IT for consulting and business services
Companies in the consulting and business services industries often have specialist needs that require effective use of IT. Law firms, consultancies, accountants, recruitment firms and other advisory services use innovative technology to deliver business benefits, and you can read our news and analysis of the key trends and what they mean to you
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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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Opinion
19 Nov 2024
Overcoming the cyber paradox: Shrinking budgets – growing threats
The challenging macro environment has left security budgets stretched thin even while new tech like AI presents a threat multiplier. In the face of these challenges, it becomes vital for security leads to do more to maintain funding Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2022
Almost half of Log4j downloads still dangerously exposed
Whether by error or design is unclear, but a great many IT teams are still exposing themselves by downloading outdated, insecure versions of Apache Log4j Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jan 2022
New supercomputer opens doors for researchers in Sweden
More than twice as powerful as its predecessor, a new supercomputer ushers in new opportunities for researchers who rely on artificial intelligence and machine learning Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2022
How far has Saudi Arabia come with open data?
While clearly on the right path, Saudi Arabia still has a lot to do before it reaps the full benefits of open data Continue Reading
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News
05 Jan 2022
Google buys Siemplify in first phase of cyber investment
Once integrated into Google Cloud, Siemplify’s platform will serve as the basis for deeper security development at Google Continue Reading
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News
24 Dec 2021
Top 10 IR35 stories of 2021
The extension of the IR35 reforms to the private sector in April 2021 has provided Computer Weekly with lots to write about this year Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Dec 2021
Vulnerabilities to fraud are increasing across the board
As the pandemic continues to affect how we work, socialise, shop and conduct business, so it has increased opportunities for digital fraud and cyber crime. Jason Lane-Sellers explores the latest LexisNexis Risk Solutions ‘Cybercrime report’ Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2021
Is the IT sector beset by fear-mongering?
The arms race between hackers and security teams has led to a plethora of new technologies, but it can be hard to differentiate between sensible cyber purchases and those that are promoted by exaggerating risk Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Dec 2021
A trial relying on computer evidence should start with a trial of the computer evidence
Learning from the Post Office Horizon scandal - the most widespread miscarriage of justice in recent British legal history Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2021
IT services spending recovery to get renewals boost in 2022
IT services and BPO deals worth $18.5bn globally up for renewal next year, adding fuel to already-expected high growth Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Dec 2021
Security Think Tank: Reframing CISO-boardroom relations
Security learning is a career-long process, so as 2021 draws to a close, participants in the Computer Weekly Security Think Tank sum up the most important cyber lessons they’ve taken away from the past 12 months Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2021
After Log4j, December Patch Tuesday piles on the pressure
December’s Patch Tuesday update from Microsoft contains several critical CVEs, but this month all attention is focused on the fall-out from Log4Shell, and burn-out is becoming a real issue Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2021
UK government to take ‘whole-of-society’ approach to cyber
Second iteration of the UK’s National Cyber Strategy broadens its focus to build a ‘whole-of-society’ security posture Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2021
Almost half of networks probed for Log4Shell weaknesses
Close to half of corporate networks have already been actively targeted by individuals seeking to exploit the critical Log4Shell Apache bug Continue Reading
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News
13 Dec 2021
What is Log4Shell, and why are we panicking about it?
It’s been described as a ‘design failure of catastrophic proportions’ that threatens the very fabric of the digital world. Find out what the Log4j2 Log4Shell panic is all about, and what you should do about it Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2021
SMEs dominate list of 200 fastest growing tech companies
List of 200 fastest growing companies in the public sector is made up primarily of small and medium-sized enterprises, which collectively earned £936m from government contracts in the past fiscal year Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2021
Channelling Nordic startup innovation towards global survival
Nordic startup innovation offers global organisations the green light towards sustainability Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2021
Loan charge: Tax experts call on chancellor for simpler, more affordable policy settlement terms
A group of tax barristers and accounting experts are calling on Rishi Sunak to force HMRC to revise its loan charge settlement terms Continue Reading
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News
09 Dec 2021
What are the challenges associated with the MITRE ATT&CK framework?
Businesses sometimes struggle to use the MITRE ATT&CK framework effectively. Learn more about some of the challenges, and how to overcome them Continue Reading
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News
08 Dec 2021
2021 another record-breaker for vulnerability disclosure
More than 50 CVEs were logged every day in 2021, more than at any time since records began, while ethical hackers continue to prove their value Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Dec 2021
Security Think Tank: Attackers leveraging the supply chain
Security learning is a career-long process, so as 2021 draws to a close, participants in the Computer Weekly Security Think Tank sum up the most important cyber lessons they have taken away from the past 12 months Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2021
IT Priorities 2022: Pandemic’s long tail for cyber buyers
Pandemic response has been top of mind for cyber leaders these past 18 months, and as Covid-19 turns two, the TechTarget/Computer Weekly IT Priorities 2022 study shows buyers are still focused on how Covid has upended the workplace Continue Reading
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News
03 Dec 2021
IR35: Government consultation on umbrella companies fuels regulation hopes
The government has embarked on a consultation to understand better how the umbrella market works, which is a move that has been cautiously welcomed by contracting market stakeholders Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Dec 2021
Security Think Tank: Think people, processes and systems
Security learning is a career-long process, so as 2021 draws to a close, participants in the Computer Weekly Security Think Tank sum up the most important cyber lessons they’ve taken away from the past 12 months Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Dec 2021
Swedish researchers are patiently developing a useful quantum computer
By 2028, the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology in Sweden expects to have a useful quantum computer Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2021
HP patches bugs in over 150 printer models
More than 150 HP multifunction printers are at risk of compromise through a series of newly disclosed vulnerabilities, one of them wormable Continue Reading
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News
29 Nov 2021
Three latest trends and developments around the Mitre ATT&CK framework
Framework is set to receive important updates to help organisations and businesses evolve their cyber security. Learn more about what it offers Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2021
Upcoming holidays prompt ransomware warning from authorities
Ransomware gangs know how calendars work, and may target their attacks around major holidays to take advantage of more people being off work, according to a new alert Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2021
UK government proposes new rules for digital supply chain security
Proposals could see IT service providers legally required to adhere to the NCSC’s Cyber Assessment Framework, among other things Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Nov 2021
CW Benelux: Dutch IT company rips up the HR rule book for better work-life balance
One Dutch tech firm has used learnings from the pandemic to rip up its HR rule book and implement an official work-from-home policy. In fact, Infolearn has gone further than hybrid working, with a personal mobility budget for staff and a four-day working week, all with retention of full-time salary. Also in this issue, read how Dutch education administrators appear to be underestimating the threat of cyber crime. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Nov 2021
Digital surveillance of remote workers may increase enterprise risk
From productivity tools to security threats, we explore how digital surveillance is forcing remote workers towards shadow IT Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Nov 2021
How to manage endpoint security in a hybrid work environment
The future of the workplace is clearly hybrid, but this has untold implications around endpoint security. How can businesses overcome these? Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Nov 2021
Security Think Tank: SASE – marketing buzz or the future of security?
SASE architectures promise to prevent multiple types of cyber attacks, but deciding whether SASE is right for your organisation will require understanding whether SASE is a fit for your use cases in IT Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2021
CIO interview: Dal Virdi, IT director, Shakespeare Martineau
The law firm is increasingly digitising its business and readying its infrastructure for future merger and acquisition activity 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
FCSA clarifies anti-tax avoidance stance of offshore Charter change for umbrella firms
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has published a revised version of its membership Charter to reinforce its commitment to ensuring its members do not operate offshore tax avoidance schemes 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
CIO interview: Lisa Heneghan, chief digital officer, KPMG
KPMG UK’s digital leader says that in her 25-year career she has never known a more exciting time to work in IT 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
27 Sep 2021
CIO interview: Jon Braithwaite, CIO, Compass Group UK & Ireland
FTSE 100 catering services company is undergoing a widespread overhaul of its technology and improving the digital offering to customers 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
London publishes guidelines for ethical use of smart city tech
Latest draft of the ‘Emerging Technology Charter for London’ encourages local authorities, public services and technology companies to improve how they implement technology in the capital 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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News
18 Aug 2021
Thames Valley Police drops ERP system after spending £14m
Thames Valley Police exits tri-force programme to develop new enterprise resource planning software for the police 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
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
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
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
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News
02 Aug 2021
IR35 reforms: TUC demand for government ban on umbrella companies raises eyebrows
The Trades Union Congress has raised eyebrows within the contracting community by calling for a ban on umbrella companies to help stamp out malpractice 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
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
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
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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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
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
02 Jul 2021
Should I be worried about PrintNightmare?
The accidental publication of proof of concept code for a Windows vulnerability, and the reclassification of said bug from low to critical severity, has the cyber community concerned. Is it right to be? Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2021
US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency launches ransomware assessment tool
Newly launched service will help US organisations understand how prepared they are to deal with a ransomware attack Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2021
UK Cyber Security Council launches inaugural initiatives
Security association seeks to determine terms of reference for committees to oversee standards and ethics, and qualifications and careers in the cyber sector Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2021
Insurers unprepared for challenges of underwriting ransomware
RUSI think tank calls for an industry-wide reset amid intense challenges for providers of cyber security insurance Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2021
IR35 reforms: HMRC questioned about CEST as tax status of 210,000 contractors left 'undetermined'
Data published by HMRC confirms that the tax authority’s IR35 status checker tool has failed to determined how contractors should be taxed in hundreds of thousands of cases since November 2019 Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2021
Make ransomware payments illegal, say 79% of cyber pros
Report produced for MSSP Talion claims overwhelming support for the criminalisation of ransomware payments Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2021
Accenture acquisition will expand services that help customers be more like Tesla
Accenture’s latest acquisition will boost the part of the organisation that helps manufacturers and engineering firms be more like Tesla Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2021
Virgin Atlantic expands 17-year relationship with TCS as it begins Covid-19 crisis recovery
Virgin Atlantic has expanded its IT services agreement with Tata Consultancy Services, with 70 of its IT staff transferring to the supplier Continue Reading
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News
10 Jun 2021
Risk data shows UK energy sector most vulnerable to cyber attack
New report compiled by insurance firm Hiscox reveals the state of cyber preparedness in the UK and beyond Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2021
Indian IT giants cut carbon emissions by 85% as pandemic stops travel
Spurred by pandemic-related challenges, India’s IT industry has slashed travel costs and carbon emissions through the use of the latest technology Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2021
IR35: MPs denied vote to amend Finance Bill to ‘curb or kill’ umbrella companies
MPs were denied the opportunity to vote in favour of amending the incoming Finance Bill to ‘curb or kill’ umbrella companies, prompting industry watchers to double down on calls for regulation Continue Reading
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Feature
24 May 2021
How Bureau Veritas migrated 85% of its applications to the AWS cloud
In six years, France-based services giant BV has migrated 115 applications to the AWS cloud, mostly using in-house expertise. We talk to the company’s IT director Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2021
India’s HCL to hire 1,000 tech professionals in the UK
Indian IT suppliers set to create thousands of IT jobs in the UK, which supports their intention to have more staff based closer to customers Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 May 2021
Why new EU rules around artificial intelligence are vital to the development of the sector
Shawn Tan, CEO of global AI ecosystem builder Skymind, explains why the European Union’s new rules on artificial intelligence are a good thing Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 May 2021
The shape of fraud and cyber crime: 10 things we learned from 2020
While a pandemic-driven increase in cyber crime and an exacerbation of existing fraud trends were, to a large extent, to be expected, the LexisNexis Risk solutions UK cybercrime report 2020 still contained a few surprises Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2021
Netherlands to build new national supercomputer
The Netherlands has laid out plans for its next national supercomputer, to be known as Snellius Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Apr 2021
IR35 private sector reforms: What firms need to do now the start date has passed
While the start date for the onset of the IR35 private sector reforms may have passed, firms in-scope of the revamped tax avoidance legislation may find themselves still with plenty of compliance work still to do Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2021
GCHQ: Cyber investment a guarantor of UK’s global status
GCHQ director Jeremy Fleming sets out a vision for the UK’s cyber security future Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2021
Finnish government strengthens country’s IT network security
Finland’s government has created a new national organisation to help public and private bodies improve network security Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2021
Europe provides growth for TCS despite year floored by pandemic
Tata Consultancy Services grows its continental European business despite economic slowdown brought by Covid-19 restrictions Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2021
Loan Charge Group MPs demand IR35 shake-up to stop contractors becoming ‘zero-rights employees’
Inquiry by Loan Charge All-Party Parliamentary Group calls on government to tweak IR35 legislation during passage of next Finance Bill Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2021
Irish employees’ ‘right to disconnect’ enshrined in code of practice
A code of practice giving employees the ‘right to disconnect’ from work and not engage in electronic communications outside of their normal hours has come into effect in Ireland Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2021
IR35 reforms: Slow government progress on umbrella regulation exposes IT contractors to tax risks
With thousands of IT contractors set to start working through unregulated umbrella companies for the first time when the IR35 reforms take hold in the private sector, concerns are growing about the danger this could pose to their income and tax affairs in years to come Continue Reading
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News
23 Mar 2021
IR35 reforms: Confusion over who pays employers’ NI leaves IT contractors out of pocket
Litigators are circling as thousands of contractors realise that the 2017 roll-out of IR35 reforms to the public sector may have resulted in unlawful tax deductions – and the private sector could be next Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2021
IR35 private sector reforms: IPSE warns of UK contracting talent exodus unless start date delayed
Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed research into what contractors plan to do once the IR35 reforms come into play highlights growing risk of talent shortages Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2021
Nordic innovators change emphasis on gender equality in society
Female technology innovators in the Nordics take a different approach to trying to improve opportunities for women Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2021
IR35 private sector reforms: Hays calls on Treasury to delay April 2021 start date by a year
UK and Ireland managing director of recruitment giant Hays writes to HM Treasury to demand a delay and review of the government’s plans to roll out the IR35 reforms to the private sector from April 2021 Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2021
UKtech50 2021: The most influential people in UK technology
Computer Weekly has announced the 11th annual UKtech50 – our definitive list of the movers and shakers in the UK tech sector Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2021
Law firm and cyber criminals clash over source of stolen data
Cyber attack victim Jones Day says its data was stolen in a supply chain attack, but the gang holding it to ransom disagrees Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2021
IR35 private sector reforms: HMRC reminds firms to use ‘reasonable care’ when applying new tax rules
As the countdown to the IR35 reforms being rolled out to the private sector continues apace, HM Revenue and Customs issues compliance guidance for firms in-scope of the new rules Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2021
Digital investments will add £232bn to UK economy by 2040
The UK economy could grow by £232bn over the next two decades if investments in digital technologies continue Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2021
IR35 private sector reforms: Deloitte confirms post-April 2021 ban on PSCs
Consultancy giant confirms that contractors will only be able to engage with it via a third-party umbrella or employment agency after April 2021, as part of its IR35 compliance strategy Continue Reading