Network security strategy

Cisco Live Europe: Intent-based networking meets the IoT head-on

Networking and communications technology supplier Cisco plans to bring intent-based networking techniques to bear on the internet of things Continue Reading

Cisco breaks out of physical datacentres to support app-based future

At Cisco Live Europe, extending datacentre capabilities beyond the confines of the physical site to enable app innovation formed the core of a swathe of announcements made by the networking kingpin Continue Reading

Vodafone suspends use of Huawei hardware

Vodafone’s UK CEO has said the operator will ‘pause’ its use of Huawei hardware for the foreseeable future Continue Reading

Chinese government grants BT new powers

Enhanced operating licences improve telco’s ability to work with customers in China Continue Reading

MPs challenge Huawei over spying allegations

The chair of the cross-bench Science and Technology Committee has written to Huawei seeking answers over its activities in the UK Continue Reading

Moving beyond network boundaries

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at how businesses are adapting to the challenges of perimeterless network security. We examine how digital transformation is bringing increased complications for identity and access management (IAM). And we ask if public cloud providers are becoming a threat to the funding model for open source software. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Expanding the boundaries of the digital workplace

We look at the steps enterprises can take to implement a secure perimeterless digital workplace. Continue Reading

Technology innovation in music

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we visit the first hackathon at Abbey Road Studios, once home to The Beatles, to find out how tech startups hope to revolutionise music creation. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the technologies and benefits of perimeterless network security. And we look ahead to the key CIO skills and jobs trends for 2019. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Expanding the boundaries of the digital workplace

We look at the steps enterprises can take to implement a secure perimeterless digital workplace Continue Reading

SMEs urged to get on board with Network Services 2 framework

Suppliers have until the end of January 2019 to sign up to the new government network services purchasing framework Continue Reading

Top 10 network stories of 2018

2018 was the year when software-defined networking, and more specifically software-defined WANs, took centre stage. We look back at a transformative year for the world of the network manager Continue Reading

Lauri Love battles police for return of computers as NCA confirms live investigation

The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirms there is a live investigation into Lauri Love in the UK, as Love brings legal action against UK police for the return of seized computer equipment Continue Reading

Mobile security needs a rethink for the 5G era

A report released through the government’s 5G Testbeds and Trials programme has recommended the UK rethink its mobile security strategy Continue Reading

Broadband coverage improved through 2018, says Ofcom

Ofcom’s annual Connected Nations report reveals that the number of people who cannot receive a 10Mbps broadband connection has halved Continue Reading

What does the 802.11ax wireless standard mean for your network?

The publication of the 802.11ax standard will pave the way for the next generation of wireless technology, but what does it mean for enterprise networks? Continue Reading

O2 outage highlights importance of software certificate audits

A major outage on the O2 4G mobile network was caused by an expired certificate and could easily have been avoided, it has emerged Continue Reading

China demands release of arrested Huawei CFO

The Chinese government has called for the release of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, who was detained in Canada at the weekend Continue Reading

Software failure paralyses O2’s 4G network

O2 is racing to fix a major outage on its 4G network that has left millions of mobile subscribers without access to data services Continue Reading

BT moves to strip Huawei kit from EE’s network

Telco will remove Huawei’s networking equipment from the core of EE’s 4G mobile network Continue Reading

The future of network-connected device security

The proliferation of poorly secured network-connected devices has prompted the UK government to publish new best practice guidelines. Do these go far enough? Continue Reading

120,000 police officers to receive cyber security training

Cisco is partnering with UK police forces to offer cyber security training through the Cisco Networking Academy Continue Reading

Securing the SD-WAN: The next network challenge

Every time an enterprise weighs up whether or not to try SD-WAN, security is an essential part of the picture Continue Reading

British Airways data breach worse than thought

British Airways has admitted that up to 185,000 more people than first thought may have had personal details compromised in August’s data breach Continue Reading

Tech companies should not be under legal duty to remove terrorist material, says watchdog

The internet should not be a safe place for terrorists, but making it compulsory for technology companies to trawl for radical content risks interfering with the rights of innocent people, says Max Hill QC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation Continue Reading

Cost of WannaCry attack to NHS set at £92m

Department for Health and Social Care estimates the immediate cost of the May 2017 WannaCry attack on the NHS was £92m, and says it will have spent about £275m on improvements to its cyber security infrastructure by the end of 2021 Continue Reading

Everyone, everywhere is responsible for IIoT cyber security

Cyber security in the industrial internet of things is not limited to a single company, industry or region – it is an international threat to public safety, and can only be addressed through collaboration that extends beyond borders and competitive interests Continue Reading

Network growth brings management challenges

As enterprise networks grow, so do the challenges of managing them effectively, says a report compiled by Oracle’s communications unit Continue Reading

Why communication is critical for web security management

Conveying the importance of web security to management can be difficult for many security professionals. Kevin Beaver explains how to best communicate with the enterprise. Continue Reading

At the new Cisco, culture is as important as innovation

Cisco’s newly appointed SVP of Emear, Wendy Mars, shares her thoughts on the state of network innovation within the industry, and explains why cultural change is just as important an element of a digital strategy Continue Reading

Why the government should rethink the UK’s surveillance laws

The European Court of Human Rights has made clear that the Snoopers’ Charter is an unlawful violation of people’s rights and freedoms Continue Reading

MI5 admits to ‘unlawful’ spying on Privacy International

The UK's intelligence agencies acted unlawfully by intercepting communications data on NGO, Privacy International, the UK's most secret court ruled. Continue Reading

GCHQ mass surveillance regime was in breach of human rights law, European court rules

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has ruled that the UK’s collection of bulk interception of communications data lacked adequate oversight and safeguards and was in breach of human rights law Continue Reading

When networks collide: how M&A brings infrastructure together

Enterprise IT runs on networking, so fixing up the network should be a priority issue during mergers and acquisitions – but that’s not always the case. Find out how the pros manage it Continue Reading

CW Nordics: Sweden eyes geo-fencing to protect against terror attacks

Sweden is developing an integrated IT/geo-fencing system to protect the country’s towns and cities against attacks by terrorists using vehicles as “killing machines”. Also read about Microsoft building two more datacentres in Norway to support its cloud computing services in Europe, and find out why investigators have closed the Nokia extortion probe without finding a motive or making an arrest. Continue Reading

Why networking is the last frontier of IT automation

Most organisations still manage networks manually, despite the cost and time needed in doing so, primarily because the impact of breaking something is much higher Continue Reading

CEO Robbins puts multi-cloud at the heart of Cisco’s business

Placing the supplier at the heart of the enterprise transition to multi-cloud environments seems to be paying off for Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins Continue Reading

CW Benelux: Netherlands to experiment with self-driving trains

In this issue, read how Dutch railway operator ProRail will test self-driving trains on a small set of railroad tracks to learn if they can be part of the country’s notoriously busy network. Also, find out how a network of smart towns and cities is growing in the Netherlands, and why Dutch organisations are being urged to unite to fight DDoS attacks. Continue Reading

Alibaba Cloud makes deeper inroads into Malaysia

The Chinese cloud supplier’s second availability zone and upcoming DDoS scrubbing centre in Malaysia comes on the heels of growing investments in the Southeast Asian nation Continue Reading

Briton ran pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign that helped Trump deny Russian links

A British IT manager and former hacker from Darlington ran a disinformation campaign that duped former US intelligence agents and provided Donald Trump with manufactured “evidence” to deny that Russia interfered with the US election Continue Reading

Beyond GDPR: ePrivacy could have an even greater impact on mobile

From how we monitor air pollution and manage our public transport systems, to how we enable connected cars and the next generation of 5G mobile services, the forthcoming ePR could have a lasting impact on European society Continue Reading

IBM early findings on disastrous TSB core banking system migration released

Report released by Treasury Committee criticises lack of rigour in preparation for core banking system migration, but TSB says report’s content is out of date Continue Reading

Advanced network supports new learning model at Northampton Uni

The University of Northampton is preparing to open a new campus at a cost of £330m, and has turned to Cisco to supply an intelligent, secure network to support its innovative learning model Continue Reading

BT announces “unhackable” quantum-secured network

In the face of the threat that quantum computers could crack many of the encryption methods used to protect highly sensitive data, BT has developed a “quantum-secured” network Continue Reading

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

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

GDS seeks advice on migration from Public Services Network

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

BSI launches kitemark for internet of things devices

The British Standards Institution has launched a new kitemark for IoT devices, designed to improve consumer trust in the technology Continue Reading

Hacking the internet of things just got easier – it’s time to look at your security

Are you taking security for internet-connected devices seriously enough? Continue Reading

CW Benelux: Rotterdam charts course to become world’s smartest port

The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is using internet of things and artificial intelligence technology from IBM in a bid to become the world’s smartest port. Also read how companies in the Netherlands are only partly ready for the country’s version of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and why the European Central Bank thinks cash will remain in use in the Eurozone for a very long time. Continue Reading

Virtual tripwire to keep elephant poachers out of Zambian national park

Cisco and Dimension Data are working to protect Zambia’s at-risk elephant population after a successful pilot project in South Africa Continue Reading

Fibre network breakthrough has implications for data security

Researchers have devised a new protocol that they claim vastly extends the range of quantum key distribution over fibre networks Continue Reading

City Police use Lego simulation to teach businesses cyber security

City of London Police are offering to train business leaders and IT security in cyber security using a Lego simulation that is surprisingly close to real life Continue Reading

Yorkshire and Humber region awards HSCN contract to Redcentric

Network services provider Redcentric wins the first major regional Health and Social Care Network contract as procurements around England gather pace Continue Reading

British banks target Israeli security technology

British banks are turning to Israel’s high-tech sector to protect against cyber attacks Continue Reading

Next generation of SCADA industrial controls will protect against cyber attack

Oil, energy and chemical companies are rethinking how to control big manufacturing plants, replacing expensive control technology with cheaper, more secure systems, taking their cue from biology Continue Reading

Huawei debuts its first intent-based networking proposition

At its Shenzhen Analyst Summit, Huawei unveiled its intent-based networking concept, promising to address enterprise customer pain points around network management Continue Reading

BT to supply European air navigation network

BT has been selected to provide the upgraded air traffic management network across Europe Continue Reading

Business at risk from unidentified network traffic, report warns

A lack of network traffic visibility poses significant security challenges to businesses, a report on network firewalls warns Continue Reading

China’s ZTE a national security risk, UK telcos warned

UK national cyber security authority has warned telecommunications companies against using equipment and services from Chinese network equipment supplier ZTE, citing national security risks Continue Reading

EU-US data sharing under threat as Irish court refers Facebook case to Europe

The Irish High Court is seeking answers from the European Court of Justice in a case that could have huge implications for EU-US data sharing and raises questions about US government surveillance of EU citizens. The move could bring a five-year legal battle between Austrian lawyer Max Schrems and Facebook to a close Continue Reading

Cyber attackers can breach targets in hours, report reveals

The majority of hackers claim they can breach an organisation within hours, while most security professionals admit they do not know what to look for Continue Reading

Podcast: Storage compliance for GDPR data subject requests

The General Data Protection Regulation is upon us. Mathieu Gorge, CEO of Vigitrust, talks you through the key areas needed for compliance in storage of data subjects’ data and how to find it quickly on request Continue Reading

IoT security cannot be an afterthought: it must be the foundation of design

As technologies for the internet of things mature, developers need to make security by design a fundamental part of their products Continue Reading

How Turkish mobile operators are helping the vast Syrian refugee population to help themselves

Turkish mobile network operators are designing services that will help Syrian refugees make their lives in the country Continue Reading

SD-WAN still too complex, survey shows

Despite SD-WAN adoption, WAN complexity remains a major challenge, a survey has revealed, driving firms to managed services, mainly because of security concerns Continue Reading

Network security in the digital transformation era

Network security has always been a core focus for CISOs and IT security managers, but in an era of digital transformation, we examine if network security strategies are keeping up with new and emerging cyber threats Continue Reading

Russia compromised core router in US energy attacks

Russian cyber attackers used a compromised core router in a series of attacks on the US energy sector, security researchers have revealed as the UK energy sector is placed on alert Continue Reading

