Privacy and data protection

BlackBerry licenses security tech to IoT device makers

BlackBerry is to license its secure software development technology to the makers of internet-connected devices to boost IoT security Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Security Think Tank: Use SDN, containerisation and encryption tools to boost security

How can organisations combine software defined networking, containerisation and encryption to prevent rogue code from running freely across a corporate network? Continue Reading

By

• Simon Persin, Turnkey Consulting

Singapore Airlines’ software glitch exposed customer data

More than 280 members of the Krisflyer frequent flyer programme had their personal information compromised by a one-off software bug Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

How long will your New Year stay Happy?

The Freeform Dynamics crystal ball has been given a polish for 2019. Here's a few of the upcoming events - and risks - that we glimpsed in it... Online privacy back in the headlines A year on from ... Continue Reading

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• Bryan Betts, Freeform Dynamics

Modern IT underlines need for zero-trust security

The increasing complexity of supply chains and interconnectivity of IT systems means the attack surface is widening and security has to evolve accordingly, warns British computer scientist Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Data breaches affected more than a billion people in 2018

The personal information of more than a billion people was compromised in 2018 as companies holding the data failed to keep it safe Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

German politicians’ data leak shows need for global action

Hacked data includes contacts’ email addresses, private chats, mobile numbers, photographs and credit card details, which were published on Twitter Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Phishing attacks hidden by custom fonts

Security researchers have uncovered a new way in which phishing attacks are evading detection. Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Fortinet to lead cyber security discussion at WEF annual summit

The head of cyber security firm Fortinet has been named as a discussion leader at the upcoming World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

New Year’s Honours 2019 lauds women in IT and data specialists

The New Year’s Honours list 2019 features accolades for leading women in IT and data, as well as other specialists in data Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

Can we live without passwords?

Can you imagine a future in which we can be secure online without having to remember an unwieldly list of passwords? Solutions are emerging that could make passwords redundant, but there will be other security problems to resolve Continue Reading

By

• Bruno Halopeau & Adrien Ogee

Top 10 stories on national security in 2018

From Russian disinformation, state surveillance, and police stop and seizure powers, to Facebook and WikiLeaks Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Top 10 IT security stories of 2018

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 IT security stories of 2018 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

'Serious' Twitter flaw allows hackers to post on other people's accounts

A vulnerability in Twitter allows hackers to send tweets, private messages, post images or videos, and turn off security features, says British security researcher Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Top 10 cyber crime stories of 2018

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 cyber crime stories of 2018 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Six months on, GDPR is a qualified success

Anyone hoping that we would by now have greater clarity on GDPR will have been sadly disappointed. Large swathes of the Regulation have yet to be tested in a court, and many of the high profile ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Betts, Freeform Dynamics

Marriott data breach losses could be over half a billion dollars

Direct losses related to a huge data breach at US hotel group could reach $600m Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

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

By

• Bill Goodwin & Julia Gregory

APAC cyber security landscape to be more tumultuous in 2019

Amid growing cyber threats, the Asia-Pacific cyber security landscape will not get any rosier in 2019 unless organisations start shoring up their cyber hygiene Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

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

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Top 10 ASEAN stories of 2018

Organisations across Southeast Asia have been doubling down on efforts to take the lead in digital transformation initiatives Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Security Think Tank: Prioritise multifactor authentication in 2019

At the close of 2018, we asked CW Security Think Tank contributors to name one thing predicted for 2018 that did not happen, one thing that was not predicted but did happen, and one thing that should happen in 2019 but probably will not Continue Reading

By

• Corey Nachreiner, Watchguard Technologies

Australia passes controversial encryption law

Arguments continue over law that requires companies to work with government agencies to ensure that encrypted communications can be read if a crime is suspected Continue Reading

By

• Beverley Head

ICO and government help UK businesses prepare for no-deal Brexit

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the government are providing guidance for UK businesses, particularly SMEs, on how to prepare for a possible no-deal Brexit Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Social engineering at the heart of critical infrastructure attack

Social engineering is the core technique used in a series of cyber attacks targeting government, defence, nuclear, energy and financial organisations around the world, which means people are key to defence Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK trade sector risks GDPR fines over poor data disposal

UK businesses in the trade sector are risking GDPR fines for failing to wipe data from old IT equipment, a survey shows Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Most UK retailers plan to up cyber security

The majority of UK retailers are planning to increase cyber security measures during the Christmas season, a survey reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Security Think Tank: Prevention and detection key to disrupting malware comms

As attackers begin to use multiple command and control systems to communicate with backdoors and other malware, how can organisations ensure that they detect such methods and that all C&C systems are removed, including “sleepers” designed to be activated at a future date? Continue Reading

By

• Simon Persin, Turnkey Consulting

Security Think Tank: Severing C&C comms is key, but complex

As attackers begin to use multiple command and control systems to communicate with backdoors and other malware, how can organisations ensure that they detect such methods and that all C&C systems are removed, including “sleepers” designed to be activated at a future date? Continue Reading

By

• Emma Bickerstaffe, Information Security Forum (ISF)

Large disparity in NHS cyber skills and training spend

Despite government pledges to up cyber security spending across the NHS, there are still huge disparities in cyber security skills and spending on cyber security training, FoI requests reveal Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK businesses feel let down by government on cyber security

Government needs to provide more support around cyber security issues in 2019, according to the majority of UK IT leaders polled Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Court orders Post Office to explain inability to access encrypted file

Post Office unable to open encrypted recording of an interview that forms part of its evidence in High Court case Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Security Think Tank: How to tool up to catch evasive malware comms

As attackers begin to use multiple command and control systems to communicate with backdoors and other malware, how can organisations ensure that they detect such methods and that all C&C systems are removed, including “sleepers” designed to be activated at a future date? Continue Reading

By

• Paddy Francis

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

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Brexit implications for data protection

Leaving the European Union will have serious implications for data protection in the UK unless adequate steps are taken, so businesses are advised to have contingency plans in place Continue Reading

By

• Peter Ray Allison

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

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Nominet brings security expertise and tech to market

The .uk domain registry is to bring its DNS expertise and technology developed for the NCSC to market to address cyber security ‘blindspot’ Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK consumers threaten data breach backlash

Most UK and global consumers are willing to walk away from businesses that fail to look after personal data, with retailers most at risk, research shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

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

By

• Peter Ray Allison

‘Open-minded’ DVSA cuts cost of MOT testing

Government agency harnesses customised open source platform to ensure data security while cutting costs and plans to extend its MOT testing capability to do the same for drivers’ theory tests Continue Reading

By

• Christian Annesley

Financial institutions’ data at risk despite security spending

Despite increased spending on cyber security, digital transformation and advanced attacks mean financial institutions’ data is still at risk, a report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

100 million Quora.com user details exposed

Question-and-answer site is the latest organisation to admit a breach of users’ personal data, with industry commentators calling out credential theft as a top cause of such breaches Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Liberty heads for judicial review over Investigatory Powers Act

The UK's powers to conduct supsicionless bulk surveillance on individuals and organisations face a legal challenge in the high court next year Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Security Think Tank: Combine tech, process and people to block malware comms

As attackers begin to use multiple command and control systems to communicate with backdoors and other malware, how can organisations ensure that they detect such methods and that all C&C systems are removed, including "sleepers" designed to be activated at a future date. Continue Reading

By

• Maxine Holt, Omdia

BT announces new head of security business

BT has appointed a former law enforcement officer and BT investigator as the new head of its security business Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK government commits to opening up data in bid to push adoption of AI

Opening up data is vital to government plans to push adoption of artificial intelligence across all sectors of the UK economy Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Police investigations into cyber crime up 14% in a year

Officers forced to follow up over 2,500 complaints of Instagram, Facebook, email and website hacking, and Bitcoin ransom, despite a rise in violent crime, report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Marriott data breach highlights basic failings

A breach of a guest reservation database of the Starwood division of the Marriott International hotel group highlights basic personal data protection failures Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

WannaCry borderline national cyber emergency

The May 2017 WannaCry attack, which disrupted services at one-third of NHS trusts and more than 600 primary care organisations is the closest the UK has come to a national cyber emergency, says the NCSC Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK cyber security strategy making ‘good progress’

The National Cyber Security Strategy is making good progress, but there is much left to be done, according to a Cabinet Office official Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

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

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Cyber resilience lacking due to apathy of UK leaders

An unwillingness to accept that cyber is a real threat to critical national infrastructure by UK political and business leaders has resulted in a lack of resilience, says security industry veteran Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CIO interview: Stephen Docherty on NHS data sharing

The Cambridge Analytica scandal raised awareness about privacy. Stephen Docherty, CIO of South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, explains why Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Businesses failing to win consumer trust

Businesses are still largely failing to win the trust of consumers to keep their personal data safe as data breaches continue to make headlines Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

ICO fines Uber £385,000 for data protection failings

Like Facebook, Uber has escaped a potentially much higher fine for data protection failings because the 2016 breach that affected millions of UK customers is not covered by the GDPR Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Unprecedented actions by Commons committee augur badly for Facebook

House of Commons’ serjeant-at-arms effectively arrested the CEO of a US software company and frogmarched him to Parliament, where he was told he would be imprisoned if he failed to hand over papers on Facebook Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Cahill

Interview: Roger Taylor, chair, Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation

Chair of the new Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation says collaboration is vital for developing effective frameworks to manage the proliferation of AI and data-driven technologies Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

ICO finds Metropolitan Police's Gangs Matrix seriously breaches data protection laws

A year-long ICO investigation has highlighted major problems with how the Metropolitan Police handles and shares the personal data of individuals on its Gangs Matrix Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Dutch audit finds Microsoft Office leaks confidential data

The diagnostics Microsoft Office collects from users should be a source of concern for any government CISO, according to a DPIA audit Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Police challenged over refusal to disclose files on WikiLeaks staff

Lawyers will challenge the Metropolitan Police Service today to confirm or deny whether it holds correspondence with US law enforcement about three WikiLeaks staff – including two UK citizens – in a freedom of information tribunal Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin and Niels Ladefoged

Credit card fraud in ANZ showing no signs of abating

The value of fraudulent transactions more than doubled that of legitimate purchases during the third quarter this year Continue Reading

By

• Beverley Head

Three factors marginalising the CISO role

Chief information security officers are typically marginalised due to three factors, and de-coupling the technical and managerial aspects of the job will enable empowerment, says consultant Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK firms in the dark around the impact of cyber attacks

UK firms have a long way to go in building the business resilience required to withstand cyber threats and other major disruptions, a study shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Many firms still stuck in GDPR prep phase six months after its initiation

Six months after the GDPR compliance deadline, many companies are struggling to make data protection principles part of everyday business, says PwC’s GDPR and data protection lead Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Burden of data protection rests on firms and governments

A senior executive at Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency stressed the role of corporate data governance and government regulations in raising the bar on cyber security. Continue Reading

CW ASEAN: Blockchain is no ‘magic wand’ for security

Blockchain is all the rage, although the technology is so much more than just about bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. In this issue of CW ASEAN, we examine how blockchain is being applied in cyber security, and whether the technology is really as secure as claimed by its proponents. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Keep people at the centre of risk management, says consultant

In assessing the cyber risks to a business, security professionals should start with the people in an organisation and keep them at the centre in identifying and mitigating risk, says consultant Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

DeepMind won’t share patient data with Google ‘at this stage’, says company’s health boss

Amid concerns and questions around Google’s takeover of the DeepMind’s Streams app, Dominic King, the company’s health lead, promises that ‘at this stage’, nothing will change, and it won’t share any patient data with the internet giant Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Members of Parliament should back EU Withdrawal Agreement, says industry

Industry experts say the government’s EU Withdrawal Agreement is far from perfect and still requires more clarity, but call on MPs to back it, as it’s better than a No-Deal Brexit Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

It’s complicated: How enterprises are approaching IAM challenges

Identity and access management challenges are evolving with digital transformation. Computer Weekly explores some of the ways organisations are ensuring the right people gain the right access to the right resources Continue Reading

By

• Christian Annesley

AI-enhanced security tools necessary for today’s threats

Machine learning-enhanced tools are necessary to keep up with current threats, but are not perfect and will not solve the security skills gap problem, says KuppingerCole Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Zero-trust security not an off-the-shelf product

The zero-trust security model is a business enabler that needs to be supported by a strategy and security architecture, analyst warns cyber security leaders Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Thailand’s Democrat Party holds election with blockchain

The Zcoin blockchain was used to store file hashes of voting data and identities of voting members of Thailand’s main opposition party Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Home Office to use smartphone ID for EU Exit scheme

The Home Office will use smartphone digital identity verification to support applications for the government’s EU Exit Settlement Scheme   Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Government considering dedicated internet regulator, says digital minister

An upcoming white paper is likely to set out proposals for an internet regulator, a House of Lords committee has been told Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

GCHQ offers help to embryonic Irish cyber security organisation

Ciaran Martin head of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, builds bridges with the Republic of Ireland's intelligence community during an official visit to Dublin Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Cahill

EU regulation set to advance single market for non-personal data

The European Union Council and Parliament have approved a regulation, to take effect in six months’ time, to ensure the free movement of non-personal data, such as IoT data, across the bloc Continue Reading

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• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

Post-quantum cryptography a major challenge, says expert

The crypto wars are just beginning and open systems are key to improved security in future, says cryptography expert Continue Reading

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• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Australia needs better cloud and data management capabilities

Use of cloud services is soaring in Australia, but a lack of cloud management skills is holding back enterprises from reaping the full benefits of the technology Continue Reading

By

• Beverley Head

Researcher urges IoT security legislation

Suppliers of internet connected devices are largely failing to improve the security of their products, exposing users to privacy risks, so there is no choice but to legislate in this area, says a researcher Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Privacy International files GDPR complaint against Oracle

General Data Protection Regulation complaints against Oracle and six other companies filed with Information Commissioner’s Office Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

GDPR a challenge to AI black boxes

Most artificial intelligence “black boxes” do not comply with EU data protection laws and will have to be re-engineered, warns security researcher and consultant Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Increasing value of personal data a 21st century challenge

The increasing value of personal data presents the challenge of managing a personal data economy, says identity and security expert Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Singapore’s SunMoon uses blockchain to trace apples

Fruit and vegetable distributor has implemented a blockchain platform that enables consumers and suppliers to trace the origin of Fuji apples – with other fruits to follow Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Decentralised ID key to identity security

Enterprises need to step up protections around identity-related compromises and look to decentralised identity in the longer term to improve security, says computer scientist Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Security Think Tank: Top considerations to reduce application layer attacks

What should organisations be doing to address application layer attacks and reduce the likelihood of a breach through this type of attack? Continue Reading

By

• Tim Holman, 2-sec

Cyber security high on European Commission agenda

The European Commission is recognising the growing importance of cyber security to the digital economy and is increasing funding to support research, resilience and cooperation Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Information commissioner calls for stricter regulation on political use of data

Information commissioner Elizabeth Denham’s investigation into the use of data in elections and campaigns, finds "a disturbing disregard for voters’ personal privacy" Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Start preparing for post-quantum data protection

Organisations that need to retain sensitive information for long periods of time need to start preparing for the post-quantum era, according to an IBM security architect Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Security Think Tank: Gap, risk and business impact analysis key to application security

What should organisations be doing to address application layer attacks and reduce the likelihood of a breach through this type of attack? Continue Reading

By

• Ramsés Gallego, Isaca

Banking sector leading CIAM innovation, say Big Four

Maturity in consumer identity and access management (CIAM) differs from sector to sector, with the banking sector taking the lead in terms of innovation, according to the Big Four accounting firms Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Security Think Tank: Three ways to safeguard against application layer vulnerabilities

What should organisations be doing to address application layer attacks and reduce the likelihood of a breach through this type of attack? Continue Reading

By

• Bruce Beam , (ISC)²

DevSecOps not limited to coding, says analyst

DevSecOps is seen as a way of ensuring application security, but security leaders must understand that embedding a security culture and taking the inter-dependencies of new development frameworks into account is key, says KuppingerCole Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Facebook to appeal EU-US data transfer ruling in Irish Supreme Court

Facebook will appeal a decision by the Irish High Court to refer questions over the legality of EU-US data transfers to the European Court of Justice in January, as the Dublin court rejects attempt by a UK IT expert to join the case Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Radisson hotel group could be GDPR test case

Privacy watchers say the breach of personal data of members of the Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty scheme could be an interesting test case for how the GDPR will be applied Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Key elements to success in consumer identity management

Success in consumer identity management is not just about getting the technology right, it is also about keeping in mind the consumer needs, preferences and concerns, says KuppingerCole Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

GDPR driving data protection maturity

The EU data protection laws are helping to drive data protection maturity internationally, but five months after enforcement many companies are still playing catch-up, says consultant Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK Post Office looks to enable reusable digital ID

The UK Post Office is investigating the possibility of enabling UK citizens to re-use their passport data for other applications where digital identity is a key component Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Australia’s data breaches are a ‘sign of naiveté’

McAfee executive attributes Australia’s poor cloud security record to the lack of data protection measures amid “new and confusing” cloud configurations Continue Reading

By

• Beverley Head

Aim for long-term customer identity relationship

Consumer identity management can deliver competitive advantage, but only if businesses follow some golden rules, says KuppingerCole Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst