IT careers and IT skills
IT professionals increasingly need to take responsibility for ensuring that their IT skills are kept up-to-date, and for pursuing opportunities that will develop their IT careers. We examine the issues around career development at all stages of an IT professional's working life, from education through to training and recruitment.
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News
10 Oct 2024
Afas leads the way with four-day work week in the Netherlands
Dutch labour unions want a shorter working week and software company Afas is leading the way, introducing a four-day work week from 1 January 2025 Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2024
Cobol knowledge crisis threatens Dutch financial systems
Expertise in complex Cobol systems, critical to major financial institutions, is dwindling in The Netherlands, resulting in retired professionals returning work Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2023
How to avoid remote software engineer burnout
Software developer burnout is real. Here are some strategies programmers can use to avoid it. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2023
How Australian organisations can plug the cloud skills gap
Organisations will need to acquire a broader set of skills and invest in reskilling and employee experience to attract and retain cloud talent Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Mar 2023
pounds per square inch (PSI)
Pounds per square inch (PSI) is the pressure that results when a 1-pound force is applied to a unit area of 1 square inch. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2023
NCSC issues revised security Board Toolkit for business leaders
National Cyber Security Centre calls on CEOs and senior business leaders to take a more hands-on approach to cyber resilience with the launch of revised board-level tools Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2023
UK government publishes AI whitepaper
Artificial intelligence whitepaper outlines UK government’s proposals to regulate the technology, which are based around creating an agile, “pro-innovation” framework Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2023
Generative AI presents opportunities and challenges to UK schools
Generative AI and LLMs hold great potential for use in the classroom, but the privacy and security implications of its use must be carefully considered, says the Department for Education Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2023
Alan Turing Institute unveils strategy to support UK AI
The strategy is built around helping the UK government realise its artificial intelligence ambitions, and focuses on areas where the UK can play a transformative role in shaping AI development Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2023
Ethical hackers urged to respond to Computer Misuse Act reform proposals
The deadline for submissions to the government’s consultation on reform of the Computer Misuse Act is fast approaching, and ethical hackers and security experts need to make their voices heard, says Bugcrowd Continue Reading
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E-Zine
28 Mar 2023
Is TikTok really a security threat to your business?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, with the UK government becoming the latest administration to ban TikTok, we ask whether the controversial social media app is really a security threat to enterprises. Technology guru Bruce Schneier tells us about the need to take back control of AI and the personal data it relies on. And we look at how firms are trying – and failing – to make AI work for online content moderation. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2023
Many of world’s biggest banks lack transparent policies for responsible AI
It is unclear whether many of the world’s largest banks have adopted and are using ethical artificial intelligence development principles Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2023
How APCOA is using big data to reinvent car parks
Car park operator APCOA is using big data to transform traditional car parks into mobility hubs that will offer electric vehicle charging, space for small businesses and depots for delivery companies Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2023
Government must take the lead on STEM diversity
No single solution can increase diversity in the STEM sectors, says Science and Technology Committee, as it calls on government to take action Continue Reading
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Podcast
24 Mar 2023
Everywoman in Tech, datacentre heat reuse – Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast
The team talks about disclosure regarding diversity and inclusion programmes, datacentre heat reuse in swimming pools, and NetSuite supporting business transformation at Guinness World Records Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Mar 2023
Acquiring the skills necessary to implement the UK Cybersecurity Strategy
The skills plan for meeting the needs of the world greatest Financial Services and Fin Tech Hub outside North America is therefore at heart of the work of the advisory group. Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2023
Accenture to cut 19,000 jobs globally
Accenture is cutting ‘structural’ costs which includes a reduction of 19,000 staff and a consolidation of office space Continue Reading
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News
23 Mar 2023
Everywoman in Tech Forum 2023: What it means to be an authentic tech leader
One of the main topics of discussion at this year’s Everywoman in Tech Forum focused on authenticity, and how this helps managers to create the inclusive environments their tech teams need Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Mar 2023
The women in tech who are talking about menopause
The prospect of paid menopause leave is something that has been frequently discussed in the news this year, with Labour claiming if it wins the next election it will require large firms to have ... Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Mar 2023
leadership
Leadership is the ability of an individual or a group of people to influence and guide followers or members of an organization, society or team. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2023
MPs explore how to expand quantum computing in business
Commons Science and Technology Committee is looking for evidence of where the UK’s new quantum strategy needs improvement Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Mar 2023
From CDO to CTIO – what tech leader job titles really mean, and who calls the shots
In your organisation, do you have a CIO? A CTO? A CTIO? We offer a brief guide to the top roles in IT and the differences between them. Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2023
CIO interview: Russ Thornton, chief technology officer, Shawbrook Bank
Russ Thornton swapped life on the theatre podium for financial services IT, but thrives in an environment where orchestrating IT teams is a core skill Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2023
The changing role of the CIO from a Finnish perspective
A small country with a sophisticated workforce, Finland has its own perspective on how IT leadership is changing in both the public and private sector Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Mar 2023
IT operations management (ITOM)
IT operations management (ITOM) is a strategic approach to managing an organization's information technology needs. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Mar 2023
The digital education problem at the heart of government transformation
A recent NAO report on digital government highlights some progress and ongoing challenges – but Whitehall needs to tackle a more fundamental flaw if it’s to deliver true digital change Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
software engineering
Software engineering is the process of developing, testing and deploying computer applications to solve real-world problems by adhering to a set of engineering principles and best practices. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 Mar 2023
Steadying a rocky ship
GUEST BLOG: In this contributed blog post, Louise Read, founder of SaaS MRKTING, talks about the more positive side of current tech industry layoffs. May you be cursed with interesting times. So ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 Mar 2023
Why security needs a holistic approach to gender diversity
GUEST BLOG: In this contributed blog post, Kris Lovejoy, global security and resilience practice leader at Kyndryl talks about the skillsets needed for a career in security. As a business leader ... Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
lean management
Lean management is an approach to managing an organization that supports the concept of continuous improvement, a long-term approach to work that systematically seeks to achieve small, incremental changes in processes in order to improve efficiency and quality. Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2023
HSBC buys Silicon Valley Bank UK arm for £1 following collapse
UK tech ecosystem welcomes government intervention to facilitate HSBC purchase after the collapse of SVB left many UK startups unable to access their deposits Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Mar 2023
Digital transformations require empathy
Agility, experimentation and empathy are critical drivers to a successful digital transformation. Learn why IT leaders should focus on these three critical skills. Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2023
Technology minister Michelle Donelan defends data reforms
Secretary of state Michelle Donelan has defended the government’s new data reforms as providing certainty for businesses while simultaneously retaining high standards of data protection, but industry figures are having mixed reactions Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2023
Everywoman announces 2023 Women in Tech Awards winners
Network for women in business, everywoman, has announced the winners of this year’s technology awards, in partnership with FDM Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2023
Government departments need to better understand digital transformation or efforts will ‘peter out’
National Audit Office report says that the people making digital transformation decisions in government don't properly understand the challenges Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2023
TTC report: Why diversity initiatives matter
Diversity in the technology sector is slowly on the rise, but the higher number of minority groups in Tech Talent Charter signatories signals why a focus on diversity is important Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Mar 2023
CW EMEA: How Sweden is accelerating digitisation
Large conglomerates with diverse business portfolios face challenges when digitally transforming because one size cer-tainly doesn’t fit all. In this month’s CW EMEA, we find out how Richard Ventre, group CIO at Dutch company SHV Holdings, goes about ensuring his IT department pro-vides the foundations for a wide variety of businesses to thrive digitally. We also find out how to make the most of a composable enterprise architecture and how green storage can deliver savings if done right. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2023
CDO interview: Athina Kanioura, chief strategy and transformation officer, PepsiCo
Multinational food, snack and beverage firm PepsiCo is halfway through a five-year digital transformation strategy that aims to create ‘a totally different company’ Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Mar 2023
Women on Boards: how to get there, how to flourish there
Having a good network, listening to advice, taking on more responsibility coupled with drive and commitment can help women reach a place on the board Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Mar 2023
AI in the Netherlands: Talent, data and responsibility
Applied researchers in the Netherlands are working to bring AI to a higher level Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Mar 2023
Culture eats technology in digital transformation
Digital transformation without culture change is an empty phrase, but get the balance right and you can reap rewards Continue Reading
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News
07 Mar 2023
Nine in 10 enterprises fell victim to successful phishing in 2022
Egress annual email security risk report breaks down impacts of email-based phishing attacks and data loss, and the effect these can have on organisations in terms of staff retention and morale Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 Mar 2023
Can the UK keep its fintech crown?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, two years after the Kalifa report laid out a roadmap for continued fintech sector growth, UK entrepreneurs and startups are worried about the lack of progress. We look at the top tech trends in retail and find out which companies are leading the way. And we examine six ways to slash IT emissions. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2023
Over 50s and IR35: How retired IT workers could help close the tech sector skills gap
With the UK government wanting to get more people who took early retirement in the wake of the pandemic back to work, recruitment experts ponder if encouraging them to work on a freelance basis could close the IT sector’s skills gap Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2023
Government announces Science and Technology framework
The government has announced the first major work completed by its recently launched Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2023
White House unveils National Cybersecurity Strategy
The strategy will focus on ensuring closer collaboration on cyber security between government and industry, while giving software and other tech companies a bigger role in combatting threats due to their resources and expertise Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Mar 2023
hard skills
Hard skills are specific abilities, capabilities and skill sets that an individual can possess and demonstrate in a measured way. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
03 Mar 2023
UK and US Strategies for Public Private co-operation on Cyber
Given support from a critical mass of those employers who are serious about addressing their own skills needs, plus those of their supply chain and customer base, we should be able to use the LSIP ... Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2023
AI interview: Michael Osborne, professor of machine learning
Artificial intelligence researcher speaks with Computer Weekly about the implications of a market-driven AI arms race and the overwhelming dominance of the private sector over the technology Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2023
UK government migration scheme to boost tech ties with India
The UK has agreed to allow thousands of young Indian professionals to work for two years in the UK as part of a migration exchange Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Feb 2023
Security Think Tank: Training can no longer be a compliance exercise
Historically, security training has tended to take a compliance-based focus, a ‘tick-box’ exercise using generic, off-the-shelf courses. This needs to change, says Hayley Watson of Turnkey Consulting. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2023
Almost 70% of UK digital workers interested in expanding tech skills
Digital workers in the UK are interested in furthering their skills through training but feel time and money are holding them back Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Feb 2023
Cyber training in 2023 needs to drive measurable change
2023 will see more focus on security training programmes that not only provide employees with an understanding of the risks they face but more importantly drive measurable behavioural change, says PA Consulting’s Richard Allen Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Feb 2023
Embracing equity: circling back on lasting change for women in tech
This is a guest post by LuLu Shiraz, director of product and service at Vertiv Australia and New Zealand Young women today follow in the footsteps of Australia’s unsung female tech icons. Think of ... Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2023
Dutch cyber security professionals experience stress akin to soldiers in war zone, claims expert
Cyber attacks are taking a heavy toll on Dutch IT professionals, with over a third reporting that their mental health suffers as a result Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2023
Half of cyber leaders to switch jobs by 2025, citing stress
A substantial number of cyber security leaders are plotting their great escape, saying the industry is leaving them too stressed to go on, according to a study Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2023
Executive interview: Will video kill the streaming star?
While we are used to live streaming, video messages seem cheesy – but Vimeo’s chief product officer believes they will revolutionise communications Continue Reading
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22 Feb 2023
Inclusion = everyone: Expert advice for improving tech diversity
At Computer Weekly’s diversity in tech event, in partnership with Nash Squared, experts shared ideas on improving diversity across the industry. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
22 Feb 2023
Innovation not infestation – digitising pest control
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how Rentokil Initial is using the latest in digital innovation to improve the age-old task of pest control. The leading experts offer a 15-point plan to improve diversity and inclusion in IT. And with all the excitement around ChatGPT, we ask whether business is ready to use the AI chatbot. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2023
Women account for less than a third of FTSE 100 CIOs
The number of women in tech leadership positions is growing, but the pace of change is still minimal Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Feb 2023
Cyber security training: Insights for future professionals
Future cyber security professionals need soft skills as well as technical ones, says security educator Sudeep Subramanian Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2023
UK finance firms short of data skills
Financial services companies in the UK lack the data skills they will need to succeed in an increasingly digital world Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2023
Millions wasted as staff only use 40% of new software features
The majority of CIOs face an uphill struggle getting employees in their organisations to use applications to their full potential Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Feb 2023
Accreditation key to enterprise security
We look at how industry-recognised certification enables security chiefs to improve the strength of their security team Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2023
More than 60% of people think they are not qualified for STEM careers
People are interested in STEM careers but many feel underqualified, while some don’t even know what counts as a STEM job, IBM finds Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2023
Employers claim to prioritise diversity, employees remain dubious
Young tech employees claim diversity initiatives aren’t working, despite more than half of employers claiming to focus on the issue Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Feb 2023
Security Think Tank: New trends and drivers in cyber security training
Self-paced, interactive, bite-sized learning is becoming the optimum path for cyber security training in the workplace, says John Tolbert of KuppingerCole Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Feb 2023
Everywoman announces 2023 tech awards finalists
The finalists for the 2023 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards have been announced prior to the awards ceremony in March. Each year the professional women’s network, in partnership with ... Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2023
Helsinki’s tech and business ecosystem in 90 days
Helsinki gives tech entrepreneurs a taste of life and business in Finland for 90 days as it bids to attract global tech startups Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2023
Computing degrees more popular due to AI, says BCS
As tech and its uses become more mainstream, an increasing number of people seem to be interested in studying computing at university, BCS claims Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
Payment tech provider opens Finnish tech hub
Nordic payment tech supplier opens a hub in the Finnish city of Espoo to access expertise Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
Government to fund STEM return-to-work programme
Government-backed initiative aims to help parents and carers return to careers in science, technology, engineering and maths after a break from work Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
Executive interview: Putting a value on open source
Spotify’s open source tech lead discusses why open source is failing those whose free time is dedicated to maintaining code Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Feb 2023
What do the tech sector redundancy rounds mean for international employees working in the UK?
Individuals that have chosen to relocate to the UK to develop their careers sponsored by their employers face not only losing their job but their right to remain in the UK. What are the options? Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Feb 2023
What’s the technology talent and recruitment outlook for 2023?
Despite layoffs from technology companies demand for IT staff in 2023 is expected to be robust, but organisations may turn towards contractors and off-shoring Continue Reading
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Podcast
13 Feb 2023
Tech sector lay-offs in the round – Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast
The team talks about tech sector job losses in the round, with possible bright spots for corporate IT and contractors, and data and hybrid working strategies at the Very Group Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Feb 2023
Using the Local Skills Improvement Plans to bring UK Skills Policy into the 21st Century
Most Local Skills Improvement Plans are expected to be agreed and launched in September when UCAS expands to cover Apprenticeships. Given that half those who applied to UCAS last year were ... Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2023
Cyber security training: How to be as secure as is practicably possible
If you cannot secure all the people all the time, how should a business approach cyber security training and awareness programmes? Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2023
Committee launches digital exclusion inquiry
The Lords Communications Committee has launched an inquiry to investigate how the UK can tackle digital exclusion during the cost-of-living crisis Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2023
More than 30% of girls in tech don’t become tech undergrads
Research by McKinsey found that 31% of girls who are studying tech-based subjects at school in Europe then drop out of the pipeline before making it to university Continue Reading
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E-Zine
10 Feb 2023
CW EMEA: Kyiv is ready for anything
CIOs must be ready for the unexpected, but not many CIOs and IT teams face keeping a city’s vital IT running while fighting for their lives. In this issue of CW EMEA, Oleg Polovynko, CIO at Kyiv City Council, explains how the IT team in the Ukrainian capital has kept services running for its residents amid relentless bombing by Russian forces. We also look at how the Netherlands is planning to regulate AI to reduce bias, how highly accurate time protocols ensure fair trading in finance, and the use of technology in agriculture in Denmark. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Feb 2023
Improve business outcomes by developing employees' skills
Cloud experts, cybersecurity professionals and data scientists are among the most sought after vacancies. Building up skills internally can help Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Feb 2023
Security Think Tank: Poor training is worse than no training at all
Bad security training is a betrayal of users, a security risk, and ultimately a waste of money, but there are some reasons to be optimistic about the future, say Mike Gillespie and Ellie Hurst of Advent IM Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2023
Campaigners lament lack of movement on Computer Misuse Act reform
Westminster has opened a new consultation on proposed reforms to the Computer Misuse Act of 1990, but campaigners who want the law changed to protect cyber professionals have been left disappointed Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2023
Jaguar Land Rover to offer almost 300 apprenticeships
Jaguar Land Rover has announced new apprenticeship programmes to help the firm to develop future automobile technologies Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2023
Benelux CIO interview: Marijn Grevink, leader of digital transformation, Mars
In an interview with Computer Weekly, the digital head at Mars, Marijn Grevink, takes the wrapper off digital transformation at the company in the Netherlands Continue Reading
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E-Zine
06 Feb 2023
Making IT security training stick
In this week’s Computer Weekly, our latest buyer’s guide looks at IT security training, and asks whether gamification could be the secret to making it stick. We examine how the metaverse might change the way we work in real life. And we find out how job cuts across the tech sector affect employment opportunities for IT contractors in 2023. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2023
Government urged to address ‘broken’ apprenticeship levy system
The apprenticeship levy was developed in 2017 to boost access to skills for UK business, but many are concerned it isn’t fit for purpose Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2023
Executive interview, Eric Muntz, Mailchimp
We speak to Intuit Mailchimp’s former CTO about how the company manages IT engineering and supports different ways of working Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2023
UK seeks head of quantum office
A vacancy on the civil service jobs site suggests the UK’s new quantum strategy is about to be rolled out – and there’s going to be a new chief Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Feb 2023
Security Think Tank: In 2023, we need a new way to cultivate better habits
Regular, small adjustments to behaviour offer a better way to keep employees on track and cultivate a corporate culture of cyber awareness, writes Elastic’s Mandy Andress Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Feb 2023
01 Founders: the coding course where students teach each other
There are several different routes into technology, each posing their own challenges, yet a lack diversity and skills shortages still persist in the UK’s tech sector. “We guarantee a job to every ... Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Feb 2023
Security Think Tank: Getting the training and development mix right
Rob Dartnall, CEO at SecAlliance and chair of Crest’s UK Council, describes the need for formal, varied and continuous development in the cyber security sector Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2023
NCSC for Startups inducts four companies into programme
Four more startups are set to join the NCSC accelerator, which helps the UK government develop technology and approaches to pressing cyber security challenges Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2023
Tech workers seek alternative employment to avoid redundancy
With rumours of mass redundancies rife in the IT sector, many tech workers are applying for other roles rather than risk becoming unemployed Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2023
PayPal slashes 2,000 jobs in face of tough economic outlook
Fintech giant making thousands of redundancies as global economic outlook remains poor Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2023
UK Cyber Council and ISACA launch audit, assurance programme
The UK Cyber Security Council has teamed up with ISACA to partner on a new audit and assurance programme for security pros Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Feb 2023
Tips on improving cyber training for home workers
How better security training can help firms tackle new cyber threats facing remote workers Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2023
Tech Nation to shutter after more than a decade
Tech Nation due to shutter after losing core funding to Barclays Eagle Labs, which will take over its role in supporting UK technology startups and scaleups Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2023
Cyber training firm launches £20k data protection scholarship
Training specialist Freevacy has launched a £20,000 scholarship fund to train data privacy and protection professionals Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2023
MI5 unlawfully collected and held millions of people’s data
Secretive court finds MI5 knowingly acted unlawfully in use of bulk surveillance warrants, and the Home Office continued granting warrants despite information the agency was operating outside the law Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2023
University of Stirling taps into Alation data catalogue technology
The University of Stirling is the first non-US university to participate in a data management education programme provided pro bono by data catalogue supplier Alation Continue Reading