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
-
News
19 Dec 2024
LockBit ransomware gang teases February 2025 return
An individual associated with the LockBit ransomware gang has broken cover to tease details of a new phase of the cyber criminal operation's activity, which they claim is set to begin in February 2025 Continue Reading
-
News
19 Dec 2024
Latest attempt to override UK’s outdated hacking law stalls
Amendments to the Data Bill that would have given the UK cyber industry a boost by updating restrictive elements of the Computer Misuse Act have failed to progress beyond a Lords committee Continue Reading
-
News
23 Feb 2022
No imminent cyber threat to UK from Russia
Intelligence officials say they have no evidence or indication that Russian cyber attackers are preparing offensive assaults on infrastructure or organisations in Britain Continue Reading
-
News
22 Feb 2022
UK organisations swift to chide phishing victims
While UK organisations are doing better at security training, many are quick to punish employees who fall victim to phishing attacks, whether real or simulated Continue Reading
-
Opinion
22 Feb 2022
Security Think Tank: Good training is all about context
In-house or outsourced? What makes a good security training programme, and what questions should buyers ask when procuring training as a service? Continue Reading
-
News
18 Feb 2022
UK organisations untroubled by Trickbot surge
A surge in Trickbot infections is targeting some of the world’s most prominent brands, but UK organisations seem thankfully unaffected Continue Reading
-
News
16 Feb 2022
2021 another record year for UK cyber investment
Total revenue generated by the UK’s cyber sector was up 14% last year, and UK-registered security firms raised over £1bn in investment Continue Reading
-
News
16 Feb 2022
CIO interview: Steve Williams, M&A lead and IT director, Waterstons
Steve Williams is applying decades of CIO experience to the advice he gives businesses during major mergers and acquisitions Continue Reading
-
News
16 Feb 2022
Nordic countries lack a unified approach to AI
Nordic countries need to work together on a pan-regional artificial intelligence strategy Continue Reading
-
News
15 Feb 2022
China emerges as leader in vulnerability exploitation
Threat actors linked to China are emerging as a significant force in the weaponisation of newly discovered CVEs Continue Reading
-
News
11 Feb 2022
Why security professionals should pay attention to what Russia is doing
Even though the average organisation is an unlikely target for a Russian state cyber attack, here's why security teams still need to watch what Russian threat groups are up to Continue Reading
-
Opinion
10 Feb 2022
Phishing tests are a useful exercise, but don’t overdo it
The vast majority of cyber attacks start with a phish, so it’s not surprising that phishing tests form part of cyber training plans. But sometimes these tests go too far. Cyberis’ Gemma Moore looks at how to avoid the pitfalls Continue Reading
-
News
09 Feb 2022
Linux-based clouds an open door for attackers, says VMware
Its prevalence as a cloud operating system means Linux is becoming a meal ticket for malicious actors, but the security industry does not seem to have cottoned on to this yet, says VMware Continue Reading
-
News
09 Feb 2022
Ransomware ever more sophisticated and impactful, warns NCSC
UK’s National Cyber Security Centre teams up with US and Australian partners in a joint advisory warning organisations of the increasing sophistication exhibited by criminal ransomware gangs Continue Reading
-
News
09 Feb 2022
Microsoft stomps on 48 bugs in February Patch Tuesday update
It’s a light Patch Tuesday for February 2022, as Microsoft issues fixes for just 48 CVEs, including a solitary zero-day Continue Reading
-
News
08 Feb 2022
Microsoft to start blocking macros to thwart malware
Microsoft is making changes to web macro permissions across multiple Office apps to help improve user security Continue Reading
-
News
08 Feb 2022
The Security Interviews: Building the UK’s future cyber ecosystem
As the government lays out the next iteration of its Cyber Security Strategy, we speak to Plexal and Lorca’s Saj Huq about his work building a cyber ecosystem to support the UK’s future ambitions Continue Reading
-
News
07 Feb 2022
Umbrella IT contractors urged to seize on court ruling to reclaim withheld holiday pay
The outcome of a court ruling concerning a holiday pay dispute between Pimlico Plumbers and one of its former employees could have costly implications for the umbrella company sector, it is claimed Continue Reading
-
News
03 Feb 2022
UAE chooses Accenture to develop national payments platform
Consortium led by Accenture to build new payments infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates Continue Reading
-
Opinion
02 Feb 2022
Security Think Tank: How to build a human firewall
In-house or outsourced? What makes a good security training programme, and what questions should buyers ask when procuring training as a service? Continue Reading
-
News
02 Feb 2022
Zero-trust to soar in 2022, but dogged by implementation challenges
IT leaders are keen to invest in zero-trust, but face issues around a lack of expertise, and selling the concept into the C-suite Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Feb 2022
What neurodivergent people really think of working in cyber security
Many firms are filling cyber security skills gaps by hiring neurodivergent talent – but more support is needed for neurodivergent cyber security professionals, writes autistic tech journalist Nicholas Fearn Continue Reading
-
News
02 Feb 2022
Saudi Arabia to invest billions of dollars in technology and startups
Saudi Arabia announces $6.4bn investment in its tech sector as part of plans to diversify its economy Continue Reading
-
News
01 Feb 2022
Check Point buys Spectral to safeguard cloud development
Check Point’s latest acquisition of Israel-based startup Spectral expands its developer-centric security toolset Continue Reading
-
Opinion
31 Jan 2022
Understand your cyber training ‘need’ before committing to a programme
In-house or outsourced? What makes a good security training programme, and what questions should buyers ask when procuring training-as-a-service? Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jan 2022
Cyber skills gap affecting data privacy practice, finds ISACA
Organisations are struggling to fill both legal and technical privacy roles, with potentially damaging consequences, according to a report Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jan 2022
CISOs must get out in front of Ukraine cyber crisis, says NCSC
The National Cyber Security Centre is urging UK organisations to take steps to bolster their cyber security resilience in response to the ongoing Ukraine crisis Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jan 2022
Novel phishing campaign highlights need for MFA, says Microsoft
Microsoft details a new multi-stage phishing campaign that only affects victims without multifactor authentication in place Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jan 2022
Nightmare Log4Shell scenario averted by prompt, professional action
Prompt and professional community response to the Log4Shell disclosure means the dangerous and widespread vulnerability has not been exploited to the extent many had feared Continue Reading
-
Opinion
27 Jan 2022
Security Think Tank: Focus on ‘nudging’ to build effective cyber training
In-house or outsourced? What makes a good security training programme, and what questions should buyers ask when procuring training-as-a-service? Continue Reading
-
News
26 Jan 2022
More intel emerges on WhisperGate malware that hit Ukraine
Security experts have been poring over the WhisperGate malware with which alleged Russia-backed entities targeted Ukrainian government websites Continue Reading
-
News
26 Jan 2022
PwnKit bug endangers Linux distributions worldwide
Qualys researchers share intel on a memory corruption vulnerability in a program installed by default on every major Linux distribution Continue Reading
-
News
25 Jan 2022
Prepare, but don’t panic, over supposed Russian cyber threat
A fresh alert from the US Department of Homeland Security may have IT security teams jumpy over the possibility that their organisations could be targeted by Russian state actors Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jan 2022
MoonBounce firmware bootkit shows advances in malicious implants
MoonBounce firmware bootkit shows evident technical improvements over others, making it a more dangerous threat to organisations. It is being used by Chinese state-backed actors Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jan 2022
Delayed pay: Umbrella company cyber attacks disrupt salary payments to thousands of contractors
Thousands of contractors across the UK are anxiously waiting to see if their payroll cycles will be disrupted for a second week, after two of the umbrella industry's biggest players were targeted by cyber criminals Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jan 2022
Danish digitisation partnership delivers plan to government
Public-private collaboration submits plan setting out “how Denmark can take advantage of the opportunities presented by digitisation moving forward into the future” Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jan 2022
Twelve million jobs to be lost to automation in Europe by 2040
Millions of current jobs in Europe will be carried out by robots as software robots automate processes Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jan 2022
Microsoft veteran turns her attention to levelling up IT industry for women
Diversity goes beyond balancing the internal workforce and should include working with partners that also have diversity as a core objective, says Gavriella Schuster Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jan 2022
Microsoft fixes six zero-days in January Patch Tuesday update
A larger than of late Patch Tuesday update from Microsoft comes as defenders continue to grapple with Log4Shell Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jan 2022
Dutch cyber volunteers receive major funding boost
The Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure has received a $100,000 donation to expand the scope of its work Continue Reading
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
News
10 Dec 2021
Channelling Nordic startup innovation towards global survival
Nordic startup innovation offers global organisations the green light towards sustainability Continue Reading
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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