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Big Data London: NHS Digital data service struggled with Covid testing demands

A critical component of NHS Digital’s data processing struggled to cope with demand caused by Covid-19 testing, Big Data London 2021 attendees heard this week Continue Reading

By

• SA Mathieson

London publishes guidelines for ethical use of smart city tech

Latest draft of the ‘Emerging Technology Charter for London’ encourages local authorities, public services and technology companies to improve how they implement technology in the capital Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

HMRC postpones Making Tax Digital until 2024

Digital tax changes have been delayed to allow more time for customers taking part in the pilot and for the government to enhance the service Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Regulator concerns about resilience and security could slow cloud adoption in financial services

Report by Association for Financial Markets In Europe highlights the pressure financial services firms face as they seek to balance the need for innovation with regulatory requirements Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Fresh alert over Conti ransomware surge

Conti ransomware crew appears increasingly active, prompting fresh warnings from the US authorities Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

MoD in second leak of Afghan citizens’ data

A second breach of data relating to Afghan citizens at risk of Taliban reprisals has been reported by the Ministry of Defence Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Tech Nation announces 15 startups for 10th Future Fifty cohort

Fifteen high-growth startups set to join Tech Nation’s 10th annual Future Fifty programme to help them scale further Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Authorised push payment fraud sees huge increase as criminals switch tactics

Criminals tricking people into making payments through channels such as fake emails and websites have stolen more money than payment card fraudsters Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Government digital chief outlines extent of legacy IT challenge

Central Digital and Data Office director Joanna Davinson says ageing IT is holding back digital transformation Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

JP Morgan Chase to replace core banking system with Google-inspired cloud platform

JP Morgan Chase is the latest bank to acquire the cloud-native core banking technology of UK fintech Thought Machine Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

UK government launches first national artificial intelligence strategy

Ten-year plan is expected to drive corporate adoption of the technology, boost skills and attract international investments Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Newham aims to harness local talent to build data economy in London

The London Borough of Newham sets out to enable its young, digitally savvy population to build a data economy for sustainable growth through the launch of Newham Sparks at London Tech Week 2021 Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

AI cannot be regulated by technical measures alone

The regulation of artificial intelligence must address the power of tech companies, as technical measures alone will not be enough to prevent the harms caused by AI-driven technologies, says report Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Mastercard invests in digital competence training for five million very small businesses

Mastercard is working with suppliers to embed training for small businesses onto their digital platforms Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

UK data plans aim to boost growth but will they isolate the UK from its international friends?

The UK government has made strong statements about the nation’s post-Brexit data strategy but must be careful not to undermine its global credibility Continue Reading

By

• Rita Flakoll and Herbert Swaniker

Legacy, unautomated IT was root cause of human error in pensions underpayment

Caseworkers at Department for Work and Pensions had to use systems dating back to 1988 and manually move data to different systems, leading to human error Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

UK government turns to Tim Berners-Lee startup for digital identity plan

As part of its new digital identity project, the Government Digital Service is using the Solid platform created by web inventor Berners-Lee, which helps users to manage their personal data better Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

US sanctions Suex crypto exchange over ransomware links

US Treasury cracks down on cryptocurrency exchange that supposedly facilitated proceeds from multiple ransomware gangs Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NHS App reaches 16 million users

Tool has seen a surge in uptake since the addition of the NHS Covid Pass in May Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

UK needs coordinated effort to regain ground in high-performance computing

The UK is falling behind in the supercomputer league as a lack of skills and awareness of large-scale computing holds back organisations Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Digital Clinical Safety Strategy adds to NHS patient safety plan

Objective is to ensure digital technologies in health and care are safe and to use them to improve patient safety Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Open banking objectives a decade away for over a third of UK finance firms

The completion of complex open banking initiatives could still be over a decade away for many companies in the finance sector Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Chancellor Rishi Sunak listens to UK tech – Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast

In this episode of the CW Downtime Upload, CW editor in chief Bryan Glick joins the podcast team to discuss his interview with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak at a Treasury Connect conference Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK
• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief
• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

BlackMatter gang ramps up attacks on multiple victims

A wave of new BlackMatter ransomware attacks is hitting organisations around the world, even as the US authorities mull new sanctions on ransom payment infrastructure Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

London Tech Week: London and South losing out on productivity

There appears to be a massive gap between the most and least productive businesses, and tech and tech skills are key ingredients of productivity Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

The cities planning for ethical use of AI

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to tech leaders in Barcelona and London about a collaboration to ensure ethical use of AI in the era of smart cities. The UK government wants to reform data protection law – we assess the implications. And we examine the latest best practice in hybrid cloud. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

DBS eyes AI and blockchain talent

Singapore-based bank DBS is looking to hire 150 developers and engineers skilled in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain through its hackathon programme Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Kioxia revisits SLC flash to power FL6 and rival Optane

SLC flash storage – mostly consigned to the ‘where is it now?’ pile – has been given a lease of life by Kioxia as capacity for rapid access storage-class memory applications Continue Reading

By

• Yann Serra, LeMagIT
• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

How Estonia’s country-as-a-service scheme has attracted tens of thousands of foreign entrepreneurs

Estonia has created a country-as-a-service offering which is attracting entrepreneurs and businesses from across the world Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

UK government announces digital trade strategy

Five-point plan is aimed at improving ways to sell and deliver services digitally, making the sector more resilient to disruption Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Dear Chancellor: Unlocking private sector collaboration is the key to tech growth

Chancellor Rishi Sunak asked the tech sector for ideas to promote growth – startup hub Plexal makes its case in response Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Roughan, Plexal

NGO Fair Trials calls on EU to ban predictive policing systems

The use of artificial intelligence to predict criminal behaviour should be banned because of its discriminatory outcomes and high risk of further entrenching existing inequalities, claims Fair Trials Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Putting data at the heart of policymaking will accelerate London’s recovery

A new initiative to encourage better data sharing between London’s private and public sectors can play an important role in recovering from the pandemic Continue Reading

By

• Mel Hobson

UK tech sector on track for another record year of investment

The UK creates one unicorn tech business a week, as startup funding during the first half of 2021 rockets to £13.5bn Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

JP Morgan launch of UK digital bank expected next week

JP Morgan will launch its UK digital retain bank next week, and continental Europe will be next if it’s a success Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Do we really want a single digital identity system to access government services?

Is the UK government about to make a new announcement on its plans for a single digital identity for citizens to access online public services? On 22 September, two seemingly coordinated ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Whittingdale and Warman ousting completes reshuffle of every digital, data and tech minister

All of the UK ministers responsible for technology, digital and data are moving on as a result of Boris Johnson's latest reshuffle Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

Digital retail: how to optimise success

GUEST BLOG: In this contributed blog post, Greg Ouillon, CTO, New Relic, talks about digital retail and how it has shifted during the pandemic. The last year has certainly changed the high street ... Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Bitdefender launches free REvil ransomware decryptor

Working alongside law enforcement partners, Bitdefender has developed and released a tool to help REvil victims recover their data for free Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Inside nib’s digital transformation journey

In this video interview with Computer Weekly, Brendan Mills, CIO of nib, talks about the insurance company’s digital transformation strategy Continue Reading

By

• Stephen Withers

European president outlines tech vision to drive Europe

President of the European Commission has set out plans for a stronger European economy, with less reliance on US and Chinese tech giants Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Travel-themed phishing lures spiked this summer

As people begin to take holidays again after more than a year of restrictions and lockdowns, opportunist cyber criminals have taken note, according to new data from Palo Alto’s Unit 42 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Network Rail U-turns on blanket inside IR35 contractor determinations

The Department for Transport’s 2020-2021 accounts suggest Network Rail has switched up its IR35 compliance strategy, with more than 70% of its contractors now classified as working outside IR35 Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

UN human rights chief calls for moratorium on AI technologies

High commissioner’s call for a moratorium on the use of AI systems that pose a serious risk to human rights is accompanied by a UN report on the negative human rights impacts associated with the technology Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Interview: Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak on supporting the UK tech sector

Computer Weekly talked to Sunak at a Treasury event in front of an audience of tech sector leaders, investors and startups, to discuss how the government can support the digital economy Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Tech Nation announces second cohort for Net Zero accelerator

The Net Zero programme from Tech Nation aims to help tech startups and scaleups realise their potential to reduce global emissions Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Volkswagen supports Arm-based software-defined car standard

Car manufacturer's software business supports industry initiative to develop a standard platform and open-source reference implementation Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Nordic central banks drive fintech and digital currency

Banks are working together through a cross-border financial technology development hub Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

HDD support and Zoned Namespaces: Key takeaways about NVMe 2.0

We look at new capabilities in the most recent iteration of the NVMe flash storage standard Continue Reading

By

• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

UK government takes equity shares in more than 150 startups

Covid-support loans given to startups through the UK government’s Future Fund have given it stakes in more than 150 high-growth enterprises Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Cost of ransomware attack in financial sector exceeds $2m

Mid-sized financial services organisations worldwide spend an average of over $2m recovering from ransomware attacks Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CCRC refers six more subpostmaster convictions for appeal

An additional six subpostmasters’ convictions have been referred for appeal in Post Office IT scandal Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Is 3D printing about to hit the mainstream?

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out about the emerging consumer services using 3D printing and ask if the technology is about to go mainstream. Our latest buyer’s guide looks at the importance of sustainable datacentres. And we analyse the risks of increasing contactless card spending limits and whether tech could help. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Smishing attacks up sevenfold in six months

Scam text messages are reaching pandemic proportions, thanks in part to the pandemic Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

How high can the contactless card limit go without two-factor authentication?

The spending limit for contactless cards has reached an eyebrow-raising triple-digit figure – £100 – raising questions about the need for user authentication Continue Reading

UK government’s new digital identity system to cost up to £400m

Cabinet Office is seeking £300m-£400m in funding to build its replacement for the failed Gov.uk Verify system, which itself cost over £220m Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Delays to replacing legacy police IT puts access to information at risk, says NAO

National Audit Office says five-year delay to the Home Office’s project to create a National Law Enforcement Data Service, replacing two existing legacy IT systems, puts police access to vital information at risk Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK GDPR faces changes under planned reforms

DCMS is launching a major consultation on proposed changes to the UK’s data protection regime, under which several key elements of the GDPR are likely to change Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Five things you need to know about cloud file services

We look at cloud file services, which provide a file system-like architecture that gives users access to file data wherever they are, just as if it were a local NAS filer Continue Reading

By

• Stephen Pritchard

Government relies on tech to reduce NHS waiting lists

Health and social care secretary Sajid Javid aims to reduce NHS waiting list backlog through use of virtual wards, artificial intelligence and new surgical hubs Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

CW Europe: Dutch researchers build security software to mimic human immune system

In this issue of CW Europe, find out how researchers in the Netherlands are attempting to help IT systems fight certain cyber attacks in a similar way to the human immune system works. One of the team at Dutch research institute TNO was originally an immunologist, and saw parallels with the human immune system in the field of cyber security. Also in this issue, find out about the so-called “Klarna academy” in Stockholm, which has created the next set of Nordic fintech entrepreneurs. Continue Reading

Stolen credit card data worth about £13 on dark web, PayPal worth more

The average price of a stolen credit card on a dark web marketplace comes in at around $17.40, or £12.60, according to new data – but the real money for cyber criminals is in hacked PayPal accounts Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Estonian government opens its digital heart to tech testers

Tech startups are being invited to build and test their products and services on the Estonian government’s IT estate for free, in return for use of the software developed Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Dell, NetApp and Pure: Healthy results on Covid easing

Dell’s still top of the storage supplier pile with midrange arrays doing well, but meanwhile NetApp and Pure are making gains on the rise of public cloud Continue Reading

By

• Yann Serra, LeMagIT
• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

Procuring law enforcement tech needs greater scrutiny

Tech firms are playing a high-stakes game to drive adoption of artificial intelligence and surveillance technology in law enforcement Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Lords committee calls for evidence on digital regulation

House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee has called for evidence to inform its inquiry into the effectiveness of digital regulation Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Banking anti-fraud scheme blocks 65% more fraud

Scheme designed to protect vulnerable people against banking fraud has been expanded to include online scams Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Government opens £2bn chest for big data analytics

The Crown Commercial Service has published an early notification notice for a £500m per annum big data analytics procurement framework, which will run from 2022 to 2026 Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

Highways England delivers a digital roadmap

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to the CDIO of Highways England about her digital services and asset management plans. We explore SIEM and SOAR security tools. And we find out how McLaren Racing is using data analytics to build its cars more efficiently. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

NetApp and AWS launch fully managed Ontap cloud file storage

But hybrid cloud still limited, according to NetApp. Until containerisation is widespread, applications tend to be built for the cloud or work better in the datacentre Continue Reading

By

• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

Room for improvement in UK right to repair laws

The UK government introduced right to repair legislation earlier in 2021 to combat the growing issue of electronic waste, but data sanitisation firm Blancco says that while it’s a step in the right direction, there is definitely scope for improvement Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

China accused of cyber attacks on Norwegian IT systems

China-based cyber attackers have been blamed for multiple assaults on IT systems in Norway Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Apple workers challenge company on toxic workplace culture

Workers participating in the #AppleToo movement say they have collected nearly 500 testimonies from employees about their experiences of discrimination, harassment and abuse at Apple Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Applications for Tech Nation Global Talent Visa hit 4,000

Tech Nation, the endorsing body for the digital technology route of the UK’s Global Talent Visa, has reached a total of 4,000 visa applications since 2014 Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

How high can the contactless card limit go without two-factor authentication?

The spending limit for contactless cards has reached an eyebrow-raising triple-digit figure – £100 – raising questions about the need for user authentication Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

WhatsApp fined €225m over GDPR breaches

Irish data protection watchdog has issued one of the largest GDPR fines to date against Facebook-owned WhatsApp Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Finance firms faced up to £760,000 costs per DNS attack during pandemic

Financial services firms have been the focus of attacks by cyber criminals during the Covid-19 crisis Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Five key questions to ask about storage-as-a-service and consumption models

We look at important questions to ask providers of consumption-based storage procurement services, such as base costs and burst, usage measurement and upgrade paths Continue Reading

By

• Stephen Pritchard

Twitter tests auto-block feature for accounts at risk of abuse

Latest Twitter feature automatically blocks abusive users, and is intended to help victims regain control of their experience on the platform Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

National Highways sets out data-driven plan for Strategic Road Network

Digital twins, data sharing, predictive analytics and the use of drones all get a mention in Digital Roads five-year strategic plan Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

The Gulf is counting on its smart cities for a sustainable and profitable future

The countries in the Gulf region are leading the way in the development of smart cities as part of their economic diversification Continue Reading

By

• Alicia Buller

University of Sunderland applies technology through robot dog

Students will apply technologies such as artificial intelligence to robotic dog as part of their learning Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Tech sector spends nearly €100m a year lobbying the EU

Study on technology firms’ lobbying efforts in the European Union shows the sector spends more than any other in trying to influence policies and legislation Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

More NAND SSD in fewer hands as WD $20m Kioxia bid likely

The NAND flash market could soon go from six major players to four, but the fusion of Kioxia into WD and SK Hynix with Intel’s NAND business will still leave Samsung atop the pile Continue Reading

By

• Yann Serra, LeMagIT
• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

NHSX sets out digital guidelines for NHS organisations

The What Good Looks Like framework provides instructions on how NHS leaders should improve the use of digital in their organisations Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Subpostmasters demand more clarity on Horizon public inquiry before committing their support

Subpostmaster campaign group founder demands that financial redress for members be included in public inquiry before it ‘willingly’ participates Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Uber and GMB pledge to end driver exploitation

Pledge to end the exploitation of drivers who use ride-hailing apps was made ahead of Uber and GMB’s first meeting since signing a collective bargaining agreement in May Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Are proposed data protection changes a threat to UK citizens’ privacy?

Though changes are as-yet undefined pending an upcoming consultation, concerns are already being expressed over the government’s plan to liberalise data protection laws in the service of innovation and growth Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

McLaren Racing pursues car build efficiency with Alteryx

McLaren Racing selects Alteryx analytics software in pursuit of greater car build efficiency in face of Formula 1 cost cap, and to improve fan engagement Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

Boots leading drive for ‘professionalisation of IT’ in retail

Boots becomes member of the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, as CIO Rich Corbridge accelerates drive for the ‘professionalisation of IT’ Continue Reading

By

• Ben Sillitoe

AI more likely to complement than replace predictive analytics

The discipline of predictive analytics is likely to increase in importance as it is complemented by artificial intelligence. NHS and National Express case studies prove the point Continue Reading

By

• Cath Everett

Tech giants commit to Biden's cyber security action plan

Some of the world’s most prominent tech giants have made a series of commitments to enhance the US’ national cyber security posture following a high-profile meeting with president Biden Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government unveils post-Brexit data flow proposals

The government will pursue data partnerships with countries including Australia, South Korea and the US as part of a post-Brexit data regime that may also see substantial changes to the UK’s data protection law Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Scottish government launches £25m digital funding for SMEs

Money comes from the latest wave of the government’s DigitalBoost Fund, which offers small and medium-sized businesses in Scotland funding to invest in digital technologies Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

How 3D printing is growing one step at a time

We speak to a 3D printing firm that has expanded the reach of the technology by providing hardware and design software for customised insoles Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

CW Nordics: Klarna alumni energise Stockholm’s startup scene

Klarna, established in 2005, has not only grown into a well-known Swedish fintech brand, but former staff have gone on to create some of the Nordic region's new startup ventures that are currently riding a wave of growth. Find out more about the so-called ‘Klarna academy’. Also read in this issue why growing tech companies in Stockholm say the city's startup environment needs to diversify more. Continue Reading

NHS Scotland sets out recovery plan

Plan includes ensuring digital choices are always available, scaling up online consultation app and accelerating technology adoption in the NHS Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

NZ privacy lead John Edwards named new information commissioner

DCMS has named John Edwards, currently New Zealand privacy commissioner, to succeed Elizabeth Denham as UK information commissioner Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Algorithmic accountability needs meaningful public participation

Global analysis by Ada Lovelace Institute and other research groups finds algorithmic accountability mechanisms in the public sector are hindered by a lack of engagement with the public Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

UK loses £1.3bn to fraud and cyber crime so far this year

New figures from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau show a threefold spike in reported financial losses to fraud and cyber crime in the first six months of 2021 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor