Healthcare and NHS IT
IT is becoming increasingly critical for healthcare delivery. Vital initiatives such as electronic medical records, patient administration systems and telehealth are receiving growing investment in the NHS and elsewhere. Key technologies such as mobile, tablets and cloud are also essential for improving the healthcare industry with digital healthcare technology. Read the latest news about NHS IT and find resources on the broader world of healthcare IT with the news, case studies and advice in this topic section.
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News
20 Nov 2024
Apple addresses two iPhone, Mac zero-days
Two zero-day vulnerabilities uncovered in Apple’s operating systems could have allowed for arbitrary code execution and cross-site scripting attacks Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Nov 2024
Underfunded, under pressure: We must act to support cyber teams
With almost half of cyber pros experiencing more incidents this year, security leaders say their teams are coming under increasing strain. Businesses must be more proactive approach about building a resilient, future-ready workforce Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2021
Tech must be core to a high-wage UK economy, says TechUK
Trade association TechUK calls on government to prioritise tech-led growth on Budget and Spending Review Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Oct 2021
At last, the UK has a mass-market digital identity system - now let's use it
Great news for all those who have followed the troubles and travails of digital identity in the UK for the past couple of decades. Finally, we have a digital ID system, developed in the public ... Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2021
Singapore-developed chatbot to provide genetic counselling
National University Cancer Institute, Singapore’s chatbot will kickstart the counselling process for patients who have a higher risk of contracting hereditary breast and ovarian cancer Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2021
Digital healthcare in use by nearly half of UK’s adult population
Some 28 million citizens have access to the NHS login, according to new data Continue Reading
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News
22 Oct 2021
Government seeks supplier for UK digital identity project
Work on the UK digital identity project will be centred around the Gov.uk app, which is expected to be the new common check for citizen services Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2021
UK government launches information assurance unit for defence
The Military Systems Information Assurance is aimed at developing alternatives to cryptology Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2021
UK government allocates £17.5m to farming innovation programme
Farming innovation initiative aims to drive productivity and sustainability among farmers, growers and other businesses Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2021
DWP IT chief outlines the challenges of establishing a Chief Data Office
According to DWP chief Katharine Purser, interoperability between government systems is one of the main barriers to improving the handling of data Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2021
Government launches consultation on future of medical devices
UK government aims is to gather views on possible changes around innovations in the medical device field, including the creation of a regulatory framework for software and artificial intelligence Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2021
Global IT outsourcing sees record spending and no sign of slowing
Cloud services are being taken up by enterprises rapidly as they accelerate digital transformations Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2021
NHS Digital enhances in-house cyber awareness drive
Keep IT Confidential campaign aims to help NHS staff understand more about security threats and learn how to reduce risk Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2021
UK government advances voter ID project
Cabinet Office-led project will see the introduction of a digital card to be used in future elections Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2021
Institutes of Technology launch to upskill adults in tech careers
Up to 4,000 working professionals will be trained in subjects such as cyber security and agricultural robotics to plug the national skills gap Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2021
Government to launch Gov.uk app
Service to be introduced as part of plans to simplify access to government services Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2021
Digital gender gap prompts $1tn GDP loss for developing countries
A new study by the Web Foundation investigates the economic cost associated with the barriers preventing women from accessing the internet Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2021
UK government outlines strengths and weaknesses in innovation
As part of the government’s overall innovation strategy, an evidence paper lists factors that influence the pace and direction of developments in the field Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2021
AI estimated to provide 10% boost to UK GDP by 2030
AI has financial benefits but there are concerns the technology could displace a significant number of human workers in the next decade, says report Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2021
West Midlands expected to grow by £2.7bn with tech sector drive
The region is expected to create 52,000 job positions in the next four years Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2021
Fast-moving Ryuk campaign targets healthcare organisations
Newly designated FIN12 gang leverages the work of the cyber criminal ecosystem to conduct lightning-fast ransomware attacks Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2021
ONS publishes technical learnings of UK’s first online census
Use of agile delivery and cloud computing were among the highlights of the Census 2021, which received 22 million responses countrywide Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 Oct 2021
CW Middle East: Middle East hospitals accelerate take-up of healthcare technologies
The Middle East is accelerating its take-up of digital healthcare technologies following lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, with regional government turning to technology to track disease trends and monitor treatment. Also read in this issue how the UAE’s National Program for Coders will offer ‘golden visas’ to 100,000 entrepreneurs, enterprise owners and startups. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2021
Glasgow publishes draft digital housing strategy
Reducing digital exclusion, improving connectivity and citizen services are part of the plan 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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News
05 Oct 2021
Concerns raised over confidentiality and transparency in government data innovation
National data guardian Nicola Byrne warns about central principles that should be observed as data-driven innovation gathers pace in areas such as health and care Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2021
Direct Line hires former Virgin Atlantic IT chief as CIO
Ash Jokhoo will be joining the insurance company as a member of the executive board Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2021
NHSX publishes IT standards and interoperability priorities
The creation of an IT strategy, a governance model and an open source playbook are among the areas of focus for the interoperability team of NHSX Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2021
NHSX IT chief outlines opportunities of elective recovery tech fund
Priorities for the digital unit of the health service include remote recovery with virtual wards, pre-surgical digital support, and use of robotic process automation to reduce the administrative burden on staff Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2021
UK government announces industry group to lead digital pound debate
Joint forums set up by HM Treasury and the Bank of England for a Central Bank Digital Currency include representatives from big tech firms, fintechs and incumbent banks Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2021
AWS launches programme to advance health equity
The $40m global health equity programme will fund projects that improve health outcomes for underserved communities Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2021
Dutch IT firm transforms HR policy built on lessons from pandemic
Software firm rips up human resources rule book and replaces it with a hybrid working policy Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2021
Government announces data strategy for defence
The plan sets out the goals around treating data as a strategic asset to be achieved by 2025 Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2021
Giant Umbrella contractors suffer salary payment delays following suspected ‘data breach’
Following the discovery of “suspicious network activity” in its systems, payroll processing firm Giant Umbrella has taken itself offline, leaving contractors to fume over missing salary payments Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2021
Scotland sees increase in job opportunities in tech
Driven by startups and scaleups, employment in digital firms in Edinburgh and Glasgow is growing more than in other parts of the UK, according to data Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2021
IR35 reforms: HMRC confirms compliance checks under way in financial services, oil and gas sectors
Less than six months after the roll-out of the IR35 reforms to the private sector, HMRC has confirmed it has started writing letters to companies requesting details of their compliance procedures Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2021
Big Data London: NHS Digital data service struggled with Covid testing demands
A critical component of NHS Digital’s data processing struggled to cope with demand caused by Covid-19 testing, Big Data London 2021 attendees heard this week Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2021
HMRC postpones Making Tax Digital until 2024
Digital tax changes have been delayed to allow more time for customers taking part in the pilot and for the government to enhance the service Continue Reading
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News
23 Sep 2021
Fresh alert over Conti ransomware surge
Conti ransomware crew appears increasingly active, prompting fresh warnings from the US authorities Continue Reading
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News
23 Sep 2021
Government digital chief outlines extent of legacy IT challenge
Central Digital and Data Office director Joanna Davinson says ageing IT is holding back digital transformation Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2021
UK government launches first national artificial intelligence strategy
Ten-year plan is expected to drive corporate adoption of the technology, boost skills and attract international investments Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2021
NHS App reaches 16 million users
Tool has seen a surge in uptake since the addition of the NHS Covid Pass in May Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2021
Digital Clinical Safety Strategy adds to NHS patient safety plan
Objective is to ensure digital technologies in health and care are safe and to use them to improve patient safety 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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News
20 Sep 2021
UK government announces digital trade strategy
Five-point plan is aimed at improving ways to sell and deliver services digitally, making the sector more resilient to disruption Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2021
UK tech sector on track for another record year of investment
The UK creates one unicorn tech business a week, as startup funding during the first half of 2021 rockets to £13.5bn Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2021
Bitdefender launches free REvil ransomware decryptor
Working alongside law enforcement partners, Bitdefender has developed and released a tool to help REvil victims recover their data for free Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2021
Network Rail U-turns on blanket inside IR35 contractor determinations
The Department for Transport’s 2020-2021 accounts suggest Network Rail has switched up its IR35 compliance strategy, with more than 70% of its contractors now classified as working outside IR35 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
14 Sep 2021
UK government takes equity shares in more than 150 startups
Covid-support loans given to startups through the UK government’s Future Fund have given it stakes in more than 150 high-growth enterprises 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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News
09 Sep 2021
Government relies on tech to reduce NHS waiting lists
Health and social care secretary Sajid Javid aims to reduce NHS waiting list backlog through use of virtual wards, artificial intelligence and new surgical hubs Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Sep 2021
CW Europe: Dutch researchers build security software to mimic human immune system
In this issue of CW Europe, find out how researchers in the Netherlands are attempting to help IT systems fight certain cyber attacks in a similar way to the human immune system works. One of the team at Dutch research institute TNO was originally an immunologist, and saw parallels with the human immune system in the field of cyber security. Also in this issue, find out about the so-called “Klarna academy” in Stockholm, which has created the next set of Nordic fintech entrepreneurs. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2021
University of Sunderland applies technology through robot dog
Students will apply technologies such as artificial intelligence to robotic dog as part of their learning Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2021
NHSX sets out digital guidelines for NHS organisations
The What Good Looks Like framework provides instructions on how NHS leaders should improve the use of digital in their organisations 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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News
26 Aug 2021
How 3D printing is growing one step at a time
We speak to a 3D printing firm that has expanded the reach of the technology by providing hardware and design software for customised insoles Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2021
NHS Scotland sets out recovery plan
Plan includes ensuring digital choices are always available, scaling up online consultation app and accelerating technology adoption in the NHS 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
25 Aug 2021
UK loses £1.3bn to fraud and cyber crime so far this year
New figures from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau show a threefold spike in reported financial losses to fraud and cyber crime in the first six months of 2021 Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2021
Half of MS Exchange servers at risk in ProxyShell debacle
Up to 50% of MS Exchange users in the UK are exposed to three vulnerabilities that are now being actively exploited 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
23 Aug 2021
It’s time to reshape NHS innovation approach, says science and technology council
Council for Science and Technology sets out how the government should harness tech for the NHS through interoperable systems, building skills and capacity and developing an evidence base to underpin effective use of tech Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2021
Swedish IT industry braced for China’s response to Huawei 5G ban
Swedish IT and communications equipment suppliers fear economic backlash from China following Huawei ban 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
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
Social care digital revolution could lead to £127m in benefits
Analysis of NHS Digital’s social care programme shows new ways of working could reduce hospital admissions and visits to GPs, and improve people’s quality of life Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Aug 2021
CW Benelux: Netherlands sees increase in the number of women opting for an ICT career
The IT skills gap in the Netherlands could be about to narrow as more women take up jobs in the sector. Figures from last year revealed that the number of female ICT professionals grew by 6.5%, while the number of male ICT professionals increased by only 1.7%. Read more about it in this issue. Also find out why more openness about ransomware attacks in the Dutch business community could be the first step to defeating a growing problem. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2021
Singapore’s NUHS kicks off holomedicine research
Singapore neurosurgeons are testing the use of Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 mixed reality headset to locate brain tumours with higher precision and improve patient safety 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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News
09 Aug 2021
Healthcare providers to deliver 765 million teleconsultations globally by 2025
Research reveals patients will use remote consultation services 3.6 times per year on average, but need for mobile devices and connectivity will limit uptake of telehealth services to developed regions Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2021
Nine security flaws found in critical hospital infrastructure
The ‘PwnedPiper’ vulnerabilities identified in systems used by 80% of US hospitals could be used to launch ransomware attacks Continue Reading
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News
04 Aug 2021
Fred IT replaces paper prescriptions with QR codes
Fred IT’s eRX Script Exchange is now used by 21,000 doctors and 95% of Australian pharmacies, delivering more than 11 million digital prescriptions by July 2021 Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2021
Panasas’s 10x saving bumps NetApp from HPC storage deployment
University of Wollongong got 1.2PB for the cost of 100TB for HPC storage in its cryo-imaging institute. Scale-out NAS maker Panasas also brought life sciences expertise to bear Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2021
Government updates isolation criteria in Covid-19 app
NHS Covid-19 app adjusted to reduce the number of people receiving self-isolation alerts Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2021
HMRC hits Home Office with £33.5m bill over ‘careless’ application of IR35 rules
The Home Office is the latest ministerial department to be hit with a multimillion-pound tax demand from HMRC after errors were discovered in its implementation of the IR35 rules Continue Reading
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News
28 Jul 2021
Almost half unaware of GP data-sharing plans
Around half of adults in England – approximately 20 million people – remain unaware of the scope of the NHS GPDPR programme, prompting calls for a public education campaign Continue Reading
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News
28 Jul 2021
COP26 cyber resource hub launched for Glasgow businesses
New digital information hub for Glasgow business to help organisations keep secure both physically and online ahead of major climate change summit Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Jul 2021
Security Think Tank: Consider cyber policies and procedures as you welcome employees back
With Covid-19 restrictions easing, offices are welcoming back remote workers this summer, bringing with them their notebooks and mobiles, and creating an endpoint management headache for CISOs. What do security teams need to account for to protect their returning office workers? Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2021
Solent NHS Trust takes self-service route for sexual health
NHS trust deploys an integrated sexual health self-service system, digitally triaging patients and aiming to drive proactive intervention Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2021
Legacy IT issues impacted government decision-making during Covid-19, says PAC
The government’s ability to make well-informed decisions during the pandemic has been ‘hampered’ by data and legacy IT issues, Public Accounts Committee report finds Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2021
IR35: Government sets out plan to rid contractor market of non-compliant umbrellas and loan schemes
In the wake of a consultation earlier this year, the government has drawn up a package of measures it intends to take to help protect contractors from non-compliant umbrella companies and loan scheme promoters Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2021
Interview: Sarah Wilkinson, former CEO, NHS Digital
In her exit interview with Computer Weekly, NHS Digital’s former CEO Sarah Wilkinson talks about the organisation’s transformation over the past few years, the Covid-19 pandemic, bureaucracy challenges and big wins Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2021
NHS Digital tightens rules for GPDPR data scrape
The proposed collection of patient data held by GPs will now only commence when three key criteria have been fulfilled, says NHS Digital Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2021
HMRC CEO claims email querying legal basis for loan charge ‘overplayed’ at committee hearing
HMRC CEO Jim Harra continues to downplay significance of email questioning legal basis of the loan charge during a grilling by the Economic Affairs Committee Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2021
Chelsea and Westminster NHS launches acute Covid app
The app aims to work as a one-stop Covid-19 information and resource shop for doctors and nurses working with coronavirus patients Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2021
More than half of European IT outsourcing spending will soon be on cloud services
Cloud services will soon be the largest part of the IT services market in Europe, as enterprises invest in them as part of their Covid-19 recovery strategies Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2021
Multiple Microsoft bugs being actively exploited
Microsoft’s July Patch Tuesday update fixes 117 vulnerabilities, 13 rated as critical and four already being actively exploited Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2021
London announces winners of Covid-19 recovery innovation challenge
The Mayor’s Resilience Fund called for ideas to support businesses and communities emerge from the pandemic, and there are some standout winners Continue Reading
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News
13 Jul 2021
Russia tightens pressure on global IT companies
Russian authorities will force certain IT companies with customers in Russia to open local offices Continue Reading
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E-Zine
13 Jul 2021
Driving intelligence – behind the scenes of Volkswagen’s in-car software
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we go behind the scenes of Volkswagen’s in-car software R&D centre. The UK’s largest supercomputer has gone live in Cambridge – we find out how it will transform healthcare research. And we talk to DWP’s digital chief about the restructuring of its IT capabilities. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2021
Loan charge MPs call for prime ministerial intervention to prevent mass contractor bankruptcies
In an open letter signed by 76 MPs, the prime minister and the chancellor are facing calls to intervene urgently on how the loan charge policy is being enforced Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2021
NHS to get new online jobs platform
NHS Business Services Authority is working to transform the NHS Jobs platform, currently in beta stage, with plans to launch it early next year Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2021
CIO interview: Ian Cohen, CPIO, Acacium Group
Acacium’s chief product and information officer joined the healthcare specialist in the midst of the pandemic, and is responsible for data, product, business process and automation Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Jul 2021
Security Think Tank: Reopening is an opportunity to reassess wider security posture
With Covid-19 restrictions easing, offices are welcoming back remote workers this summer, bringing with them their notebooks and mobiles, and creating an endpoint management headache for CISOs. What do security teams need to account for to protect their returning office workers? Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2021
Opportunists seen targeting Kaseya REvil victims
Malwarebytes researchers highlight new spam campaign targeting businesses impacted by the ongoing Kaseya REvil ransomware incident Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2021
The Cambridge-1 switch-on: UK’s most powerful supercomputer goes live
The UK's most powerful supercomputer has gone live, with Nvidia talking up its potential to transform artificial intelligence-based healthcare research around the world Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2021
Cyber insurance costs up by a third
The frequency and severity of ransomware attacks is a leading factor behind a substantial increase in the cost of obtaining cyber security insurance Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2021
Gulf hospitals flock to digital health to manage lifestyle diseases
The Middle East is accelerating its take-up of digital healthcare technologies following lessons learned in the Covid-19 pandemic Continue Reading
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News
05 Jul 2021
Government genomically sequences 600,000 Covid-19 samples
More than 600,000 positive Covid-19 tests have been genomically sequenced by the government to identify genes that make people more susceptible to severe symptoms, and to monitor different variants of the virus Continue Reading