Society in the Netherlands. Also in this issue, read about a Belgian startup's app based on blockchain technology to help container handling at ports, and why Rabobank ditched its legacy backup. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2020
Dutch government ‘unambitious’ in digital
The Netherlands has been working at home as much as possible since the outbreak of Covid-19, but its dependence on technology and connectivity does not seem to be reflected by the government’s approach to digitisation Continue Reading
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News
22 Oct 2020
Orange Belgium reveals first 5G innovations in Port of Antwerp
Augmented field operators and connected tugboats are potential use cases as applications based on next-generation network aim to go full steam ahead at Belgian port Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2020
Benelux ports use blockchain in major efficiency drive
Belgian startup T-Mining develops application based on blockchain technology to make container handling safer and more efficient Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2020
Dutch bank set to save €5m via Veeam backup upgrade
Rabobank ditched legacy backup where patching took months and restores took hours. Those times are now cut down massively and the bank has a readily available test environment Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2020
Dutch Alzheimer’s app developed to aid interaction for dementia patients
An app aimed at helping dementia patients and their families has been developed by the Alzheimer Society in the Netherlands. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
13 Aug 2020
CW Benelux: Security system concerns at Schiphol Airport
A report has revealed problems with critical security systems at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Also read why the Netherlands’ digital sector is yearning for attention from the government, and how data weaknesses persist despite Dutch companies investing heavily to comply with GDPR. Continue Reading
- 12 Aug 2020
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News
11 Aug 2020
French data protection authorities to probe TikTok as suitors circle
France’s CNIL has confirmed a new investigation into TikTok’s data protection practices Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2020
Netherlands investigates innovative privacy technology SSI
Dutch research organisation is looking into areas where self-sovereign identity technology could be used in society and business Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2020
Slack takes legal route against ‘weak, copycat’ Teams
Microsoft could be set for another joust with the EU, as its rival, Slack, files an anti-competitive complaint Continue Reading
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News
16 Jul 2020
Room for improvement in Dutch digital skills
The Netherlands has good telecommunications and IT networks that can be used safely and reliably, but there is room for improvement in digital skills among the Dutch Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2020
Huge declines in traditional outsourcing as Covid-19 puts a stop on deals
Traditional IT outsourcing deals value plummets in the last quarter as contracts dry up amid Covid-19 disruption Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2020
Dutch banking’s transaction monitoring utility gets green light
Plans for a shared utility to monitor financial transactions in the Netherlands have been given the go-ahead after six months of proving the concept Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2020
Lenovo, top-of-the-world Chinese supercomputer supplier, sweeps all markets
Supercomputers are not just about computing power, they are a symbol of political ambition. Chinese supercomputer supplier Lenovo is now the dominant supplier across the world Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Jun 2020
CW Europe: 5G rush in Russia
Russian mobile operators are pooling their resources to help them overcome the technical challenges of creating 5G networks. Also read why Swedbank is rebuilding its anti-money laundering systems, and how a public-private partnership in the Netherlands is combating business email compromise fraud. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2020
Netherlands digital sector yearns for government recognition
The sector building and supporting the Netherlands’ digital infrastructure wants to be valued as highly as Schiphol airport and the port of Rotterdam are for the Dutch economy Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2020
Dutch organisations invest heavily in compliance – but in vain
Despite the fact that companies in the Netherlands have invested heavily to comply with GDPR legislation introduced two years ago, 90% of them are still discovering fundamental weaknesses in their IT environment Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2020
Coronavirus: Dutch work on XR technology shows promise in pandemic scenario
Netherlands leads the way in the development of extended reality technology, which could prove its value in a crisis such as Covid-19 Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2020
Coronavirus: Pandemic spurs QR code app upgrade at PayPal
PayPal introduces QR code payment functionality to its mobile app to support social distancing Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2020
Report reveals inadequate cyber security at Schiphol Airport
A report has revealed problems with critical security systems in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 May 2020
CW Benelux: IT budgets up in the air as Covid-19 disrupts business
Computer Weekly's annual IT priorities survey, which was carried out before the arrival of Covid-19 disrupted business plans, found that more than half of the IT leaders in the Benelux region expected budgets to be higher this year than last, and digital transformation would be the main recipient of budget increases. Also find out in this issue why fintechs are attracted to the Netherlands, and how Estonia emerged from Soviet rule to become a digital nation. Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2020
Coronavirus: Total outsourcing spending collapses in March
IT spending plunged in March, drastically reducing increases that had been expected in the EMEA region Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2020
Coronavirus: Dutch Covid-19 tracking app stirs national debate
Privacy concerns raised over mobile app to help track and control the spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2020
Dutch organisations address business email compromise fraud
Public-private partnership in the Netherlands works to break the chains used by fraudsters to carry out BEC attacks Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2020
How Bolt plans to be more uber than Uber
Overcoming competitors with brand names that have become part of the modern vernacular is a challenge Estonia-based Bolt has set itself as it takes on Uber Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2020
Estonia offers digital tools to countries struggling with coronavirus school closures
Government and tech companies in Baltic state unite to offer advanced digital learning tools to other countries Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2020
IT Priorities 2020: Benelux organisations and budgets focused on digital transformation
IT leaders in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg expect bigger budgets this year, with spending on digital transformation projects and related technologies being prioritised Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Mar 2020
CW Europe: Experts examine Dutch government’s IT problems
Technology experts discuss the challenges and potential solutions to the Netherlands government’s IT problems. Also read how Russia’s VTB and Rostelecom are creating a platform to utilise big data technology, and how Spain’s CaixaBank is using AI to help its staff training. Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2020
Dutch landscape attracts fintech exploration
In 2019, the Netherlands had more than 450 companies active in financial technology. The country’s “polder model”, in which new and traditional companies work closely together, offers many opportunities for fintechs Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Mar 2020
EC publishes approach to human and ethical implications of AI, but what will UK do?
The European Commission has published a guide to the EU’s approach to the human and ethical effects that artificial intelligence might bring Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2020
Thousands of UK entrepreneurs register businesses in Estonia since Brexit referendum
UK entrepreneurs are registering businesses in Estonia to make sure they can continue to trade freely in the EU Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2020
Mastercard creates 1,500 tech jobs in Ireland
New roles at tech hub in Dublin will include professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, cyber security, blockchain and user experience Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2020
Dutch tech firm transforms real-life football through video game concept
Tech company that helped the Belgian football team in the last World Cup is changing the way footballers are scouted and teams are trained Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
Smart use of data takes Dutch railways further
De Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways), ensures, among other things, that 1.2 million train passengers arrive at their destination every day. Through a subsidiary, it’s using data to improve both the customer experience and internal processes Continue Reading
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E-Zine
13 Feb 2020
CW Benelux: Ericsson helps driverless buses hit European streets
Ericsson has revealed its plans for new technologies including 5G, the internet of things and self-driving buses. Also read about the Dutch government lacking the knowledge and skills for its own IT strategy, and the Dutch government’s need to push for an electronic ID system for its citizens. Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2020
Maastricht University pays €200,000 to Russian hackers
A Dutch university has taken the difficult decision to pay hundreds of thousands of Euros to Russian hackers that compromised its systems through a ransomware attack Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2020
Azimo gets loan from European Investment Bank to build cross-border payments infrastructure in EU
UK fintech gets validation from EIB through €20m loan which will contribute to building its smartphone app-based payments infrastructure Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2020
New jobs in Ireland as Brexit forces Revolut to migrate work from London
Brexit has pushed the financial technology firm into moving London jobs to Ireland Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2020
Cost-cutting and digital transformation spur increased European IT outsourcing in 2019
The need to rein in costs while digitally transforming has led to growth in traditional and as-a-service base outsourcing Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2020
Estonian CIO gives UK IT professionals hope as Brexit removes rights
Tech chief says Estonia’s door is open to UK IT professionals if they want to continue enjoying an EU lifestyle Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2020
Sorting out the Dutch government’s IT mess
Tech experts discuss the challenges and potential solutions to the Netherlands government’s IT problems Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2020
Cyber gangsters publish staff passwords following ‘Sodinokibi’ attack on car parts group Gedia
Sodinokibi hacking group steps up pressure on German automotive manufacturer by publishing information, including the CEO’s computer password and sensitive details of its IT systems, on the internet Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2020
UK and EU AI communities will only be globally significant if they work as one
The European Union and the UK will be left behind in artificial intelligence research and development if they take separate paths after Brexit Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2020
High-street banks face disruption three weeks after Travelex hack
Foreign exchange services still disrupted, three weeks after Travelex received a $6m ransom demand from cyber gangsters Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2020
UK’s phone and internet bulk data surveillance unlawful, says EU court opinion
The Advocate General of the European Court of Justice issues legal opinions finding that the UK, French and Belgian bulk surveillance regimes are unlawful Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2020
Travelex to begin restoring foreign exchange services two weeks after ‘Sodinokibi’ attack
Travelex says it is making “good progress” in its recovery and is to begin restoring electronic foreign exchange services, but is silent about whether it has agreed to pay hackers a $6m ransom to decrypt computer files Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2020
Travelex hackers threaten to sell credit card data on dark web
Sodinokibi cyber gangsters have threatened to sell Travelex customers’ private data on a Russian underground cyber crime forum if it fails to pay a $6m ransom Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2020
Cyber gangsters demand payment from Travelex after ‘Sodinokibi’ attack
Cyber criminals are demanding payment to decrypt Travelex’s computer files after a devastating malware attack. New questions have been raised about the security of Travelex’s computer network after it emerged the company waited eight months to patch vulnerable VPN servers Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2020
Suspected ransomware attack causes worldwide disruption for Travelex
Travelex switches off computer systems and resorts to cash-only currency sales after malware attack. Insiders claim the currency exchange chain has been hit by ransomware which has left critical files containing customer data encrypted Continue Reading
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News
30 Dec 2019
Top 10 enterprise IT in the Benelux region stories of 2019
Here are Computer Weekly’s top enterprise IT stories from the Benelux region over the past year Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2019
EU court opinion finds EU-US data transfers lawful but raises questions over Privacy Shield
The Advocate General of the European Court says standard contractual clauses are lawful, but raises questions over the impact of US surveillance on the legality of Privacy Shield Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Dec 2019
CW Europe: Deutsche Bank creates innovation division
German banking giant Deutsche Bank is opening a division focused on innovation which will be led by former SAP executive Bernd Leukert. It will create agile teams with business and infrastructure divisions leading teams of technologists, using agile principles. Also read why China’s Huawei has offered governments an anti-industrial espionage commitment, and how software robots are helping social workers in Sweden. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2019
How can CIOs in Europe turn innovation into a competitive advantage?
CIOs across Europe are under pressure to innovate to help businesses grow and must think differently as a result Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2019
Autonomous ships on Dutch horizon
The Port of Rotterdam is creating an environment where autonomous ships will become the norm, through IoT and IBM Watson Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2019
Dutch government must sort IT mess as priority
Dutch government lacks the knowledge and skills for its own IT strategy, according to scathing report Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2019
Dutch government must facilitate and coordinate a broad eID system
The Dutch government should push for an electronic ID system for its citizens that works across the public and private sectors, according to a report Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2019
Collaboration is key to rapid adoption of govtech across Europe
Government technology is spreading across Europe, but policy-makers and senior civil servants are still figuring out best practices Continue Reading
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News
18 Nov 2019
Microsoft increases data protection for enterprises following Dutch MoJ audit
Last year’s audit by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security got the attention of the European Data Protection Supervisor. Now Microsoft has reacted Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 Nov 2019
CW Benelux: Dutch banks fight money laundering
Dutch banks are sharing expertise and resources to help reduce money laundering through their accounts. Also read in this issue how companies could lose loyal IT staff because salary rises do not match those at rival employers, and why a Dutch province is pioneering a no-code software development platform. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2019
Best of VMworld 2019 Europe Awards nominations now open until 25 October
Read the criteria for the Best of VMworld 2019 Europe User Awards and find out how to submit your nomination for this year’s awards Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2019
Dutch AI Coalition wants to put the Netherlands on artificial intelligence map
To ensure the Netherlands keeps pace in the artificial intelligence race, an AI coalition has been formed to help organisations in the sector to collaborate Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2019
Dutch group works on digitising collaborator archives created in aftermath of World War 2
Experiments have been carried out to ascertain the best technology to open up the analogue archives of the Central Archive of Special Justice in the Netherlands Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2019
ABN Amro investigation lends weight to anti-money laundering collaboration by Dutch banks
Dutch authorities are investigating ABN Amro for possible failures to monitor and report potential money laundering activity Continue Reading
