Privacy and data protection
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News
05 Jun 2023
Bank of International Settlement sets up channel secure from quantum breach
The Bank of International Settlement has worked with two of Europe's central banks to explore preventing the security risks posed by quantum computers Continue Reading
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News
01 Jun 2023
Met Police director of intelligence defends facial recognition
The Met Police’s director of intelligence has appeared before MPs to make the case for its continuing use of facial-recognition technology, following announcements from the force and the Home Office that they intend to press on with its adoption Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2021
FCA warns over future hybrid working security risks
Earlier this week, the Financial Conduct Authority issued fresh guidance to regulated organisations on keeping hybrid workers safe and secure Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2021
Former signals intel leader named godfather of UK security
Sixth annual Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards honours former Royal Corps of Signals colonel and infosec pioneer John Doody Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2021
Australia unveils ransomware action plan
The Australian government has established a task force to address the ransomware menace and is proposing legislation to mandate reporting of ransomware incidents by businesses Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2021
BCS calls on government to retain protections against AI
BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, wants the government to retain protections that allow people to have decisions about them made by an AI reviewed by humans if needed Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2021
Ban UK police use of facial-recognition, House of Lords told
Experts giving evidence to the House of Lords have said that UK police use of facial-recognition technology is disproportionate and ineffective, and further questioned the utility of algorithmic crime ‘prediction’ tools Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2021
Covid-19 will loom over cyber strategy for years to come
In remarks delivered to a Chatham House conference, NCSC head Lindy Cameron reflects on the security challenges facing the UK, and sets out some plans for the future Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2021
Sensitive documents to stay with whistleblower after deadline for agreement for their return passes
A deadllne to agree the safe return of the sensitive banking details of former and current NatWest Group customers has passed without agreement Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2021
Singapore refreshes cyber security strategy
The city-state updates its national cyber security strategy to shore up the security of critical infrastructure and enterprises while growing its cyber security industry, among other goals Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2021
Craft beer specialist Brewdog fixes serious app vulnerability
Vulnerability in brewer’s mobile app could have resulted in serious consequences for its shareholders and customers Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2021
ICO expresses concerns over its future independence
In its response to the government’s data protection consultation, the Information Commissioner’s Office has raised worries over its future ability to function independently of government interference Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2021
Uber faces legal action over ‘racist’ facial verification system
Two UK-based unions are taking Uber to court, claiming their members have been unfairly dismissed as a result of misidentification by the company’s facial verification system Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2021
Twitch data breach investigations continue
Investigations are ongoing into a 125GB data breach that hit livestreaming platform Twitch, apparently the work of hacktivists Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2021
US lawmakers propose ransomware reporting rules
Former presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren lends her support to a bill that would require corporate ransomware victims to disclose more information about their attacks to the authorities Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Oct 2021
Security Think Tank: Responsible vulnerability disclosure is a joint effort
By working hand-in-hand, developers and security researchers can both play a vital role in ensuring newly-discovered vulnerabilities are addressed appropriately, writes Paddy Francis of Airbus CyberSecurity Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2021
Gaming service Twitch hacked, data leaked
Users of livestreaming platform Twitch may be at risk after a 125GB torrent of data was leaked Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2021
Apache web server users urged to patch immediately
New zero-day in Apache HTTP Server is already being actively exploited and must be addressed immediately Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2021
Auto-enrolment begins for Google multi-factor authentication
Google has started to turn on multi-factor authentication on consumer accounts by default, and aims to auto-enrol 150 million users by the end of 2021 Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Oct 2021
ICO cookie consent: How will the plan affect businesses?
A data privacy and compliance expert considers what the ICO’s proposals for an overhaul of cookie consent procedures could mean for businesses Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Oct 2021
Security Think Tank: Embracing vulnerability management for the greater good
When it comes to vulnerability management, CISOs should define a responsible disclosure policy so that they can receive and manage identified vulnerabilities transparently, practically and collaboratively, says Paul Watts of the ISF Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2021
How GYG Singapore moved to paperless contracts
The Singapore franchisee of Mexican cuisine specialist Guzman y Gomez has turned to electronic agreements and digital signatures to ease the administrative burden on its HR team Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2021
Met Police purchase new retrospective facial-recognition system
Retrospective facial-recognition software purchased for £3m by the Met Police will be deployed in coming months amid continuing controversy around the use of biometric technologies by law enforcement bodies Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2021
Amnesty International exploited in malware campaign
According to new intelligence from Cisco Talos, Amnesty International’s branding and profile is being used as part of a new malware campaign that exploits people’s fears of the notorious Pegasus spyware app Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2021
JVCKenwood hit by Conti ransomware attack
Nearly 2TB of data was stolen from Japanese electronics firm in a Conti ransomware hit Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2021
UK consumers would collectively pay over £1bn a year for control of their data
UK consumers are willing to pay a small fee per month to have control of the data they share with Google and Facebook Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2021
Digital regulators need discrete but cooperative remits
The UK’s information commissioner has told MPs that digital economy regulators need discrete remits backed up by strong information sharing powers to both provide clear focus as well as allow for greater cooperation between their disparate but interlinked regimes Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2021
Women and BAME people bear brunt of cyber crime impact
Cyber crime has a disproportionate impact on women and BAME people, according to a new report Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2021
Dubai International Finance Centre’s data protection law to be boosted by new federal regulation
New UAE data protection regulation on the horizon a year after a Dubai-specific law came into force Continue Reading
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Opinion
24 Sep 2021
Facial recognition cannot be a standalone authentication method
As more organisations look to facial recognition to improve their digital identity practices, they must remember that it cannot stand in isolation Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2021
How Australia punches above its weight in cyber security
Australia is playing to its strengths in niche areas such as governance and deep tech to punch above its weight in the cyber security industry Continue Reading
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News
23 Sep 2021
MoD in second leak of Afghan citizens’ data
A second breach of data relating to Afghan citizens at risk of Taliban reprisals has been reported by the Ministry of Defence Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2021
AI cannot be regulated by technical measures alone
The regulation of artificial intelligence must address the power of tech companies, as technical measures alone will not be enough to prevent the harms caused by AI-driven technologies, says report Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Sep 2021
UK data plans aim to boost growth but will they isolate the UK from its international friends?
The UK government has made strong statements about the nation’s post-Brexit data strategy but must be careful not to undermine its global credibility Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2021
UK government turns to Tim Berners-Lee startup for digital identity plan
As part of its new digital identity project, the Government Digital Service is using the Solid platform created by web inventor Berners-Lee, which helps users to manage their personal data better Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Sep 2021
Managing cyber risk through integrated supply chains
High-profile supply chain cyber attacks have caused huge disruption this year. PA Consulting’s Carl Nightingale considers key questions business leaders should be asking of their organisations Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2021
Investigation launched after MoD email blunder
Exposure of PII on Afghan interpreters who worked with the UK may put hundreds at risk of Taliban reprisals Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2021
Spanish police bust Mafia-linked phishing gang
A joint operation between European authorities has dismantled a cyber criminal gang with links to the Italian Mafia Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2021
BlackMatter gang ramps up attacks on multiple victims
A wave of new BlackMatter ransomware attacks is hitting organisations around the world, even as the US authorities mull new sanctions on ransom payment infrastructure Continue Reading
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21 Sep 2021
UK GDPR faces changes under planned reforms
DCMS is launching a major consultation on proposed changes to the UK’s data protection regime, under which several key elements of the GDPR are likely to change Continue Reading
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E-Zine
21 Sep 2021
The cities planning for ethical use of AI
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to tech leaders in Barcelona and London about a collaboration to ensure ethical use of AI in the era of smart cities. The UK government wants to reform data protection law – we assess the implications. And we examine the latest best practice in hybrid cloud. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2021
Dutch education administrators underestimate threat of cyber crime
Research shows educational establishments in the Netherlands are becoming favoured targets of cyber criminals and administrators are underestimating the risks Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Sep 2021
The UK government data protection reforms - good for business, but are they good for you?
This is a guest post by Computer Weekly security editor Alex Scroxton, which features in the 21 September issue of the Computer Weekly digital magazine as its leader column. It is hard to sum up ... Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2021
Travel-themed phishing lures spiked this summer
As people begin to take holidays again after more than a year of restrictions and lockdowns, opportunist cyber criminals have taken note, according to new data from Palo Alto’s Unit 42 Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2021
Interview: Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak on supporting the UK tech sector
Computer Weekly talked to Sunak at a Treasury event in front of an audience of tech sector leaders, investors and startups, to discuss how the government can support the digital economy Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2021
Australia and Singapore have higher incidences of insecure databases
Five-year longitudinal study by Imperva shows the proportion of databases with at least one known vulnerability in Australia and Singapore are among the world’s highest Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2021
Mass health tracker data breach has UK impact
The leak of a database of 61 million users of health-tracking devices includes records on individuals located in the UK Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2021
Apple patches ForcedEntry vulnerability used by spyware firm NSO
Apple patches ForcedEntry vulnerability that was used to target political activists with spyware Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2021
Smishing attacks up sevenfold in six months
Scam text messages are reaching pandemic proportions, thanks in part to the pandemic Continue Reading
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News
09 Sep 2021
UK GDPR faces changes under planned reforms
DCMS is launching a major consultation on proposed changes to the UK’s data protection regime, under which several key elements of the GDPR are likely to change Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Sep 2021
Law enforcement: Question the tech sector's motives
Perhaps there are application areas where law enforcement technology should not be used, one of the witnesses at a recent Justice and Home Affairs Committee meeting warned. Experts from the US, New ... Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2021
Stolen credit card data worth about £13 on dark web, PayPal worth more
The average price of a stolen credit card on a dark web marketplace comes in at around $17.40, or £12.60, according to new data – but the real money for cyber criminals is in hacked PayPal accounts Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Sep 2021
Security Think Tank: Optimising privacy, post-GDPR
Airbus CyberSecurity CTO Paddy Francis explores the impact of regulation on data protection, and how it has changed how one goes about optimising data privacy in the enterprise Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2021
Procuring law enforcement tech needs greater scrutiny
Tech firms are playing a high-stakes game to drive adoption of artificial intelligence and surveillance technology in law enforcement Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2021
OT security in APAC remains work in progress
Two operational technology security experts shed light on the state of OT security in the region, and what’s being done to address skills, competency and organisational challenges Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2021
ICO in bid to end cookie pop-ups
Outgoing information commissioner Elizabeth Denham will call on her equivalents across the G7 group of countries to collaborate on an overhaul of cookie consent pop-ups Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Sep 2021
Security Think Tank: A response to planned data protection changes
The ISF’s Emma Bickerstaffe assesses how organisations might respond to proposed changes to the UK’s data protection regime Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 Sep 2021
Highways England delivers a digital roadmap
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to the CDIO of Highways England about her digital services and asset management plans. We explore SIEM and SOAR security tools. And we find out how McLaren Racing is using data analytics to build its cars more efficiently. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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07 Sep 2021
Are proposed data protection changes a threat to UK citizens’ privacy?
Though changes are as-yet undefined pending an upcoming consultation, concerns are already being expressed over the government’s plan to liberalise data protection laws in the service of innovation and growth Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Sep 2021
UK’s new data protection strategy risks costing business more than it gains
The apparent business benefits of pursuing data adequacy agreements around the world may not be as enticing as they at first appear Continue Reading
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News
03 Sep 2021
Berlin court reverses ban on use of EncroChat evidence in criminal trials
Berlin Superior Court allows use of EncroChat evidence in criminal trials but lawyers say the question will ultimately need to be decided by the German Supreme Court Continue Reading
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News
03 Sep 2021
China accused of cyber attacks on Norwegian IT systems
China-based cyber attackers have been blamed for multiple assaults on IT systems in Norway Continue Reading
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News
02 Sep 2021
WhatsApp fined €225m over GDPR breaches
Irish data protection watchdog has issued one of the largest GDPR fines to date against Facebook-owned WhatsApp Continue Reading
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News
02 Sep 2021
Twitter tests auto-block feature for accounts at risk of abuse
Latest Twitter feature automatically blocks abusive users, and is intended to help victims regain control of their experience on the platform Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Sep 2021
Security Think Tank: Managing data securely throughout its lifecycle
Managing data in a secure manner is key to ensuring its integrity and therefore its value to the organisation, as well as reducing risk from breaches and misinformation Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2021
Experts warn on Office 365 phishing attacks
Newly observed campaign is particularly dangerous because it appears to neutralise one of the most widely known anti-phishing techniques Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2021
GovTech launches vulnerability rewards programme
Vulnerability rewards programme will offer rewards ranging from $250 to $5,000 to white hat hackers who find vulnerabilities in critical government systems Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Aug 2021
How the cyber security market is evolving
The cyber security market has gained even greater importance in the post-Covid era and continues to grow and evolve. But what factors are driving trends in that market and what should your organisation consider when making cyber security investments? Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2021
Are proposed data protection changes a threat to UK citizens’ privacy?
Though changes are as-yet undefined pending an upcoming consultation, concerns are already being expressed over the government’s plan to liberalise data protection laws in the service of innovation and growth Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2021
Tech giants commit to Biden's cyber security action plan
Some of the world’s most prominent tech giants have made a series of commitments to enhance the US’ national cyber security posture following a high-profile meeting with president Biden Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2021
Government unveils post-Brexit data flow proposals
The government will pursue data partnerships with countries including Australia, South Korea and the US as part of a post-Brexit data regime that may also see substantial changes to the UK’s data protection law Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Aug 2021
Security Think Tank: Steps to a solid data privacy practice
Petra Wenham of the BCS shares her expertise on building, or rebuilding, a solid business data privacy practice in a post-Covid-19 world Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2021
NZ privacy lead John Edwards named new information commissioner
DCMS has named John Edwards, currently New Zealand privacy commissioner, to succeed Elizabeth Denham as UK information commissioner Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2021
Over a million opt out of NHS data-sharing
Failure to communicate benefits of data-sharing proposals and privacy concerns are prompting large numbers of people to opt out of a proposed NHS Digital scheme Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2021
Campaign groups claim police have bypassed Parliament with plans for live facial-recognition tech
Civil society groups call for Parliament to scrutinise the use of live facial-recognition cameras Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2021
More data breaches in Australia arising from ransomware
The number of data breaches in Australia arising out of ransomware attacks grew by 24% during the first half of 2021, according to OAIC’s latest data breach report Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2021
Flexxon and Lenovo tie up on AI-infused SSDs
Singapore-based Flexxon teams up with Lenovo to make its solid-state drive that uses artificial intelligence to fend off cyber threats available on ThinkPad-based laptops Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Aug 2021
Security Think Tank: Data privacy not in isolation, but on a spectrum
The gap between data privacy and data governance is narrowing, and security leaders need to be aware of the implications, says KuppingerCole’s Anne Bailey Continue Reading
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News
19 Aug 2021
Pub apps harvesting swathes of customer data unnecessarily
Some pub and restaurant chain apps demand data such as gender and marital status, raising eyebrows among privacy campaigners Continue Reading
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News
18 Aug 2021
Global VPN downloads soar in first half of 2021
Song remains the same with VPNs as repressive regimes’ continued regulatory demands and remote working see virtual private network usage rocket over the first six months of the year Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Aug 2021
Security Think Tank: Data privacy and ethics in a post-Covid world
The radical change caused by the pandemic requires new approaches to data privacy practice, says PA Consulting’s Daniel Gordon Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2021
Educational publisher Pearson fined for data breach cover-up
Securities and Exchange Commission says publisher misled its investors over the extent of a 2018 data breach Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2021
Security Think Tank: Building privacy-preserving apps and platforms
ISACA’s Gaurav Deep Singh Johar explores how to embed privacy practices into digital platform architecture Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2021
ICO consults public on personal data in employment practices
The ICO has launched a public consultation on employers’ use of personal data to help it provide practical guidance for both businesses and workers Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2021
Nearly half of retailers hit by ransomware in 2020
In the face of increasingly prevalent and sophisticated ransomware attacks, retail organisations need to develop alternative ways of restoring lost or encrypted data, as paying the ransom does not guarantee its return in almost a third of cases Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2021
UN special rapporteurs call for surveillance tech moratorium
In the wake of revelations about NSO Groups Pegasus spyware, a number of special rapporteurs from the United Nations are re-igniting calls for a global moratorium on the sale and transfer of surveillance technologies Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2021
Cyber Runway programme supports new security businesses
The Cyber Runway programme is a government-backed scheme to support entrepreneurs, startups and scaleups in launching and growing new security businesses Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2021
Hospitals see cyber security investment as a low priority
Almost half of hospitals have experienced an IT shutdown as a result of a cyber attack in the past six months, but just over one in 10 hospital executives see cyber security investment as a high priority Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2021
ICO consults on new international data transfer agreement
Information Commissioner’s Office to consult on its draft international data transfer agreement and guidance, which will replace standard contractual clauses to protect personal data during overseas transfers Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2021
US wins bid to widen grounds of appeal in Julian Assange extradition case
The US government accused medical expert professor Michael Kopelman of misleading the court by failing to disclose details of Assange’s relationship Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2021
Microsoft fixes seven critical bugs on light Patch Tuesday
All seven critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s August Patch Tuesday were related to remote code execution, and there was one zero-day related to Windows Update Medic Service Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2021
The Netherlands still lacks digital resilience, says report
Report by National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security says the Netherlands’ digital resilience has improved, but is still insufficient Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2021
Ransomware demands and payments hit new records
Ransomware groups continue to intensify their operations as ransom demands and payments increase alongside use of “quadruple extortion” tactics during first half of 2021 Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2021
Dutch lead the way in protecting themselves against internet risks
Dutch citizens come top in a study on awareness of internet risks in Europe, which showed major differences across the continent Continue Reading
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10 Aug 2021
Privacy Shield: US surveillance law reforms essential for EU-US data
EU Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs study calls for major reforms of US spying laws to enable an EU-US data-sharing agreement to replace Privacy Shield. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
10 Aug 2021
Real-time data analytics in action
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine the emerging applications of real-time analytics and highlight the challenges for businesses to maximise the benefits. EU experts are calling for reform of US surveillance laws – we look at the issues. And we talk to the co-CEO of HR software giant Workday. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2021
Researchers uncover database with 126 million unsecured records
Business-to-business marketing firm OneMoreLead was storing tens of millions of records in an unsecured database, exposing at least 63 million people to fraud, identify theft and phishing campaigns Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2021
Possible ransomware attack hits Italian vaccine booking system
It is still unclear who is behind the attack that caused Covid-19 vaccine bookings in Lazio, Italy, to grind to a halt, as despite masses of files being encrypted no specific ransom demands have been made for the decryptor Continue Reading
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News
06 Aug 2021
Apple unveils plans to scan US iPhones for child sex abuse images
Apple will introduce child sexual abuse material detection for US users later this year, but some experts are worried that the technology could be repurposed to scan phones for other kinds of content Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2021
BlackMatter goes on the record about DarkSide and REvil links
BlackMatter gives details of its ransomware-as-a-service operation and distinguishes itself from now-defunct ransomware gangs in interview with cyber security analysts from Recorded Future Continue Reading
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News
04 Aug 2021
Six Isle of Wight schools hit by ransomware attack
Authorities are still working to manage the fallout from the attack, which has already forced at least one school to delay the start of the new term in September Continue Reading
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News
04 Aug 2021
Leading venture capital firms are failing to protect human rights
Venture capital firms and high-profile tech accelerators are not conducting human rights due diligence on their investments, which means they cannot be sure the companies they invest in are not causing, or contributing to, human rights abuses Continue Reading