IT for government and public sector

National Cyber Force carrying out daily hacking operations to disrupt hostile threats

Government discloses details about the National Cyber Force’s disruption activities against terrorists, organised criminals and nation states – and names first NCF chief as James Babbage Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Threat researchers dissect anatomy of a Royal ransomware attack

Trellix researchers share the inside track on a Royal ransomware attack that hit one of its customers in late 2022 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UAE central bank selects partners for phase one of digital currency programme

The UAE central bank has kicked off the first phase of its project to launch a digital currency Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Over 90% of organisations find threat hunting a challenge

Understaffed security teams and high levels of background noise are making basic security operations tasks a chore for defenders, according to a report Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Revitalising UK digital government

In this week’s Computer Weekly, as the UK plummets down the international rankings for digital government, can its £400m identity system revitalise the UK’s digital strategy? We examine the container management platforms from the big six storage suppliers. And we look at the challenges of achieving IT sustainability while continuing to drive digital innovation. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Three-day Capita outage was result of cyber attack

Public sector outsourcer Capita has confirmed a major outage which began on 31 March was the result of a cyber attack affecting its Office 365 apps Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Wales launches innovation fund for pharmacy systems suppliers

The fund aims to help suppliers of pharmacy systems in the country to deliver an electronic prescription service Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Generative AI central to Accenture’s tech vision

Generative AI will play a central role over the next 10 years as the digital and physical world become more and more integrated Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

OSC&R supply chain security framework goes live on Github

The OSC&R framework for understanding and evaluating threats to supply chain security has made its debut on Github to allow anybody to contribute to the framework Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

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

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Wales is building a dragon of an NHS app

As NHS Wales is due to launch the public version of its own app, Computer Weekly takes a deep dive into the technical aspects of the Welsh NHS app, future plans and whether the expectations for the programme have stacked up to reality Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK government study reveals 50,000 people employed in AI sector

Government publishes baseline analysis of UK artificial intelligence sector as it pins hopes on future growth Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

NHS Highland rapped over data breach affecting HIV patients

NHS Highland inadvertently exposed the personal data of individuals likely to be accessing HIV services in a lapse of email hygiene Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Preventing artificial deception in the age of AI

The proposals contained in Westminster’s AI whitepaper are a good start, but more creative thinking and investment will be required to achieve a truly pro-innovation regulatory environment Continue Reading

By

• Alwin Magimay

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

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

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

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

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

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Apple security updates fix 33 iPhone vulnerabilities

A larger-than-usual update to Apple’s mobile operating system fixes more than 30 distinct vulnerabilities, including two serious issues that may potentially affect device kernels Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

AWS takes defence-focused startup accelerator Europe-wide after UK programme success

Nearly 12 months after the launch of the UK version of the AWS defence-focused accelerator programme, the cloud giant is expanding it Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Datacentre Editor

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

Ransomware attacks up 45% in February, LockBit responsible

NCC Group says it observed a surge in ransomware attacks in February, with LockBit, BlackCat and BianLian all highly active Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Lords AI weapons committee holds first evidence session

In first evidence session of Lords AI weapons committee, expert witnesses unpack claims that artificial intelligence in weapon systems will help military organisations to improve their compliance with international humanitarian law Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

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

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

National Crime Agency sting operation infiltrates cyber crime market

The UK National Crime Agency has tricked thousands of potential cyber criminals into registering with a fake website pretending to offer tools for creating DDoS attacks Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Tech Nation says UK needs roadmap to help tech sector reach $4tn

In its final report published before shutting for good in April, Tech Nation has outlined success of the UK’s tech sector to date, and explores at a high level what needs to be done to ensure massive future growth Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

GDS goes serverless to bring personalisation to online government services with One Login

GDS has opened up about the reasons why it’s opted for a serverless infrastructure to underpin One Login, and how it hopes the system will provide UK citizens with a more personalised experience Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Government launches seven-year NHS cyber strategy

The new Cyber Security Strategy for Health and Adult Social Care lays out a plan for promoting cyber resilience in the sector by 2030 to protect services and patients alike Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UK government launches international tech strategy as tool of diplomacy

The UK government has announced an international technology strategy to promote the country abroad, strengthening ties with allies and supporting developing nations Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

Nordics move towards common cyber defence strategy

Nordic countries agree to work together to improve their cyber defences amid increasing threat Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

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

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

GDS signs £24m worth of contracts for One Login

As the Government Digital Service (GDS) prepares for the official end of Gov.uk Verify, it signs three new contracts for its successor programme, One Login Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Ransomware gangs harass victims to ‘bypass’ backups

Analysis reveals how cyber criminal gangs are turning to extensive, targeted harassment campaigns to force victims to pay up, even if their backups are in good order Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government should invest in maritime tech, say MPs

Report from the Transport Committee calls for investment in technology for the maritime sector, and wants the government to make it easier to scale-up innovation Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

BBC cracks down on TikTok after review

The BBC is asking staff not to install TikTok on corporate-owned devices without a justified business purpose, although its use will still be allowed to share media content with its audiences Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UK TikTok ban gives us all cause to consider social media security

