IT news in your industry sector

HMRC IT systems crash as customers attempt to file tax returns

Several HMRC IT systems crashed on Saturday, leaving customers attempting to file their tax returns frustrated as the deadline approaches Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Florida warns 30,000 medical records may have been exposed

The health agency in the US state of Florida has warned that the records of up to 30,000 Medicaid patients may have been exposed when the agency’s IT systems were breached Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Insurance broker Simply Business ditches legacy MPLS for SD-WAN

Insurance business finds networking a breeze after ditching its unresponsive managed services provider and implementing VeloCloud’s latest software-defined wide area network technology Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Patch systems against Meltdown and Spectre, urges ICO

UK’s data protection watchdog is calling for organisations to apply security updates to mitigate against exploits of microprocessor flaws as soon as possible to safeguard personal data Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

2018 could be year of critical infrastructure attacks, says report

The coming year is likely to see an increase in the number of cyber attacks on critical national infrastructure (CNI), according to a report based on experts’ forecasts Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Case study: Doing digital the Stockport way

Stockport Council’s digital programme is working to transform services for both citizens and staff, saving chunks of money and driving efficiency at the same time Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Blockchain’s promise goes beyond fintech

By reducing the cost of peer-to-peer data and resource transfer, blockchain can remove the need for third parties and middlemen across industries Continue Reading

By

• Kenny Yeo, Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific

University of Northampton launches app-based prospectus

University is using software to create an app-based prospectus and improve internal communications Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

London attracted record tech investment in 2017

London-based tech firms received record levels of venture capital funding last year Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Apple confirms all devices affected by Meltdown and Spectre

Apple has confirmed that all iPhones, iPads and Mac computers are affected by the recently discovered microprocessor exploits as the financial services industry assesses the risk Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Zero in on your zero-day vulnerabilities

A zero-day attack comes, by definition, out of the blue. You cannot predict its nature or assess how much damage it might cause, but you can take some basic steps to protect yourself from a potentially crippling cyber strike Continue Reading

By

• Graeme Park

Scottish Ambulance Service tests satellite to improve critical care process

The Scottish Ambulance Service is testing satellite broadband to help paramedics gather vital information on their patients’ conditions whilst in transit Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NHS Coventry connects GPs to CityFibre broadband

NHS Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group is upgrading to full-fibre broadband infrastructure for GP practices and community health centres Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Nordic banks face digitisation decisions over PSD2

With the latest version of the EU payment services directive coming into force, traditional Nordic banks can’t afford to slow their digital transformations Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

Critical Intel security patch will slow PCs, servers and Macs

AMD shares rise on news that the performance of millions of Windows PCs, Linux servers and Apple Macs is to be impacted by critical updates for a recently discovered security flaw in Intel chips manufactured in the past 10 years Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Nuffield Health hits peak performance after switching to SDN

The non-profit healthcare and fitness organisation has improved both its network and wider IT performance after switching over to SDN technology Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government yet to ‘fully embrace’ digital, says IoD report

Institute of Directors report says the government’s digital drive has lost momentum and calls on public sector to harness private sector technologies and innovation Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Smartphone production to plateau in 2018, says report

After a bumper year, driven chiefly by growth in the Chinese market, smartphone production will begin to slow in 2018, according to analysts at TrendForce Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

IoT botnet DDoS attacks predicted after exploit code published

Security researchers are urging businesses to ensure they are prepared for large-scale DDoS attacks following the online publication of code to exploit a vulnerability in Huawei HG532 routers Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Top IT priorities for Nordic CIOs in 2018

Nordic CIOs tell Computer Weekly about their intentions for the year ahead Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

Building on the UK tech sector’s momentum in 2018

The UK’s digital and tech industry made great progress in 2017, and the government aims to further its support in 2018, says digital minister Continue Reading

By

• Matt Hancock, HM Government

Top UK and US firms still overestimating GDPR readiness

Less than five months before the compliance deadline for the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), most top UK and US firms are still overestimating their state of readiness, a study suggests Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Trackside network to bring 5G to UK rail travellers by 2025

The government has launched a consultation on improving mobile connectivity for rail passengers Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Controversial council broadband service sold to Gigaclear

Ultrafast broadband services supplier Gigaclear has acquired the assets of troubled district-council-backed altnet Aylesbury Vale Broadband Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Ransomware to hit cloud computing in 2018, predicts MIT

Ransomware targeting cloud services is one of the six biggest cyber threats likely to face organisations in 2018, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Top 10 CIO interviews of 2017

IT leaders from across the UK and Europe shared their plans, strategies and best practice advice with Computer Weekly Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Air New Zealand to trial digital translation technology

Airline becomes one of the first companies to try out a business case for Google's real-time translation technology Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Canada’s CGI takes top spot in UK government IT contracts for 2017

Analysis of government procurement data shows CGI topped the table for new IT deals, earning more than four times the amount of its nearest rival Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Top 10 IT security stories of 2017

Here are Computer Weekly's top 10 IT security stories of 2017 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Yoox Net-A-Porter Group appoints first chief data and analytics officer

Online fashion retailer Yoox Net-A-Porter Group has confirmed the appointment of its chief data and analytics officer, a new role for the firm Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Fourth industrial revolution AI scepticism rife at Lords committee

In the final session of its enquiry into artificial intelligence and the UK economy, a House of Lords select committee played host to scepticism about the so-called fourth industrial revolution Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

Sweden’s Stena Line sets sail for digital transformation

Ferry operator’s CTO tells Computer Weekly how the company can differentiate itself by using digital tools to make its processes more efficient Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

UK government blames North Korea for WannaCry cyber attack

The UK and US governments say a North Korean group was responsible for the ransomware attacks that hit the NHS and other organisations globally this year Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Fear not for the future of digital government - the GIFs are taken care of

I was tempted to write this blog post on Computer Weekly's Downtime blog, where we try to look at the lighter side of the world of IT. But I'm not entirely sure this is a joke. While budgetary ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Top 10 enterprise IT in the Nordics stories in 2017

The Nordic region might be best known in IT circles for its startup communities – but it has much more to offer Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Navigating through digital change

In this week’s Computer Weekly, IT leaders share the lessons learned and discuss best practice in digital transformation. We find out how SAP is addressing customer concerns about its indirect licensing policies. And we assess whether SME IT suppliers are making headway in selling to government CIOs. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Australia’s Kogan.com breaks IT silos

E-commerce company used to run separate systems across different business functions, but has implemented an SAP system to streamline operations Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

How are companies solving the last-mile delivery problem?

E-commerce has radically changed how goods are transported, and put a spotlight on the last-mile delivery problem. Learn how retailers are changing their tactics to address the issue. Continue Reading

By

• Dave Turbide

On digital identity in the UK - and the likely future for Gov.uk Verify

Did you know the UK government has a minister for identity? It’s Baroness Susan Williams, whose full responsibilities go under the grander title of minister of state for countering extremism. ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

CW Europe: Eurosport pumps up digital technology for cycling fans

Read how Eurosport is using a novel combination of technology and information to develop immersive viewing experiences for sports fans across a range of platforms. Also find out how Russian state bank Vneshekonombank expects to become a vehicle for a blockchain revolution in the country’s public sector, and what the European Parliament's approval of a new electronic system to store biometric information might mean for UK citizens after Brexit. Continue Reading

HP is running its global print supplies production from Singapore

The personal computing and printer giant has opened a facility in Singapore to oversee over 50 print supplies manufacturing lines and test the use of robots, data analytics and 3D printing to improve production efficiency Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Labour MP Liam Byrne launches ‘People’s Plan for Digital’

Shadow digital minister launches online collaborative project for the public and industry to share and debate ideas on the UK’s digital future Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

The 50 most influential people in UK IT 2017

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we reveal our annual list of the 50 most influential people in UK IT, and talk to this year’s winner – Mayank Prakash, chief digital and information officer at the Department for Work and Pensions – about the challenges and opportunities of digital government. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

GDS staff survey reveals concerns over leadership and evidence of bullying and harassment

Employee survey at Government Digital Service shows staff enjoy their work but have concerns about senior management – plus complaints over discrimination, bullying and harassment Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Innovation key to halt cyber attacks

In the light of the number of cyber breaches taking place, innovative security systems are required, according to the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CIO interview: Christine Walters, director of informatics, St Helens & Knowsley NHS Trust

St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s director of informatics, Christine Walters, talks about running a health informatics service, the importance of understanding how people on the front line work and managing expectations Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

Workers should embrace robots, not fear them, says Labour deputy

Labour deputy leader to say workers need not fear robots taking their jobs, but welcome the opportunities they will bring Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Bumps in the road ahead for Nordic cashless societies

Sweden and Norway are global leaders when it comes to reducing the use of cash in the economy – but what about the Nordic region as a whole? Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Russian-speaking hackers targeting financial institutions

A Russian-speaking cyber criminal gang is targeting financial institutions in the UK, US and Russia, a Moscow-based security firm reports Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Critical border IT systems won’t be ready before Brexit, says PAC report

Of the 85 IT systems at the UK border, 30 will need to be replaced or changed due to Brexit, but critical new or updated border IT systems won’t ready by the time the UK leaves the EU, PAC report finds Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Forging a new identity: IT underpins Openreach’s independence

Openreach chief technology and information officer Mark Lam discusses how IT is helping to forge a new and distinct identity for the network infrastructure business as it leaves the wider BT Group Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Hackers steal nearly $80m in bitcoin

Hackers have stolen nearly $80m worth of bitcoin from a bitcoin mining service as the cryptocurrency’s value continues to skyrocket Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Tieto wins Stockholm’s multimillion IT outsourcing contract

Swedish capital switches IT services provider after “administrative error” ruled original contractor out of agreement Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

UKtech50 2017 - The most influential people in UK IT

Computer Weekly has announced the eighth annual UKtech50 – our definitive list of the movers and shakers in the UK IT sector Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UKtech50 interview: DWP chief digital and information officer Mayank Prakash

The UKtech50 most influential person in UK IT 2017, Department for Work and Pensions chief digital and information officer Mayank Prakash, talks about changing ways of working, the importance of culture and the role of new technologies Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

How to attract investors for your enterprise software startup

Are you looking to find an investor for your enterprise software company? This expert advice explains what investors will be looking to find in an innovative software business seeking backing Continue Reading

By

• Daniel Domberger, Livingstone

Andromeda mastermind Sergey Jarets jailed, say security researchers

Security researchers say they believe that a hacker arrested by Belarus police is Andromeda botnet mastermind Sergey Jarets Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CIO interview: Carlos Abarca, TSB

Carlos Abarca is guiding TSB through its migration from systems hosted by a competitor to a digitally focused in-house core banking platform. Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

What are the advantages and disadvantages of drop shipping?

For both retailers and manufacturers, drop shipping has pros and cons. Here's some considerations to fuel research into the best strategy. Continue Reading

By

• Dave Turbide

US utility provider PG&E on ditching the datacentre and going cloud-first

US-based utility provider Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) discusses how getting out of the datacentre business and into the cloud is helping meet its regulatory, affordability and innovation targets Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Bitcoin industry enters top 10 DDoS targets

The bitcoin industry has become one of the top 10 industries most targeted by distributed denial of service attacks, a report has revealed Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Researchers warn of new support scam malware

Security researchers have identified a new strain of support scam malware and a way of clearing up infected machines Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Third of Sweden's IT providers could be gone in two years

The IT services sector in Sweden will be decimated as hundreds of local suppliers disappear Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

What lessons can be learned from Britain’s smartest city?

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we visit Bristol, ranked as the UK’s top smart city, to find out what it’s learned and what’s coming next in the city’s technology plans. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the emerging area of software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN). And we trace the evolution of open source as more organisations contribute code to the community. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Steal a march on cyber criminals through security by deception

Security by obscurity, although a common and tempting practice, is generally not recommended, but security by deception offers a way for defenders to make it more difficult for attackers to succeed and easier for defenders to catch them Continue Reading

By

• Nicholas Fearn

Barclays Bank stops offering Kaspersky software to new users

Bank is no longer offering customers Kaspersky anti-virus software after UK security agency issues warning Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Lauri Love could face jail in detention centre condemned by US judges

Appeal court hears conditions in Metropolitan Detention Centre, where alleged hacker Lauri Love is likely to be sent if extradited to the US, described by US judges as 'unconscionably bad', and that Love would be at 'real risk' Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin & Julia Gregory

Google faces £2.7bn claim on behalf of 5.4 million iPhone users

Technology giant is accused of harvesting and selling data from millions of iPhone users from 2011 to 2012 who could each receive compensation of several hundred pounds Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Lauri Love would face ‘medieval’ conditions in US prison if extradited over hacking charges

Engineering student Lauri Love should be tried in the UK, court hears, as new evidence is presented on the “medieval” conditions in US jails for people with medical problems Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin & Julia Gregory

Datrium’s hybrid Cloud DVX brings off-site mirror of NVMe storage

Cloud DVX operates in Amazon cloud to provide backup and recovery instance off-site, for use as a mirror site for customers of the NVMe-focused storage maker Continue Reading

By

• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

Consumer identity management a growing trend

Consumer identity and access management is a growing trend, but system choice is still challenging, according to KuppingerCole Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Norway merges payment systems to combat global competition

Norwegian banks are merging three payment and identification systems in the face of increased competition from companies in other countries Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

Businesses need to balance user experience, privacy and security

Balancing user experience, privacy and security for the connected consumer is a key challenge for online businesses, according to KuppingerCole Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Fintech is increasing operational risk to banks

European Banking Association report reveals fear of greater operational risk because of increased take-up of fintech in financial services sector Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Lauri Love: how reformed hackers halted the WannaCry virus

Lauri Love presents a compelling story of the WannaCry malware that nearly brought down the NHS, and the behind the scenes work of former hackers, and security researchers that helped to prevent lives being lost. Love is facing extradition to the US after allegedly taking part in a hacking protest over the death of internet pioneer Aaron Swartz, who faced jail for using a hidden computer to downloading academic journals at MIT. Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

UK sale of surveillance equipment to Macedonia raises questions over export licence policy

The UK approved an export licence for the sale of surveillance equipment to Macedonia – while the country was engaged in an illegal surveillance programme against its citizens. A senior minister was consulted on the decision Continue Reading

By

• Tena Prelec

UK IT professionals could lose out in a free trade deal between UK and India

There could be an increase in Indian IT professionals coming to work in the UK post-Brexit if a new trade deal is signed with India Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

My brother Lauri Love should have the right to a trial in the UK

Lauri Love should face trial over hacking allegations in a British Court, rather than be extradited to the US, where his extraordinary skills will be lost to society, says his younger sister Continue Reading

By

• Natasha Love

UK only average in terms of digital public services

UK government has the innovation skills to become a digital public services leader, but needs to improve the ID and authentication that sits underneath it to reach this goal Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Blockchain could be used for citizen identity services, says Reform

Reform think tank argues that government could use blockchain technology to create a secure identity for citizens to use across public services Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Academics and public sector organisations collaborate on London Wi-Fi project

Students and public sector staff across London will get easier access to the Jisc eduroam and govroam Wi-Fi networks through a new scheme spearheaded by City, University of London and Camden Council Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CW Nordics: IT companies focus on job satisfaction

The Nordics IT industry’s increasing focus on job satisfaction is paying off. Computer Weekly’s global salary survey shows Nordic IT professionals are happy with their pay and training opportunities and few are actively seeking a new job. Also in this issue, read how there is still gender inequality in the IT sector despite Nordic countries being hailed as pioneers of digital and equal worker rights. And Anna Eriksson, CIO of the Swedish National Land Survey, talks about the organisation’s approach to digital transformation. Continue Reading

How does material intensity help measure sustainability?

One important foundation of sustainability is using fewer materials and less energy. Using the material intensity measure can help determine the success of those reduction efforts. Continue Reading

By

• Dave Turbide

IR35 reforms: Consultation on private sector roll-out confirmed in Autumn Budget 2017

The government has confirmed it is preparing to consult on whether or not to roll out the controversial IR35 tax avoidance reforms to the private sector Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

CIO interview: David Southern, director of ICT, WWF UK

In his 17 years in the IT department at the WWF, David Southern has seen many changes – and the advent of cloud computing is one of the biggest Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Uber recognises need for consumer trust after breach cover up

New Uber leadership has recognised the importance of consumer trust and that they never should have attempted to cover up a 2016 data breach that affected millions of customers and drivers Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

IR35 reforms: Economic concerns raised over prospect of private sector roll-out

With the government’s stance on rolling out the IR35 reforms to the private sector appearing to soften, IPSE and others air concerns over the threat this move could pose to the post-Brexit economy Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Nordic CIO interview: Emil Dahlin, Svevia

Swedish construction company Svevia is transforming digitally, driven by chief information officer Emil Dahlin Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

CIO interview: Juan Perez, CIO, UPS

UPS CIO Juan Perez talks about the importance of having a “business-intimate” IT department and using technology to develop a “personal touch” Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

UK cyber defenders set to build on existing capability

UK national cyber attack response and investigation is a well-defined and rehearsed process, but the responsible agencies say they are building more capability and closing the gaps Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

What can intent-based networking do for you?

In this week’s Computer Weekly, intent-based networking promises to optimise networks through automation and analytics, but can it deliver? At its annual Symposium event, Gartner said the CIO role continues to evolve and IT leaders need to champion digital change – we examine the issues. And we find out how security analytics can help deal with cyber threats. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Universal Credit moves into Amazon Web Services cloud

Parts of the digital system underpinning the controversial welfare reform programme are now running on AWS under DWP’s hybrid cloud strategy Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Budget 2017 to promise huge UK technology boost

Wednesday’s Budget will include funding for artificial intelligence, driverless cars, 5G, digital skills and more computer science teachers Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Dubai Health Authority completes final phase of Salama electronic medical records system roll-out

Dubai Health Authority completes medical records digitisation scheme, 21 months after the project was first unveiled Continue Reading

By

• Edward Banda

How data analytics helped Lewis Hamilton win the Formula One drivers' championship

Formula One constructors' champion Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport worked with supplier Tibco to enhance its use of data Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Europe not ready for imminent cyber strikes, say infosec professionals

Information security leaders in Europe believe a major breach of critical infrastructure is coming and that data breaches in their own organisations are imminent – yet most are not ready Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Private Swiss bank Julius Baer to save $1m a year with cloud HR

Julius Baer banks on higher returns after replacing on-premise systems with cloud HR services Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Post Office court case judge issues warning to legal teams

The high court judge managing the sub-postmasters versus Post Office legal case over an allegedly faulty computer system tells legal teams to cooperate Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

DWP insourced 400 staff from HPE into new IT services subsidiary

New arrangement allows Department for Work and Pensions to pay higher base salaries to encourage staff expecting private sector wages Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Opinion: Why the UK’s visa expansion is important to the tech sector

Following the government’s decision to expand the UK’s visa scheme for overseas talent, home secretary Amber Rudd tells Computer Weekly why this will help the UK tech sector Continue Reading

By

• Amber Rudd, UK government