Network security in the age of the internet of things

Wireless devices and smart technologies are increasingly being brought into the workplace, and pose a growing risk to company data Continue Reading

IT contractors not a risk despite Snowden leaks, GCHQ tells court

The government argues in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal that contractors with systems administration rights to computers holding GCHQ’s most sensitive intelligence pose no more of a security risk than the agency’s employees Continue Reading

Defence industry urges government to relax controls on crypto exports

Trade body representing defence, aerospace and security companies calls on government to make it easier to export “non-contentious” cryptography to secure organisations against cyber crime Continue Reading

Government ‘unlawfully delegated’ bulk data powers to GCHQ, court hears

Privacy International urges Britain’s most secret court, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, to rule that the government illegally collected surveillance data from internet and phone companies until at least September 2017 Continue Reading

Regulator takes tougher line than expected on surveillance warrants

The Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office has signalled to government that it will take a tough line when scrutinising surveillance warrants under the controversial Investigatory Powers Act Continue Reading

World Wide Fund for Nature tames out-of-control network

The World Wide Fund for Nature turns to services provider Exponential-e to bolster its connectivity as it moves its wider IT estate into the cloud Continue Reading

Security researchers demonstrate ransomware attack on robots

Researchers have carried out a ransomware attack on robots to show that such attacks are possible and should be guarded against Continue Reading

New privacy fears as IT challenges delay surveillance oversight body by a year

IT challenges have delayed government plans for an independent body to authorise requests to access the public’s internet and phone records by nearly a year, raising new legal and privacy concerns Continue Reading

Lauri Love can stay in UK: prosecutors will not appeal extradition ruling

Crown Prosecution Service gives undertaking to Lauri Love that it will not appeal against a court decision not to extradite him to the US – but prosecutors are seeking leave to appeal over part of the court ruling on extradition procedure Continue Reading

Cisco profits slump after Trump tax bill

Networking giant posted $8.8bn loss in the second quarter of its fiscal 2018 after booking charges related to the US government’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but saw a strong quarter elsewhere Continue Reading

Why police forces need to be honest about mass mobile phone surveillance

Police forces across the UK are covering up their use of sophisticated mass surveillance devices, known as IMSI-catchers - the Bristol Cable and Liberty are campaigning for proper transparency Continue Reading

Moscow puts municipal vehicles online to save fuel

The city of Moscow has deployed a unified IoT platform to monitor and control all of its municipal vehicles Continue Reading

CW Benelux: Dutch IT expert on a mission to expose vulnerabilities

Dutch ethical hacker Victor Gevers took full-time leave from his IT job last year and used the time to hunt for vulnerabilities. Read about his mission to find vulnerabilities, report them responsibly and then, hopefully, get them fixed by the vulnerable parties involved. Also in this issue, read how Proximus, Belgium’s largest telecommunications operator, is leaning on Cloudify to support its adoption of network functions virtualisation, and how journalists showed that the email addresses of Dutch politicians are easy to spoof. Continue Reading

Lauri Love plans to use ‘internet as a force for good’

Engineering student Lauri Love says he plans to help businesses fight cyber crime, after the court of appeal ruled that he can be tried in the UK for allegedly hacking US computer systems, rather than face extradition to the US Continue Reading

Appeals court rules Lauri Love will not be extradited over US hacking charges

The lord chief justice, Lord Burnett, says 33-year-old engineering student Lauri Love will not be extradited to the US to face hacking charges, in a landmark legal decision, and the Crown Prosecution Service should bring proceedings against Love in the UK Continue Reading

IT Priorities 2018: Networking spend declining across the board

Overall spending on networking projects across EMEA looks set to decline in 2018, according to the latest ComputerWeekly/TechTarget IT Priorities report Continue Reading

Researchers discover malicious Chrome extensions

Security researchers have discovered a new botnet delivered via malicious Chrome extensions designed to hijack computers to mine cryptocurrency and record victims’ every move Continue Reading

Appeal Court to give landmark verdict on Lauri Love extradition

The Appeal Court will decide whether Lauri Love, who has serious health issues, should be extradited to the US to face hacking charges, or face trial in the UK. The landmark case is the first test of legal protections introduced by Theresa May to protect vulnerable people Continue Reading

Europe’s shameful role in spy-tech exports that led to torture and jail

Governments in Europe actively assisted in government oppression in Iran, Bahrain and Russia by providing states with sophisticated surveillance equipment. The European Parliament is pressing for changes in the law to restrict exports of spy-technology to countries with poor human rights records Continue Reading

Government surveillance regime unlawful, court rules in Tom Watson case

Appeal court ruled in favour of Labour MP Tom Watson in a legal battle with the government over the UK’s surveillance laws, leading to calls to rethink controversial Investigatory Powers Act Continue Reading

For Cisco, intent-based networking heralds future tech demands

At Cisco Live Europe in Barcelona, Cisco has recommitted to its vision for intent-based networking, announcing new features as it builds a network it believes will be the enterprise platform of choice in years to come Continue Reading

AI is moving towards acceptance in cyber security, says Check Point

Artificial intelligence is well on its way to being a useful tool in the cyber security professional’s kit, but according to Check Point, there are still big challenges to overcome Continue Reading

New controversies as Trump passes US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act

The amended Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which seeks to legitimise US surveillance on foreigners, has been signed off by president Trump Continue Reading

Judge will take time to seek answers from EU court over Max Schrems Facebook privacy fight

The Irish High Court will take time to decide what questions to put before the European Court of Justice in a case with significant implications for EU and US trade and the privacy of EU citizens Continue Reading

European Parliament votes to restrict exports of surveillance equipment

European Parliament votes to tighten export controls to restrict supply of surveillance and encryption technology to states with poor human rights records amid fears British companies may not have to comply after Brexit Continue Reading

Davos: Disintegration of the internet could create economic turmoil

Politicians and business leaders will discuss the risks posed by fake news, cyber attacks, and artificial intelligence to jobs, political stability and global security, at the World Economic Forum in Davos Continue Reading

Call for statutory regulation of police number plate cameras amid concerns over accuracy

The UK’s automatic number plate recognition database – one the largest non-military data-gathering systems – records up to 1.2 million false readings of number plates every day. It should be subject to statutory regulation, says an independent watchdog Continue Reading

Lauri Love could face jail in detention centre condemned by US judges

Appeal court hears conditions in Metropolitan Detention Centre, where alleged hacker Lauri Love is likely to be sent if extradited to the US, described by US judges as 'unconscionably bad', and that Love would be at 'real risk' Continue Reading

Lauri Love: how reformed hackers halted the WannaCry virus

Lauri Love presents a compelling story of the WannaCry malware that nearly brought down the NHS, and the behind the scenes work of former hackers, and security researchers that helped to prevent lives being lost. Love is facing extradition to the US after allegedly taking part in a hacking protest over the death of internet pioneer Aaron Swartz, who faced jail for using a hidden computer to downloading academic journals at MIT. Continue Reading

UK sale of surveillance equipment to Macedonia raises questions over export licence policy

The UK approved an export licence for the sale of surveillance equipment to Macedonia – while the country was engaged in an illegal surveillance programme against its citizens. A senior minister was consulted on the decision Continue Reading

My brother Lauri Love should have the right to a trial in the UK

Lauri Love should face trial over hacking allegations in a British Court, rather than be extradited to the US, where his extraordinary skills will be lost to society, says his younger sister Continue Reading

What can intent-based networking do for you?

In this week’s Computer Weekly, intent-based networking promises to optimise networks through automation and analytics, but can it deliver? At its annual Symposium event, Gartner said the CIO role continues to evolve and IT leaders need to champion digital change – we examine the issues. And we find out how security analytics can help deal with cyber threats. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

CW Benelux: Young wayward hackers could help fill Dutch IT skills gap

In this issue, read how an initiative in Rotterdam is helping young people get into the IT sector by targeting those overlooked by traditional methods. Also find out how Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport is utilising open source software to create and use a multi-cloud platform with an open API, and how the Netherlands’ Rabobank has moved from tape libraries and robotic arms to a platform-based storage and retrieval system. Continue Reading

A guide for businesses to China’s first cyber security law

Companies that break China’s new cyber security law may be fined or even have their licence to trade in the country removed Continue Reading