The UK government’s ban on TikTok should give all organisations cause to look into what information social media platforms are collecting on us, and what they are using it for Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UK government to create code of practice for generative AI firms

The code will look to strike a balance between copyright holders and generative AI firms so that both parties can benefit from the use of copyrighted material in training data Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

UK government's 'tech superpower' ambitions must be matched by realism and collaboration

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt went for it in a big way in his Budget speech this week. Fewer than 400 words were spoken, barely three minutes completed, before we got to cross off the ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

BEC attacks doubled in 2022, outstripping ransomware

Massive growth in the volume of Business Email Compromise or BEC attacks was linked to a surge in successful phishing campaigns, according to data from Secureworks Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Vallance review advocates light-touch regulation for emerging technologies

Patrick Vallance, the outgoing government chief scientific adviser, has seen his light-touch emerging technologies regulation advice accepted by the government lock, stock and barrel Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

TikTok banned on UK government devices

The UK government has followed in the footsteps of its US and European counterparts and banned the use of Chinese social media app TikTok on official devices Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Budget 2023: startups extra funding via R&D relief and pensions

UK government aims to promote increased investment in research and development-intensive startups through tax relief measures, relaxed pension rules, and new investment zones Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Mandiant: Dangerous MS Outlook zero-day widely used against Ukraine

A zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook that was fixed in the March Patch Tuesday update has likely been actively exploited by Russian actors for a year or more, and its use will now spread rapidly Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

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

By

• Mark Thompson, Exeter Business School and DIGITLab

Budget 2023: Chancellor affirms tax relief for IT investment

Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget makes IT investment tax expendable for three years and announces support for artificial intelligence companies, including annual £1m ‘Manchester Prize’ Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

Chinese Silkloader cyber attack tool falls into Russian hands

A loader tool used by Chinese cyber criminals seems to have been enthusiastically taken up in recent weeks by Russian ransomware operators Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Microsoft patches Outlook zero-day for March Patch Tuesday

A highly dangerous privilege escalation bug in Outlook is among 80 different vulnerabilities patched in Microsoft’s March Patch Tuesday update Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Central bank digital currency use set to soar over next seven years

The use of central bank-backed digital currencies is set to explode over the next seven years as governments drive adoption to increase financial inclusion Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

As Covid fades away, what’s the future of remote work in Europe?

Many IT leaders are still supporting some form of work from home, and a trend is beginning to take shape in Europe Continue Reading

By

• Pat Brans, Pat Brans Associates/Grenoble Ecole de Management

AI interview: Elke Schwarz, professor of political theory

Elke Schwarz speaks with Computer Weekly about the ethics of military artificial intelligence and the dangers of allowing governments and corporations to push forward without oversight or scrutiny Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Subpostmaster demands names of Post Office executives who crushed him to suffocate truth

One Post Office scandal victim was deliberately destroyed by the Post Office to deter other subpostmasters from challenging the integrity of its core computer system Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

MI5 to oversee new National Protective Security Authority

The new National Protective Security Authority will address various national security threats including state-sponsored cyber espionage against UK targets Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government expects to save £1.8bn from back-office systems overhaul

Whitehall announces it expects to save £1.8bn over a 15-year period by delivering shared back-office services, three months after a National Audit Office (NAO) report concluded the financial benefits of the plan remain unclear Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

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

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

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

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

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

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

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

UK government introduces revised data reform bill to Parliament

Designed in close collaboration with technology businesses, the UK government is re-introducing an updated version of its Data Protection and Digital Information Bill to Parliament, which civil society groups say upends key safeguards Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

IT worker evidence reveals a toxic Post Office IT helpdesk that discriminated against subpostmasters

IT worker tells public inquiry that the Post Office Horizon helpdesk was toxic, rudderless and racist Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

What can security teams learn from a year of cyber warfare?

With the passing of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we reflect on the ongoing cyber war, and ask what security leaders can learn from the past 12 months Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Spring Budget 2023: Campaign calls on government to ‘fix or ditch’ IR35

Ahead of next week’s Spring Budget, contracting authority ContractorCalculator is calling on freelance IT workers to join campaign centred on getting government to ‘fix or ditch’ IR35 tax rules Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Lords Committee to investigate use of AI-powered weapons systems

House of Lords to investigate the use of artificial intelligence in weapons systems, following UK government publication of AI defence strategy in June 2022 Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

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

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

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

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Newham Council expands on data economy plans unveiled in 2021

Newham Council plans to set up a ‘data campus’ at East Ham Town Hall to continue the data economy development vision it announced at London Tech Week in 2021 Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

A data-driven government needs to look beyond regulation

If you were to read through the many interviews that Computer Weekly conducts with IT and digital leaders, you would be left with a clear picture of the number one focus for organisations looking ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

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

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

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

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Genomics England to use Sectra imaging system for cancer data programme

Genomics England has deployed an enterprise imaging system from supplier Sectra to link radiology and pathology images with whole genome sequencing data Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Post Office’s most senior executives hushed up Horizon errors, public inquiry told

The Post Office messaging strategy was designed to reassure staff that the Horizon accounting system was robust after Computer Weekly first revealed problems in 2009 Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Government announces national fintech hub

The UK Treasury has announced a centre for fintech innovation, two years after a major report recommended one Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

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

By

• Hayley Watson, Turnkey Consulting

Scotland launches data strategy for health and social care

The five-year strategy aims to make it easier for people to access their own health and social care data, improve data flows between organisations, and transform the way data is used to enhance services Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

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

By

• Richard Allen

UK police have ‘culture of retention’ around biometric data

A culture of retention around biometric data in UK policing is damaging public trust, says UK biometrics commissioner, who is calling for clear regulation to govern police use of biometric technologies Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

HMCTS Common Platform roll-out put ‘avoidable pressure’ on courts

The digital case management system was rolled out without adequate assurance it was robust enough to be deployed, and is having a ‘detrimental impact on courts’, the National Audit Office has found Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

WithSecure proposes ‘undo’ button for ransomware

WithSecure’s Activity Monitor technology supposedly overcomes the shortcomings of sandbox test environments, and may be able to stop ransomware attacks from ever happening Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UK HSE to launch regulatory sandbox for industrial safety tech

The sandbox will see the regulator work with industry and tech startups to accelerate the development and adoption of a range of safety-related technologies, with a particular emphasis on data and analytics Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Tony Blair and William Hague call for a remade strategic state to stoke UK innovation

Former Labour prime minister and former Conservative Party leader argue for a remaking of the British state to capitalise on artificial intelligence, biotech and climate tech, and reverse the country’s decline Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

UK forces lead live-fire cyber war exercise

The seven-day Defence Cyber Marvel 2 exercise put cyber responders from 11 countries through their paces Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Researchers find new bug ‘class’ in Apple devices

A group of vulnerabilities in Apple products that stem from the ForcedEntry exploit used by spyware firm NSO constitutes a whole new class of bug, say researchers at Trellix Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

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

By

• Kim Loohuis

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

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Institute for Government cautions government to draw right lessons from pandemic

The Institute for Government has published a policy document warning government not to draw wrong lessons from data sharing during pandemic Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

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

By

• Sudeep Subramanian

US government Strike Force aims to prevent adversaries from accessing disruptive tech

The US Strike Force law enforcement initiative will target rogue nation-states that pose a national security threat Continue Reading

By

• Simone Bateson

HMRC slammed for ‘needlessly’ pursuing CEST-assured outside-IR35 contractor

HMRC stands accused of needlessly drawing out an IR35-related investigation into an engineering contractor’s tax affairs by ignoring the findings of its own Check Employment Status for Tax tool Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Mock crime prediction tool profiles MEPs as potential criminals

Developed by Fair Trials, the example crime prediction tool uses the same information as police systems to assess the likelihood of someone committing a crime in the future Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

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

By

• John Tolbert, KuppingerCole

Home Office partners with BAE Systems on border analytics

BAE Systems wins three-year contract worth £38m to help Home Office develop Cerberus, a project to secure UK borders through advanced data systems and analytics Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Multi-purpose malwares can use more than 20 MITRE ATT&CK TTPs

Report warns of the development of increasingly sophisticated, multi-purpose malwares, and calls on defenders to play close attention to the MITRE ATT&CK framework to ward them off Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Microsoft fixes three zero-days in February update

February’s Patch Tuesday update contains fixes for three previously unpublicised zero-days in Microsoft Office, Windows Graphics Component and Windows Common Log File System Driver Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Vidar, nJRAT re-emerge as prominent malware threats in January

Trojans and infostealers once again dominate the list of most commonly observed threats, according to Check Point’s latest telemetry Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

‘Buy now, pay later’ crackdown in the making

The finance regulator has proposed bringing ‘buy now, pay later’ providers within its regulatory remit Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

How to protect your business from fraud during a recession

This winter, the chilly winds of a global recession have fraudsters turning up the heat. PJ Rohall of SEON Fraud Fighters shares some guidance on how to bundle up against fraud Continue Reading

By

• PJ Rohall

Russian spear phishing campaign escalates efforts toward critical UK, US and European targets

Russian hacking group Seaborgium refines its tactics in a continuation of attacks against targets including not-for-profit organisations with geopolitical affiliations Continue Reading

By

• Simone Bateson

KPMG launches metaverse and digital twin hub in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian government’s commitment to investing in metaverse technology has attracted a KPMG centre of excellence to its shores Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Investigatory Powers Act: Home Office proposes rethink of safeguards on bulk data collection

David Anderson KC will review the safeguards on intelligence service and police use of bulk datasets following a Home Office assessment that they are 'disproportionate'. Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Security buyers lack insight into threats, attackers, report finds

The majority of cyber security purchasing decisions are made without proper insight into the attackers organisations are facing, according to a Mandiant report Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Killnet DDoS attacks disrupt Nato websites

A series of distributed denial of service attacks on various public websites belonging to the Nato alliance were largely repelled but some resources remain unavailable Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Police tech needs clear legal rules, says biometrics regulator

Police use of artificial intelligence and facial recognition needs to be controlled by strict rules and mechanisms to ensure public trust Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor