IT for utilities and energy
Utility firms and energy companies rely on IT to support their often highly complex operations. The industry is being forced by politial and customer pressure to be greener and technology is central to achieving greater energy efficiency, through major initiatives such as smart meters. Our stories about energy and utility firms examine how IT is helping to enable change and improvement in these companies.
-
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Latest attempt to override UK’s outdated hacking law stalls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
15 Aug 2018
ICS security at risk in key verticals, report shows
The security of industrial control systems (ICS) is at risk in key verticals due to under staffing, under investment and human error, a report reveals Continue Reading
-
News
09 Aug 2018
Smart cities a tempting target for cyber attackers
Smart cities are an attractive target for cyber attackers because of the growing number of connected systems embedded throughout their infrastructure Continue Reading
-
News
09 Aug 2018
Brace for more Triton-like attacks, researchers warn
The world has not seen the last of industrial control system (ICS) attacks like Triton, researchers have warned Continue Reading
-
News
07 Aug 2018
Industrial control systems a specialised cyber target
Cyber attackers specialising in industrial control systems are fast, efficient and able to move between IT and OT environments, a study has revealed Continue Reading
-
News
06 Aug 2018
Half of UK consumers to exercise GDPR rights within a year
More than half of UK consumers will exercise their General Data Protection Regulation rights within a year and almost two-thirds will retract or review data use because of the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, a study shows Continue Reading
-
News
02 Aug 2018
GDPR harmonised with local laws in Nordic EU states
Sweden provides an interesting challenge for the European Union’s data protection regulation due to its laws around freedom of press and free speech Continue Reading
-
News
31 Jul 2018
Intelligent automation spending to hit $232bn by 2025
Technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotic process automation and machine learning could help traditional enterprises gain ground on digital-first giants Continue Reading
-
News
31 Jul 2018
Utilita Energy supplier uses cloud to rapidly scale IT service desk
Energy provider Utilita Energy puts its IT service management in the cloud to support its rapid growth Continue Reading
-
News
31 Jul 2018
CIO interview: David Ivell, chief technology officer, Good Energy
Renewable energy supplier aims to pioneer change in the sector through innovation, having refocused the organisation with technology as a “driving force” Continue Reading
-
News
30 Jul 2018
Search begins for UK’s cyber security Unsung Heroes
The Security Serious cyber awareness campaign has opened nominations for the third annual cyber security Unsung Heroes awards Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jul 2018
Hackers targeting software supply chains, US report warns
A US government report on cyber espionage by China, Russia and Iran says software supply chains are increasingly under attack Continue Reading
-
News
24 Jul 2018
MPs call for inquiry into smart meter roll-out
Government urged to conduct a review of the roll-out of smart meters for electricity and gas, and to intervene to tackle a number of failures Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
24 Jul 2018
Building intelligent aircraft engines with AI and analytics
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to UK manufacturer Rolls-Royce about using artificial intelligence, sensor technology and data analytics to build intelligent aircraft engines. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the next generation of desktop IT. And we ask whether a court ruling in Chile could lead to a worldwide change in Oracle’s software licensing practices. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Jul 2018
Full-fibre broadband for all to cost £30bn
The government has released its Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, setting the stage for the national roll-out of a full-fibre broadband network Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jul 2018
Cisco and UCL to open AI research unit in $100m digital economy boost
Cisco has extended its ongoing Country Digital Acceleration programme in the UK with a further $100m investment, part of which will go towards a new AI research centre Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jul 2018
Cloud sales stoke Microsoft’s strong growth
Microsoft says cloud-based Office products made a huge contribution to sales growth Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jul 2018
CNI sector lacks cyber security skills, government warned
The UK’s critical national infrastructure sector is being negatively impacted by the lack of cyber security skills, a report warns Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
18 Jul 2018
CW ASEAN: Defend against disruption
The security of industrial control systems (ICS) has come under the spotlight with several high-profile incidents affecting power plants and other critical infrastructure in recent years. What are the threats to these systems in ASEAN, and what is the common approach to securing ICS systems? In this month’s issue of CW ASEAN, we take a closer look at how ICS operators are improving the visibility of ICS environments without jeopardizing operations, addressing security vulnerabilities and enhancing cooperation between IT and operational technology teams. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Jul 2018
Cyber security top priority for aircraft makers, says Airbus
There is a high level of collaboration in the aircraft industry on cyber security, but not all other industries are at the same level, according to an industry veteran at multinational aerospace and defence firm Airbus Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
17 Jul 2018
How container technology is evolving
In this week’s Computer Weekly, as adoption of containers grows rapidly, we look at the choices and potential benefits of the technology. We examine the efforts being made to secure internet of things devices and ask if legislation is needed. And we assess how the government’s latest Brexit plans will affect the UK tech sector. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jul 2018
Three-quarters of consumers have interacted with artificial intelligence
Capgemini survey finds 55% of people prefer a mix of AI and humans when they interact with organisations Continue Reading
-
Opinion
11 Jul 2018
Mind your drone business
Amazon is just the tip of the iceberg – companies are pouring hundreds of millions into the development of commercial drones Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jul 2018
Australian startups team up to keep wind turbines humming
Using acoustic sensors and nanosatellite connectivity, two Australian startups hope to identify potential turbine problems before they occur to secure the country’s wind energy Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jun 2018
Government must challenge popular smart city misconceptions
A report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smart Cities says many people feel alienated by the concept, and calls on the government to challenge some popular misconceptions Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jun 2018
Technology key to keeping staff happy
Giving employees access to the latest technologies will improve their satisfaction and increase productivity, survey shows Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jun 2018
Infosec pros expect increase in nation state cyber attacks
Most information security professionals expect a rise in nation state cyber attacks, with more than two-thirds preparing to defend against them Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
21 Jun 2018
L is for the way you look at renewable heating technology
A civil servant has swapped her job at the Department for Education for a stint on ITV’s hit reality show Love Island. Zara McDermott, who had previously been developing government policy on ... Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jun 2018
CDO interview: Andrei Belevtsev, Gazprom Neft
Russian oil giant will harness the latest technologies right across its business, says chief digital officer Continue Reading
-
Feature
20 Jun 2018
Need for speed: designing a modern campus LAN
Just like datacentres before them, campus LANs are increasingly being defined by virtualisation and software-based controls. Next to this shift, the hardware also continues to improve as network owners look to keep pace with user demand Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jun 2018
CIO interview: Mike Young, Centrica
We speak to the CIO whose CEO recently met with the head of Microsoft to talk about strategy Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jun 2018
Nine out of 10 enterprises will use robotic process automation by 2020
Robotic process automation take-up expected to reach 92% of European enterprises within two years, finds ISG survey Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jun 2018
Cyber attack warnings highlight need to be prepared
Fresh warnings about the vulnerability of national infrastructure to cyber attacks show the need for securing and monitoring associated control systems connected to the internet Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jun 2018
Mayor Khan bids to make London the world’s smartest city
At London Tech Week, mayor Sadiq Khan launched a city-wide initiative to harness the capital’s technology talent to address London’s most pressing problems Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jun 2018
BT announces “unhackable” quantum-secured network
In the face of the threat that quantum computers could crack many of the encryption methods used to protect highly sensitive data, BT has developed a “quantum-secured” network Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jun 2018
Businesses must report cyber crime, panel urges
By reporting cyber crimes, private enterprise can help improve national and international cyber defences and bring criminals to justice, according to an expert panel Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jun 2018
IT spending reaches 10-year high as CIOs struggle with digital technology strategy
IT leaders have seen their budgets and headcounts rise for the first time in 10 years, but face challenges implementing their digital strategies Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jun 2018
Nation state cyber attacks affect all, says former GCHQ boss
Cyber attacks by nation states used to be a small part of the problem for state authorities to address, but now all organisations are potential targets of nation state attacks, according to former GCHQ head Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jun 2018
Newcastle Council to show off smartest street in Britain
The Great Exhibition of the North will see Mosley Street in Newcastle upon Tyne transformed into Britain’s smartest street as part of a demonstration of IoT technology Continue Reading
-
Opinion
05 Jun 2018
Big data skills shortages – and how to work around them
Businesses are finding it hard to recruit enough people with big data and analytics skills, but for CIOs there are alternative strategies to consider Continue Reading
-
News
04 Jun 2018
Technology key to new UK counter-terrorism strategy
Technologies such as machine learning and data analytics are key to the UK government’s updated counter-terrorism strategy Continue Reading
-
News
31 May 2018
VPN hacks can be lethal, warns security expert
Organisations should not overlook the need to secure VPN connections because failure to do so could be fatal, but 2FA alone is not enough, warns a security expert Continue Reading
-
Opinion
30 May 2018
Tier 2 visas – a challenge for the tech sector
With staff shortages already being reported in the technology sector and Brexit potentially adding to the problem, tech departments need to get their Tier 2 visa applications right Continue Reading
-
News
30 May 2018
US issues warning about North Korean malware
US government has identified more than 85 networks compromised by two malware families believed to be North Korean in origin Continue Reading
-
News
29 May 2018
Firms step up spending on digital tech, but struggle with strategy
Businesses and the public sector are stepping up their spending on digital technology, but many business leaders are struggling to keep pace with what it means for their business Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 May 2018
Application and device security under the spotlight
The security of internet-connected devices and associated applications has become a significant concern, prompting suggestions legislation may be required, while the UK government’s recent Secure by Design review suggests several solutions, including legislative measures Continue Reading
-
Opinion
22 May 2018
Taking the quantum leap: What is quantum technology for business?
Quantum computers are many years away, but the first applications of quantum technology will arrive in only one or two years – so businesses need to be ready Continue Reading
-
News
15 May 2018
SMEs more worried about GDPR’s threat to reputation than fines
SMEs are more worried about the damage GDPR non compliance will do to their reputations than their wallets Continue Reading
-
Opinion
10 May 2018
Hacking the internet of things just got easier – it’s time to look at your security
Are you taking security for internet-connected devices seriously enough? Continue Reading
-
News
09 May 2018
CNI providers face hefty fines for cyber security failings
UK providers of critical national infrastructure face hefty fines for cyber security failings from 10 May 2018 Continue Reading
-
News
03 May 2018
Fibre network breakthrough has implications for data security
Researchers have devised a new protocol that they claim vastly extends the range of quantum key distribution over fibre networks Continue Reading
-
News
02 May 2018
Fresh blow for Facebook as court refuses stay in Max Schrems legal action
Facebook has lost a legal attempt to delay the Irish High Court from seeking answers from the European Court of Justice over the legality of EU-US data transfers Continue Reading
-
Opinion
02 May 2018
Outsourcing is not dead or dying – it just needs to be done properly
The collapse of Carillion and the profit warning at Capita have created a false sense of fear about the stability of the outsourcing sector Continue Reading
-
News
02 May 2018
Critical infrastructure firms urged to patch Schneider Electric flaws
Critical infrastructure suppliers and manufacturing firms are being urged to ensure that their systems are patched up to date, after researchers discover Schneider Electric remote code execution vulnerability Continue Reading
-
News
01 May 2018
Gulf Cooperation Council smart city initiatives garner momentum
The Middle East is a hotbed for smart city developments, with activities in the region maturing and adapting to what citizens want Continue Reading
-
News
01 May 2018
UK critical services need to up cyber defences to avoid fines
UK critical infrastructure providers could be liable for fines of millions of pounds if they do not improve their cyber defences and resilience of their IT infrastructure, a study reveals Continue Reading
-
News
30 Apr 2018
Getting cyber security innovation to market is key, says NCSC
Getting cyber security innovation to market is an important area of focus, according to the National Cyber Security Centre, which runs a cyber accelerator programme and recently stated a Dragons Den style security innovation pitch at the 2018 CyberUK conference Continue Reading
-
News
30 Apr 2018
Even the smallest of Dutch towns are becoming smart
An increasing number of Dutch towns and cities use street sensors and big data to tackle societal problems. From smart lighting to artificial intelligence that spots violent behaviour in surveillance footage, smart technology is booming in the Netherlands Continue Reading
-
Feature
27 Apr 2018
GDPR: An overview of the latest data protection legislation
The forthcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will have wide-ranging implications for every organisation that processes personal data. This comprehensive overview tells you what you need to know Continue Reading
-
Feature
27 Apr 2018
Software-defined networking: gathering momentum in the enterprise?
Suppliers are pushing the benefits of software-defined networking harder than ever, and enterprises are starting to take the plunge rather than remaining on the sidelines Continue Reading
-
News
25 Apr 2018
Government promises £300m extra funding as part of £1bn AI sector deal
To become the number one destination for artificial intelligence, the UK needs more specialist skills, and a new injection of funding is aimed at boosting the country’s AI skills pool Continue Reading
-
News
24 Apr 2018
Unified communications supplier Mitel bought by VCs
Unified communications and networking technology supplier Mitel is to be acquired by affiliates of Searchlight Capital Partners for $2bn Continue Reading
-
News
24 Apr 2018
Ransomware attack hit Ukraine energy ministry website
Cyber attack on Ukraine’s energy ministry shows that websites remain a weak point for many organisations online, say security experts Continue Reading
-
News
23 Apr 2018
Nearly half of UK manufacturers hit by cyber attacks
Nearly half of UK manufacturers have been hit by a cyber security incident, according to a report by an industry organisation, which calls for greater government focus on the specific security needs of the sector Continue Reading
-
News
23 Apr 2018
Next generation of SCADA industrial controls will protect against cyber attack
Oil, energy and chemical companies are rethinking how to control big manufacturing plants, replacing expensive control technology with cheaper, more secure systems, taking their cue from biology Continue Reading
-
News
19 Apr 2018
UK and Indian governments agree tech partnership
Agreement aims to identify organisations in the two countries that can work together and open up opportunities for tech entrepreneurs Continue Reading
-
Opinion
18 Apr 2018
Protecting your intellectual property in a digital world
Your business is creating innovative computer code, slick user interfaces, and is using digital technology to solve new problems. How do you protect your investment? Continue Reading
-
News
18 Apr 2018
Huawei debuts its first intent-based networking proposition
At its Shenzhen Analyst Summit, Huawei unveiled its intent-based networking concept, promising to address enterprise customer pain points around network management Continue Reading
-
News
17 Apr 2018
Russian energy giant makes digital tech adoption a priority
Russian oil and gas giant Gazprom Neft is exploring the use of the latest digital technologies across its entire business Continue Reading
-
News
16 Apr 2018
UK and US accuse Russia of targeting network infrastructure
The UK and US have accused the Russian government of targeting network infrastructure, calling on network operators to take the necessary protective measures Continue Reading
-
News
12 Apr 2018
GCHQ growing cyber capability to match threat
GCHQ continues to grow and develop its cyber capability to match the rapidly expanding and evolving threat landscape, says agency director Continue Reading
-
Opinion
12 Apr 2018
The seven levers of digital transformation
Organisations that embark on digital transformation projects often run into difficulties. Following the seven principles of digital transformation will help them reap the benefits of digital technology Continue Reading
-
News
11 Apr 2018
New cyber incident classification to boost UK response
A new cyber attack categorisation system has been unveiled to improve UK response to incidents Continue Reading
-
News
11 Apr 2018
Finnish government backs national AI development strategy
Government is harnessing Finland’s tech base to help make the country a leading location for the artificial intelligence industry Continue Reading
-
Opinion
06 Apr 2018
Why businesses must think like criminals to protect their data
Cyber criminals use three main methods of operation to steal commercial data. Understanding their mindset can help organisations put the right defences in place Continue Reading
-
News
29 Mar 2018
Business unaware of scale of cyber threat
Many businesses, especially board members, do not understand the scale of the cyber threat, but international efforts to combat cyber crime are being hampered by political barriers Continue Reading
-
News
19 Mar 2018
Russia compromised core router in US energy attacks
Russian cyber attackers used a compromised core router in a series of attacks on the US energy sector, security researchers have revealed as the UK energy sector is placed on alert Continue Reading
-
News
16 Mar 2018
Employers face hiring crisis as AI replaces mid-skilled jobs
Artificial intelligence could replace two-thirds of existing jobs within 20 years, and employers will face growing difficulties recruiting skilled staff Continue Reading
-
News
16 Mar 2018
US blames Russia for cyber attacks on energy firms
The US has blamed Russia for a series of attacks on energy sector firms, underlining the need to ensure critical infrastructure IT systems are up to date and secure Continue Reading
-
News
14 Mar 2018
Kenyan solar supplier leans on IoT and fintech for new growth
Mastercard packed its stand at Mobile World Congress with new use cases for fintech in the developing world and launched a new partnership with Kenyan solar energy supplier M-KOPA Continue Reading
-
News
12 Mar 2018
Scottish government to spend £25m to fill 4G coverage gaps
The Scottish government has announced a £25m programme to infill gaps in 4G mobile network coverage across Scotland Continue Reading
-
News
12 Mar 2018
UK leads global upward trend in SOC maturity
The UK is leading the way towards more efficient security operations centres, but many still continue to operate with serious gaps in security, a report reveals Continue Reading
-
News
09 Mar 2018
Government reveals winners of 5G mobile competition
The government has unveiled the winners of a multimillion-pound competition to create 5G mobile network testbeds around the UK Continue Reading
-
News
09 Mar 2018
Cooperation and exercises key to cyber defence, says Nato centre
International cooperation and regular tabletop exercises are essential to ensure effective cyber defence, according to the Nato cyber defence centre Continue Reading
-
News
06 Mar 2018
Norway’s Statkraft outsources IT infrastructure management
Energy company awards India’s HCL five-year IT deal in order to free up resources to focus on core business Continue Reading
-
News
02 Mar 2018
Cyber threat to industrial control systems highest yet
The cyber threat to industrial control systems has never been greater, according to a report analysing malicious activity aimed at such systems Continue Reading
-
News
01 Mar 2018
Trust underpins innovation, says UK information commissioner
Underlining the relevance of data protection legislation to business, the UK information commissioner says consumer trust is key to innovation Continue Reading
-
News
01 Mar 2018
ICO head tops DataIQ data leader list
The UK’s information commissioner has been named at the top data leader for 2018 in the DataIQ 100 list of most influential data leaders Continue Reading
-
News
23 Feb 2018
IT services giants face stiff challenge from niche players in IoT market
Traditional broad and large IT services firms are facing competition from niche industry-focused companies in the IoT services market Continue Reading
-
News
23 Feb 2018
CIO interview: Akash Khurana, CIO and CDO, McDermott International
Akash Khurana’s joint CIO and CDO role enables him to engineer a digital-led business transformation at engineering company McDermott International Continue Reading
-
Opinion
22 Feb 2018
Hawaii missile alert: Why the wrong guy was fired
In January 2018, an employee at Hawaii’s emergency management agency sent out a false alarm of an imminent missile attack, and was subsequently fired – but perhaps poor system design is really to blame Continue Reading
-
News
21 Feb 2018
Security leaders investing in automation and AI, study shows
Automation and artificial Intelligence are being used to defend against cyber threats, says report, but experts warn that these tools and technologies can be exploited by attackers Continue Reading
-
News
20 Feb 2018
Businesses face unprecedented volume of cyber attacks
Organisations are facing the highest levels of cyber attacks in both number and sophistication as automated swarm attacks increase, a cyber threat report reveals Continue Reading
-
News
20 Feb 2018
Strategic cyber criminals likely to capitalise on GDPR
As cyber criminals concentrate on targeted, strategic, money-making attacks, they are likely to use GDPR fines as leverage to extort money from organisations, a report warns Continue Reading
-
News
13 Feb 2018
Siemens’ Datrium NVMe flash speeds customer software deployment
Siemens utility metering group deploys Datrium DVX in place of cumbersome LUN-based block storage and cuts customer software roll-outs to a few minutes and data restores to seconds Continue Reading
-
News
13 Feb 2018
Industrial cyber security improving, but needs work
Cyber attacks on industrial and critical infrastructure systems are increasing in number and sophistication, but more attention is being paid to security, says Honeywell at it opens new Dubai facility Continue Reading
-
News
08 Feb 2018
Norway’s government backs cyber defence mobilisation
Norway has accelerated plans to scale up its national security infrastructure against threats emanating from the cyber domain Continue Reading
-
News
01 Feb 2018
Industrial cyber security continues to be poor, warns report
The number of internet-accessible industrial control systems is increasing every year, researchers warn Continue Reading
-
News
01 Feb 2018
Dutch companies not ready for GDPR despite approaching deadline
Organisations in the Netherlands are racing towards General Data Protection Regulation compliance, but there is still much to be done Continue Reading
-
News
29 Jan 2018
Hefty fines confirmed for CNI providers with poor cyber security
The government has confirmed that critical infrastructure providers with poor cyber security face fines of millions of pounds as the National Cyber Security Centre publishes new guidance for the industry Continue Reading
-
News
23 Jan 2018
Mastercard sets biometric ID deadline for banks
Mastercard has committed to guaranteeing that every one of its customers will have access to biometric authentication services by April 2019 Continue Reading