IT for government and public sector

Get protected: The importance of security

It is not uncommon for computer systems to be compromised by a company’s own employees. In this week’s issue we look at the Sage data breach, which highlights the risk every organisation faces from its staff. Staff are often motivated by revenge, but sometimes internal logins can be compromised, enabling hackers to circumvent firewalls. Our CIO interview is TalkTalk’s CTO, Gary Steen, and we have a report from the Intel Developer Forum on the chipmaker’s future plans. Continue Reading

Computing GCSE continues to rise in popularity, but grades drop

The number of girls taking computing at GCSE level has more than doubled with more students taking the subject than ever before, but grades are dropping Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

French submarine maker data breach highlights challenges of IP security

French naval contractor data breach proves that protecting intellectual property is challenging, say security experts Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Singapore models entire country in 3D with smart map

Singapore authorities are creating 3D maps of the entire country to help organisations in the public and private sector make better planning decisions. Continue Reading

By

• Ai Lei Tao

Interim Gov.uk Verify boss sets out future priorities

Jess McEvoy looks at potential for re-use of the government’s identity assurance platform in both public and private sector Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Projected gains: Odeon and UCI cinemas adopt hybrid cloud

In this issue, we profile Odeon and UCI Cinemas Group’s use of hybrid cloud as part of a digital transformation programme aimed at enhancing customer experience and staving off competition from on-demand streaming. We also look at the summertime game of musical chairs at the Government Digital Service, and at 50 years of business software. Continue Reading

How to break up GDS without breaking up GDS

The Cabinet Office and its latest recruit – new Government Digital Service (GDS) chief Kevin Cunnington – are adamant that GDS will not be broken up. Cunnington told us so in his first blog post of ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

GDS loses another senior exec with departure of Gov.uk Verify’s Janet Hughes

Following the departure of GDS boss Stephen Foreshew-Cain earlier this month, Gov.uk Verify director Janet Hughes has announced she’s leaving too Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

TfL’s 24-hour tube API retains app compatiblity

TfL extends its open data API to support London’s 24-hour tube service, with TfL saying the API won’t break existing apps Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

HMRC ramps up digital tax plans

HM Revenue and Customs launches six consultations on its plans to digitise the tax system and promises free software to small businesses Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

MI5 staff repeatedly overrode data surveillance rules

Security service MI5 is responsible for 210 “clear contraventions” over five years for the way it accessed private internet and telephone data Continue Reading

By

• SA Mathieson

PwC Australia uses gamification to teach cyber security lessons

With the number of cyber incidents identified by Australian organisations more than doubling in the past year, PwC is using an online game to give enterprises first-hand experience of what it means to face a cyber attack Continue Reading

By

• Beverley Head

Strider cyber attack group deploying malware for espionage

Symantec security researchers have uncovered a spying campaign by a previously unknown group using modular malware as stealthware Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Will Whitehall power struggle cripple Government Digital Service?

After losing its second leader in less than a year, does the Government Digital Service stand any chance of a successful future? Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Stephen Foreshew-Cain confirms he is leaving GDS

Head of Government Digital Service is leaving after nine months in the role, to be replaced by the Department for Work and Pensions’ Kevin Cunnington Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

IT boss Mark Dearnley to leave HMRC

HMRC’s chief digital and information officer is returning to the private sector in the midst of the department’s Aspire contract exit Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

DWP director Kevin Cunnington set to take over as new head of Government Digital Service

Kevin Cunnington, currently director general for business transformation at DWP, is taking over as the new head of the Government Digital Service Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

No matter what happens next, GDS's long-term future is not assured

No matter what happens next for the Government Digital Service (GDS), you can assume three things will be true: 1 - The Cabinet Office will make an announcement full of praise for GDS and express ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Revealed: The battle for GDS – how Whitehall mandarins are trying to carve up digital strategy

Insiders say senior civil servants want to break up the Government Digital Service and return IT to its previous departmental model Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

UK’s top security judges struggle to assess privacy threats

Technological advancements make it difficult for the Investigatory Powers Tribunal to assess privacy threats, say the tribunal’s own judges Continue Reading

By

• Fiona O'Cleirigh

Digital Greenwich joins forces with University of Surrey for 5G smart city tests

Collaboration will investigate “smarter” ways to cope with challenges related to transport, health, energy and the built environment Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Accenture to move HMRC tax system to private cloud

HMRC has awarded Accenture a contract that will run until 2020 to digitise the UK tax system Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Date set for landmark hearing into EU-US data transfers

Irish court hearing triggered by Austrian law student Max Schrems could have huge implications for EU-US trade and the data privacy rights of millions of EU citizens Continue Reading

By

• Computer Weekly Reporters

Government tests use of social media accounts for verifying online user identity

Online public service users may be asked to allow access to their Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter accounts to help prove they are who they say they are Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Skills shortage and poor IT infrastructure hinder tech adoption by Asean governments

EIU report highlights governments’ desire for better use of data, including cloud access Continue Reading

By

• Ai Lei Tao

Estonia seeks UK datacentre to protect citizens' personal data from hackers - report

The Baltic state is reportedly in early stage talks with the UK and Luxembourg governments about setting up a backup site in either country to protect citizens’ data from risk of hackers Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

CW Middle East: July-September 2016

In this issue of CW Middle East, we look at how CIOs in the region are formulating their virtualisation strategies as organisations warm to the benefits of cloud computing. Today, virtualisation in the Middle East has gone beyond a shoddy virtual private network (VPN) installed on a desktop, to more sophisticated cloud-based technologies that are enabling a more mobile, more agile workforce. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

How digital will Theresa May's government be?

Now that the UK government – well, apart from the Labour party - seems to be returning to some semblance of business as usual following the extraordinary political upheavals of recent weeks, the ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

French public sector’s never-ending struggle with the cloud

The French government has more hurdles to overcome than many of its European neighbours when it comes to adopting cloud computing services Continue Reading

By

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

IBM sets up security centre in Canberra

IBM leads the charge as large private businesses invest heavily in security resources across Australia in an attempt to close the security gap Continue Reading

By

• Beverley Head

IBM’s Watson gets to work

In this issue we explore the many ways IBM’s Watson has evolved from the machine that bettered humans in US game show Jeopardy! to providing deep analytical insights to solve real-world crises. We also look at how Barclays bank is using DevOps to remain competitive and reveal new research that illustrates why cloud computing is at the heart of business innovation. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

DWP trials blockchain technology for benefit payments

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) trials blockchain's distributed ledger technology, with benefit claimants using a mobile app to track welfare payments Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

CW@50: A history of IT outsourcing

Computer Weekly looks at where and when IT outsourcing was invented and considers the changes the sector has gone through since Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

New Jersey turns to technology to keep offenders out of jail

New Jersey is developing criminal justice applications that will save offenders from spending years in jail before their cases are heard Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Saudi Telecom Company leads nation’s transformation agenda

Saudi Telecom Company and its technology partners support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s drive into digital public services Continue Reading

By

• Edward Banda

Business has critical role in fighting cyber crime, says report

The National Crime Agency is calling for a stronger collaboration between business and law enforcement to fight cyber crime in the light of a report produced with private sector partners Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Nordic CIO interview: Tore Burheim, University of Bergen

IT director of Norwegian university tells Computer Weekly about digitising education and creating co-operative clusters Continue Reading

By

• Jenny Stadigs

Lauri Love using illness as a shield against extradition, claims prosecution

Prosecution lawyer questions whether activist Lauri Love is not fit enough to stand trial in the US over hacking charges,as expert witnesses warn that US prisons are ill-equipped for people with mental health problems. Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin and Fiona O'Cleirigh

Most cyber security strategies ignore the way attackers really work

Cyber attackers use more legitimate software than malware, which means most organisations are incapable of detecting much of the malicious activity in their networks, a report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Brexit: Datacentre investments set to slow as economic stability concerns hit CIOs

As the economic uncertainty around Brexit continues, CIOs may put new datacentre investments on hiatus, warns analyst Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Lauri Love may be faking mental illness claims lawyer for US

Prosecution lawyer Peter Caldwell questions whether activist Lauri Love is exaggerating mental health problems to avoid extradition to face hacking charges in the US Continue Reading

By

• Fiona O’Cleirigh and Bill Goodwin

Lauri Love suicide risk if extradited to US over hacking allegations

Westminster Magistrates’ Court hears evidence from medical experts that alleged hacker Lauri Love is at risk of suicide if extradited to the US Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin and Fiona O'Cleirigh

Finland’s prisons move to a cashless world

Inmates in Finland’s prisons will no longer need to use cash as a pre-paid card system is rolled out Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

Lower average cost of Australian data breaches is not a sign of comfort

The average cost of a data breach to Australian organisations dropped in 2015, according to research Continue Reading

By

• Beverley Head

GDS drafts new technology code of practice

The Government Digital Service (GDS) plans to update its technology code of practice and asks stakeholders for feedback Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

How MI5 and MI6 gather your personal data for surveillance

Publicly released documents shed light on the many databases and sources used by the intelligence services to gather bulk personal data about UK citizens Continue Reading

By

• SA Mathieson

Hays Recruitment service desk project is all gain and no pain

The firm was attracted by the many benefits of a cloud-based service desk, but chief among them was the low risk involved in implementation Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Digital Leaders 100 Awards 2016 winners

In a packed room at the Hilton Park Lane, the winners of the Digital Leaders 100 Awards (DL100) were revealed Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

The true cost of running technology

Ministry of Justice digital chief Arif Harbott discusses the importance of disclosing the costs of technology – and why it makes sense to invest to avoid expensive glitches Continue Reading

By

• Arif Harbott

Isle of Man: From seaside getaway to tech startup hub

The Isle of Man government is stepping up efforts to position itself as the low-tax jurisdiction of choice for the startup community. But what's it like to do business there? Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Hancock sets out key principles for digital transformation

Data should be a public service in its own right and the civil service need to add digital to their skillset, says Cabinet Office minister Matt Hancock Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Digital skills gap costs UK economy £63bn a year

The Science and Technology Committee says the UK is facing a digital skills crisis and calls on government to publish its Digital Strategy “without further delay” Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Philippines government data breach is a warning to Asean region

Security is a rising concern in the Asean region, with fears fuelled by incidents such as the recent hacking incident in Manila Continue Reading

By

• Zafar Anjum

IoT security: Lack of expertise will hurt, says Bruce Schneier

Government action at national and international levels is essential for addressing IoT security issues, but the relevant expertise is lacking, according to security expert Bruce Schneier Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

The voter registration website crash - fingers point to software problems ...and the Foreign Office

The government has not yet released an official explanation for the crash of the UK voter registration website earlier this week – but Computer Weekly has learned the likely cause. How ironic it ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Citrix expands in Middle East with first Saudi Arabia office

Citrix is increasing its presence in the Middle East, opening its first office in Saudi Arabia with plans to expand into Qatar and Egypt Continue Reading

By

• Triska Hamid

Unlicensed software rife among Asean computer users, says BSA

The Asean region has the highest levels of unlicensed software use, according to the 2016 Global Software Survey from the Business Software Alliance (BSA) Continue Reading

By

• Ai Lei Tao

How emails sent to and from Parliament are monitored

Government officials deny that emails sent by MPs are open to surveillance by GCHQ and NSA - we examine the evidence Continue Reading

By

• Duncan Campbell and Bill Goodwin

‘Considerable risk’ if Post Office replaced Horizon system, says chairman

Post Office chairman Tim Parker says there would be ‘considerable risk’ associated with changing its Horizon computer system Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Government reaches accord over ESN in National Parks England

The Home Office reaches an agreement with National Parks England over the provision of mobile coverage for the emergency services Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CW@50: Government IT goes full circle in the space of 50 years

As Computer Weekly prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary this September, we take a look at how government IT has changed over the years Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

MPs’ private emails are routinely accessed by GCHQ

Computer Weekly investigation reveals the extent of interception of MPs’ and peers’ email communications and data Continue Reading

By

• Duncan Campbell and Bill Goodwin

UK government details plans for National Cyber Security Centre

The objectives of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre are to address systemic vulnerabilities, reduce risks, respond to serious incidents and nurture national cyber security capability Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Digital Catapult creates open source permissions platform to track creative IP

The Digital Catapult innovation centre launches an open permissions platform to allow creatives to track where their content has been used Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK startups seek to lead the world in smart city technologies

Government trade mission to south-east Asia helps UK startups to target the region’s growing smart city projects Continue Reading

By

• Zafar Anjum

UK government announces CyberFirst bursary scheme

GCHQ will partner with other government departments and private industry to offer students a comprehensive package of financial assistance and cyber skills Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Cabinet Office failed to manage risks around migration to shared service centres, says NAO

The government’s delayed programme to migrate back-office functions to two shared service centres is not achieving value for money, lacks an integrated business case and has failed to track additional costs incurred, says the NAO Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Digital inclusion charity demands government enforcement of web accessibility laws

AbilityNet claims government is "falling down on the job" by failing to act against firms that do not make their websites and services accessible to disabled users Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Gov.uk Verify to go live 24 May 2016

On 24 May 2016, the government’s identity assurance platform will move from beta to “fully live”, after missing its original April go-live target Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Cyber espionage campaign targets Ukraine separatists

Security researchers discover a surveillance operation against separatists in Eastern Ukraine using spear phishing attacks to spread previously unknown malware Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Queen’s Speech sets out plans for Digital Economy Bill

The Queen’s Speech announced plans to make the UK a world leader in the digital economy and reiterated a commitment to making fast broadband a legal right Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Police set for better engagement with UK tech firms

The policing lead for digital investigation and intelligence says new structures will improve engagement and collaboration between the UK tech industry and police forces Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CCS technology products framework to focus on quality, not cost

The Crown Commercial Service’s £4bn technology products and services framework opens up for SMEs and moves focus to quality rather than price Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Safer cycling project wins BT smart city contest

Northern Irish startup See.Sense scoops £15,000 prize in BT smart city contest after developing a connected bike light Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CEO Natalie Ceeney to quit the Courts Service

Courts and Tribunal Service CEO Natalie Ceeney’s sudden departure raises questions on the future of digital courts Continue Reading

By

• Barbara Hewson

Post Office apologises as system goes down

The Post Office computer system failed on 9 May 2016, leaving sub-postmasters unable to open branches Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

EE expands 4G roll-out with satellite backhaul

EE signs communications provider Avanti to use satellite capacity for mobile backhaul on its 4G network at a number of sites in the UK Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Real-time data helps manage traffic in Philippines

OpenTraffic smart data platform provides free GPS information for better analysis of travel speeds and journey times in Metro Manila and Cebu City Continue Reading

By

• Ai Lei Tao

Gov.uk Verify misses April go-live target

The Government Digital Service didn’t meet its target of taking identity assurance service Verify out of beta by the end of April, but is “nearly there”, according to programme director Janet Hughes Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Cyber security in Belgium will gain prominence after terror attacks

Belgium’s physical security has been branded inadequate, so how does the country’s cyber security measure up? Continue Reading

By

• Stef Gyssels

Saudi Arabia could warm to cloud computing, so long as regulation and connectivity keep pace

One of the world’s biggest oil producers has responded to tumbling crude prices by announcing a $2tn war chest to fund an economic diversification strategy, with IT set to be a beneficiary Continue Reading

By

• Alicia Buller

Interview: Alistair Duggin, head of accessibility, Government Digital Service

GDS’s head of accessibility, Alistair Duggin, aims to help government departments design digital services that are accessible to everyone Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Disrupting IT in the Nordics, from banks to taxis

IT is dramatically changing traditional industry sectors in the Nordic region. Computer Weekly examines the transformation Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

Mobilising a workforce drives up performance and productivity

Mobile workers are also more creative, satisfied and loyal, says EIU study Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Singapore is second most cloud ready country in Asia-Pacific

Broadband quality, data privacy and pro-business regime makes Singapore the second most cloud ready country in the Apac region Continue Reading

By

• Ai Lei Tao

Interview: Janet Hughes, Gov.uk Verify programme director, GDS

As the Government Digital Service prepares to go fully live with its identity assurance service Gov.uk Verify, Computer Weekly speaks to programme director Janet Hughes Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Indonesian internet users turn to smartphones to go online

Organisations with a cyber footprint in Indonesia must understand most internet users in the country access online content and services on smartphones Continue Reading

By

• Ai Lei Tao

GCHQ told analysts to assume surveillance 'bulk data' is legal

Documents obtained by charity Privacy International reveal insights into GCHQ’s collection of sensitive bulk data, as lawyers question the impact of surveillance on legal privilege, fair trials and protection of whistleblowers Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton and Bill Goodwin

Government CTO Liam Maxwell to leave GDS for new job as digital czar

Liam Maxwell's new role as national technology advisor will help to develop the UK's digital economy Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Israeli volunteers ready their cyber defences as Anonymous affiliates attack

Every April, Israel braces itself for an onslaught from pro-Palestinian hackers, but the occupants of a small conference room in Tel Aviv stand in their way Continue Reading

By

• Niv Lilien

BBC turns micro:bit computers into IoT devices

The BBC and Nominet demonstrate a new use case for the micro:bit computer and hope to turn Britain’s schoolchildren into internet of things pioneers Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NCA attempts 'back door' access to obtain activist Lauri Love’s passwords

Court told that use of civil proceedings to force disclosure of alleged hacker Lauri Love's passwords is disproportionate and would breach human rights law Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

DWP knew of Universal Credit problems in mid-2012 despite insisting all was well

Documents released after a four-year legal battle show that DWP officials knew of problems with Universal Credit in 2012 despite insisting it was on time and budget Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Activist Lauri Love faces order to disclose encryption keys

The UK’s National Crime Agency takes an unusual legal step to force a former university student accused of hacking to disclose encryption keys Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

BBC outsources finance and accounting technology to IBM

IBM will take over the BBC’s accounting and payroll services from SopraSteria in November 2016 as part of a five-year contract Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Interview: GDS CTO Liam Maxwell and deputy CTO Andy Beale

Government Digital Service’s Liam Maxwell and Andy Beale talk about the service’s future, its relationship with departments, tactical outsourcing extensions and lessons learned Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Digital Leaders Awards open for public vote

The Digital Leaders 100 is open for a public vote to decide the winners of this year’s awards, including Digital Leader and FinTech Innovation of the Year Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Local Digital Coalition to advance local government digital projects

Organisation takes over from Department for Communities and Local Government’s local digital programme with the aim of delivering joined-up local services Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

'Citizens will be stripped naked' by Turkey’s data law

Turkey's data protection law, introduced in March 2016, will make Turkey a near total surveillance state, yet the EU, apparently more concerned about securing Turkey's help in controlling immigration, is turning a blind eye Continue Reading

By

• Craig Shaw & Zeynep Sentek

IT services firm creates 500 jobs in Welsh local authority

IT services firm CGI creates 500 jobs in south Wales following a £3.2m investment from the Welsh government Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA