IT news in your industry sector

GDPR is encouraging UK IT directors to pay cyber ransoms

As predicted ahead of the General Data Protection Regulation enforcement deadline, research shows that fear of fines under the new laws is making some firms more likely to pay cyber ransoms Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Take the pain out of software patching

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at one of the oldest pain points for IT departments – software patching – and ask how to make it less complex across the enterprise. We examine the rise of Kubernetes, the open source container orchestration system that’s gathering popularity for cloud-native applications. And we look at the issues around storage strategy to support a multicloud environment. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

HPE makes bigger push in hybrid IT

Enterprise technology supplier HPE has doled out a slew of enhancements to its composable IT portfolio to help enterprises run IT more like cloud service providers Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Barnet Council looks to bring parts of Capita contract back in house

Barnet Council is planning to bring parts of its Capita outsourcing deal back in house, and expects the supplier to pay the council £4.12m due to delivery issues with some areas of the contract Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

NHS policy leaders: value AI but get the basics right

NHS doctors and policy chiefs said at the Westminster Health Forum that artificial intelligence has untapped value for healthcare, but needs to be underpinned with discipline Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

UK fails to make top eGovernment rankings

UK fails to make it into the top rankings in the European Commission’s eGovernment Benchmark report, which shows that across Europe, two-thirds of public sector services are now available online Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

ASOS launches digital assistant to help customers find right size

Online fashion retailer ASOS has launched an artificially intelligent assistant to help consumers find the right size of clothing before they place an order Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Hamburg has ambitions to be a virtual reality hub

The German city of Hamburg is setting itself up as a potential hub for virtual reality startups Continue Reading

By

• Alex Cruickshank

Lords call for HMRC to delay Making Tax Digital for VAT

The government must begin to listen to small businesses and should delay the roll-out of its Making Tax Digital for VAT programme by at least a year, says the Lords Economic Affairs Committee Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Smart meter benefits cut by old technology and rising costs

Energy companies may end up spending billions unless they can install smart meters more cheaply Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

IKEA to focus on digitisation and convenience shopping

Swedish furniture brand IKEA will be cutting jobs and focusing on smaller stores and its digital pipeline in a bid to usher in a new era of business transformation Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

CW Nordics: Swedish IT sector advises on election security

The security measures assembled and implemented around the 2018 election in Sweden were devised in consultation with leading actors within the country’s private IT sector. Also read about how Denmark’s ambition to become a leading ocation for hyperscale datacentres is gaining momentum, and why Estonia wants to recruit IT professionals from the UK. Continue Reading

Finland invests in IT to upgrade electricity network

National electricity transmission grid operator Fingrid’s Datahub system will play key role in retail market’s transition to a centralised information exchange Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O’Dwyer

TechUK calls on Matt Hancock to fast-track NHS digitisation

The tech industry body’s ‘Manifesto for Matt’ calls on the health secretary to focus on empowering citizens, enabling a world-class workforce and making the UK the number one place for health tech innovation Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

IBM pushes boundaries of AI, but insists companies take an ethical approach

Researchers at IBM are pushing the boundaries of what artificial intelligence and machine learning can do, but remain wary of the ethical implications that accompany the proliferation of this technology Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Interview: Comms sector ripe for disruption as climate change takes hold

Humanity has just 12 years left to keep global warming to a maximum of 1.5⁰C and prevent climate meltdown. Paul Dickinson from the Carbon Disclosure Project discusses how CIOs can help take steps to avert disaster by changing their attitude to business communications Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Post Office held back information about Horizon IT system errors

Post Office director admits to Horizon errors and not sharing details with subpostmaster network Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Citizens don’t want the NHS to prioritise digital health, report finds

The UK public want the NHS to focus spending on cancer care, staff and mental health, and rank digital access to services lowest on their list of priorities Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

NetApp and Pure show strong results on flash storage and cloud

NetApp records healthy year-on-year revenue increase with flash showing out well, while Pure Storage sees incredible earnings for its flash products over 12 months Continue Reading

By

• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

Lincolnshire Police signs 10-year cloud control room tech refresh deal with Motorola Solutions

Lincolnshire Police is embracing cloud technologies within its control room environment as it strives to improve the efficiency of its operations Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

How voice biometrics catches fraudsters

Telephone banking is often seen as the forgotten channel in multi-channel banking, something that fraudsters are now exploiting Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Police challenged over refusal to disclose files on WikiLeaks staff

Lawyers will challenge the Metropolitan Police Service today to confirm or deny whether it holds correspondence with US law enforcement about three WikiLeaks staff – including two UK citizens – in a freedom of information tribunal Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin and Niels Ladefoged

Sixth form college rebuilds after fire with Scale hyper-converged

Xaverian College suffered a server room fire but took the opportunity to build a hyper-converged infrastructure with Scale Computing that did away with costly VMware licence fees Continue Reading

By

• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

Jeremy Wright announces Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation board

Secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Wright, announces make up of Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation board at ODI Summit Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

CIO interview: Graham Evans, CITO, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s chief information and technology officer talks about joining up health and care, the importance of keeping up to date with technology, and why trying to deliver perfection won’t work Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

How the Science Museum is moving to the digital age

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how London’s Science Museum is dealing with legacy IT to move into the age of digital and data. We examine Nationwide Building Society’s move to cloud and DevOps to transform its operations. And we look at how technologies such as machine learning and blockchain are helping to automate global supply chains. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

CIO interview: Jason Oliver, ICT director, Science Museum Group

The Science Museum’s outgoing ICT director talks about improving data, dealing with legacy systems and digitising the museum’s collection. Continue Reading

Putting the UK at the forefront of ethics and innovation in AI and data

The announcement of high-profile members of the UK's Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation is another step for the government's commitment to be a global leader in AI, says secretary of state Continue Reading

By

• Jeremy Wright, DCMS

CDO interview: Aidan Millar, DNB

Norwegian bank hires chief data officer to lead its data-driven transformation Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Government lacks cyber resilience leadership, according to MPs

The government lacks political leadership and urgency in dealing with cyber threats, according to Joint Committee on National Security Strategy, calling for a minister in charge of delivering cyber resilience Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Standard Life and Aberdeen Asset Management turn to Workday to complete merger

Standard Life Aberdeen, created in August 2017 when two of Scotland’s largest financial services companies merged, is transferring 3,000 former Standard Life staff to Aberdeen Asset Management’s Workday HR system as it integrates the two businesses Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Three factors marginalising the CISO role

Chief information security officers are typically marginalised due to three factors, and de-coupling the technical and managerial aspects of the job will enable empowerment, says consultant Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Tech sector split over Brexit deal

The draft EU Withdrawal Agreement has caused rifts in the tech sector, with some calling for a People’s Vote with the option to remain in the EU, and others wanting MPs to back the agreement, saying it’s better than a no-deal scenario Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK firms in the dark around the impact of cyber attacks

UK firms have a long way to go in building the business resilience required to withstand cyber threats and other major disruptions, a study shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Securing the SD-WAN: The next network challenge

Every time an enterprise weighs up whether or not to try SD-WAN, security is an essential part of the picture Continue Reading

By

• Christian Annesley

Post Office executives cross-examined in Horizon IT system trial

A High Court trial, where subpostmasters are suing the Post Office for damages caused by an allegedly faulty IT system, ended its second week. Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

UN extreme poverty monitor is critical of Universal Credit ‘digital by default’ service

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights raises significant concerns with Universal Credit, including poor digital literacy among claimants, automation errors and lack of transparency Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

EE and Virgin Media fined for breaking consumer protection rules

Ofcom has imposed fines totalling £13.3m on EE and Virgin Media, saying both providers levied excessive charges on customers who ended their contracts early Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Russian banks to introduce contactless ATMs

Russian banks have introduced their first contactless ATMs, which customers can link to via smartphones and wearable devices Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Many firms still stuck in GDPR prep phase six months after its initiation

Six months after the GDPR compliance deadline, many companies are struggling to make data protection principles part of everyday business, says PwC’s GDPR and data protection lead Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Why is hiring a government chief security officer such a tricky business?

Security bosses and CIOs weigh in on why they think the government is struggling to recruit a chief security officer Continue Reading

By

• Sooraj Shah

Keep people at the centre of risk management, says consultant

In assessing the cyber risks to a business, security professionals should start with the people in an organisation and keep them at the centre in identifying and mitigating risk, says consultant Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Enterprises lack capability against persistent cyber attacks

A report urges organisations to strengthen their cyber defence capabilities to pre-empt, detect and respond to post-breach attacks Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

The Gym Group flexes its muscles with data analytics

No-frills fitness company The Gym Group is using analytics technology to find insights from its financial, HR and membership data, as it limbers up for rapid expansion in the UK Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Members of Parliament should back EU Withdrawal Agreement, says industry

Industry experts say the government’s EU Withdrawal Agreement is far from perfect and still requires more clarity, but call on MPs to back it, as it’s better than a No-Deal Brexit Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

It’s complicated: How enterprises are approaching IAM challenges

Identity and access management challenges are evolving with digital transformation. Computer Weekly explores some of the ways organisations are ensuring the right people gain the right access to the right resources Continue Reading

By

• Christian Annesley

Non-invasive, AI-powered cardiac test spreads through NHS with help of government funding

A cardiac test powered by artificial intelligence has the potential to save the UK’s health service hundreds of pounds per heart patient Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Defra still to test six ‘critical’ IT systems before Brexit

MPs have raised concerns around Defra’s Brexit readiness as it hasn’t yet begun testing six critical IT systems needed to replace EU systems, but the department remains confident Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Challenger bank ready to get its banking licence back

CivilisedBank is reapplying for a banking licence after giving it up to focus on its technology Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

PwC provides retail data insights for London’s West End

New West End Company hopes data on consumer behaviour will help retailers to increase spending in the area by one-third to £12bn over the next few years Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

AI-enhanced security tools necessary for today’s threats

Machine learning-enhanced tools are necessary to keep up with current threats, but are not perfect and will not solve the security skills gap problem, says KuppingerCole Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CIO interview: Barry Libenson, global CIO, Experian

Experian’s global CIO has worked to change the company’s IT set-up from a “free for all”, taking a standardised approach to development, infrastructure and platforms Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

CYBG scraps Virgin Money digital bank project

It is not a surprise CYBG is ending Virgin Money's digital bank project following its acquisition of the company because it already has one Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Zero-trust security not an off-the-shelf product

The zero-trust security model is a business enabler that needs to be supported by a strategy and security architecture, analyst warns cyber security leaders Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Sweden’s central bank to test digital currency

Riksbank e-krona initiative follows government plan for a cashless society by 2030 Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Broadband voucher scheme to end early thanks to high demand

The government has urged small business owners to consider signing up for its ultrafast broadband connection voucher scheme before the available funding runs out Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Panasas refreshes with ActiveStor Ultra in push to the enterprise

Scale-out NAS maker Panasas wants to make its ActiveStor storage more attractive to enterprises by touting its ease of use and putting storage nodes on commodity hardware Continue Reading

By

• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

5G will unleash digital transformation for UK enterprises

Mobile operator EE is working hand-in-hand with its largest enterprise customers to realise the potential of its future 5G mobile network Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Post Office trial throws up known problem with Horizon system

High Court case in which subpostmasters are suing the Post Office has revealed a known problem with the computer system at the core of the dispute Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Will the $34bn IBM-Red Hat mega-merger succeed?

In this week’s Computer Weekly, after IBM pays $34bn to buy open source specialist Red Hat in an attempt to boost its cloud capabilities, we analyse whether the deal can be a success. We examine the challenges that the emerging field of quantum computing presents for current encryption techniques. And our latest buyer’s guide looks at storage for the internet of things. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

User behaviour analytics adding new insight

User behaviour analytics is helping to add new insights by providing the missing element in security event information management approaches, says Martin Kuppinger Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Home Office to use smartphone ID for EU Exit scheme

The Home Office will use smartphone digital identity verification to support applications for the government’s EU Exit Settlement Scheme   Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

HMRC resolves technical issue with tax-free childcare portal

The department’s tax-free childcare website has again suffered technical issues, affecting 22,000 payments, but the problems were resolved last week, according to HMRC Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Norway’s IT industry must tackle security vulnerabilities

Report reveals growing threat posed by “hostile foreign actors” against Norway’s IT systems and critical national infrastructure Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Firms lack responsible exec for cyber security

Narrow gap between CEO, CIO and CISO roles means no single executive function is stepping up to take responsibility for cyber security, a study shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

NHS issues guidance for instant messaging use in acute settings

As NHS staff are increasingly turning to messaging apps to communicate with each other, the government issues guidance saying only tools meeting the NHS encryption standard should be used Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

GCHQ offers help to embryonic Irish cyber security organisation

Ciaran Martin head of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, builds bridges with the Republic of Ireland's intelligence community during an official visit to Dublin Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Cahill

Agfa’s move to cloud HR paves the way for healthcare IT spin-off

Agfa-Gevaert is moving HR systems from 40 countries into the cloud as the company prepares to turn its health IT operations into a standalone business Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Where in Britain works best for IT?

Where is the best place to be an IT professional in the UK? Computer Weekly looks at which location comes out on top for tech companies, and it’s not Silicon Roundabout Continue Reading

By

• SA Mathieson

Post-quantum cryptography a major challenge, says expert

The crypto wars are just beginning and open systems are key to improved security in future, says cryptography expert Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

High court Post Office trial puts subpostmasters’ contract under microscope

Case against Post Office in relation to allegedly faulty computer system begins in High Court Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

The public sector culture issue

Despite senior government and public sector officials often banging on about the importance of transparency and openness, in reality, it’s almost a cultural taboo for civil servants or anyone else ... Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Once more on Dominic Raab at Tech Nation

Dominic Raab, the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, has been in hot water for his late-dawning admission of the importance of the Dover-Calais route to the UK’s trade in goods. Raab was ... Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

Researcher urges IoT security legislation

Suppliers of internet connected devices are largely failing to improve the security of their products, exposing users to privacy risks, so there is no choice but to legislate in this area, says a researcher Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Welsh NHS IT programme is ‘outdated’ and could put patients at risk, report finds

Welsh Public Accounts Committee is concerned the country’s outdated NHS IT systems are putting patients at risk, and found the culture at NHS Wales Informatics Service is the ‘antithesis of open’ Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

M&S admits online remit “well behind” competitors

Food and clothing retailer Marks and Spencer has admitted its website and online fulfillment capabilities are behind that of its competitors, but it is seeing progress since implementing changes Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Self-driving cars may have to break law, says Law Commission

Self-driving cars may have to break the rules of the road to operate safely, and the Law Commissions of England, Wales and Scotland are embarking on a consultation to seek input on how to manage this Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

GDPR a challenge to AI black boxes

Most artificial intelligence “black boxes” do not comply with EU data protection laws and will have to be re-engineered, warns security researcher and consultant Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Fortunes of storage vary in big five led by Dell EMC and NetApp

The big five take 50% of the enterprise storage market, with Dell EMC and HPE dominating. But some struggle with successive quarters of shrinkage while others see storage shine Continue Reading

By

• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital has capacity to spare after HSCN upgrade

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is unleashing the potential of digital for health after fixing up its internet connectivity with an upgrade to the new Health and Social Care Network Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CW Benelux: Bikes face scooter challenge in Netherlands

The concept of rental scooters is perfect for the Netherlands, where bicycles are already the most widely used method of transport. Scooter startups see the potential to apply the latest smart technologies to the concept, but regulations could be a barrier. Also in this issue, read how chatbots are taking off with Dutch organisations, with KLM's chatbot a pioneering example, and find out how Dutch bank ING is getting a financial boost from an employee performance management rethink. Continue Reading

Increasing value of personal data a 21st century challenge

The increasing value of personal data presents the challenge of managing a personal data economy, says identity and security expert Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Dominic Raab: UK AI sector will get boost from EU exit ‘done right’

Brexit secretary tells Tech Nation audience that leaving the EU could create opportunities for the UK technology sector Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

Singapore’s SunMoon uses blockchain to trace apples

Fruit and vegetable distributor has implemented a blockchain platform that enables consumers and suppliers to trace the origin of Fuji apples – with other fruits to follow Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Openreach increasing use of drones to help build fibre networks

Openreach plans to make greater use of drones to help it bring broadband to remote rural properties it could not previously touch Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

5G mobile masts bring installation challenges, EE finds

EE has switched on a fixed wireless access network in central London to test elements of its future 5G mobile service, but faced some challenges setting it up Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Fintechs advised on how to work with big banks

Advice backed by the government for fintechs on how to engage with traditional finance firms is published Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Decentralised ID key to identity security

Enterprises need to step up protections around identity-related compromises and look to decentralised identity in the longer term to improve security, says computer scientist Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Emerging govtech – a new opportunity for innovation in public service delivery?

The government has started to engage with the IT sector over how best to introduce emerging technologies in public service delivery – an initiative that, if successful, should be welcomed Continue Reading

By

• Julian David, TechUK

CIO interview: Chris Barnicott, chief technology officer, SSE

Energy supplier’s CTO is driving innovation through AI, augmented reality and robotic process automation while still keeping the business running Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Security Think Tank: Top considerations to reduce application layer attacks

What should organisations be doing to address application layer attacks and reduce the likelihood of a breach through this type of attack? Continue Reading

By

• Tim Holman, 2-sec

BEIS to fund five healthcare AI innovation centres

Five healthcare innovation centres will receive a total of £50m in funding to use artificial intelligence to improve diagnosis and treatment of diseases Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Investment fund buys into broadband supplier Hyperoptic

Mubadala Investment Company, the VC arm of the government of Abu Dhabi, is to acquire a minority stake in full-fibre broadband supplier Hyperoptic as the firm brings forward its roll-out Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Cyber security high on European Commission agenda

The European Commission is recognising the growing importance of cyber security to the digital economy and is increasing funding to support research, resilience and cooperation Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Lloyds Banking Group shaking up its workforce to reflect digital times

Lloyds Banking Group is revamping the roles of thousands of staff as it becomes digital Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Information commissioner calls for stricter regulation on political use of data

Information commissioner Elizabeth Denham’s investigation into the use of data in elections and campaigns, finds "a disturbing disregard for voters’ personal privacy" Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Smart Dubai platform is the backbone of the city's transformation

Aisha bin Bishr, director general at Smart Dubai Office, talks about the Smart Data platform and soon-to-be-unveiled UAE Pass, a digital ID and signature which is being touted as one of the foundations a city needs to transform Continue Reading

By

• Edward Banda

Automation and CSR are driving reskilling process for UK plc, says Cisco

UK business leaders are planning to make dramatic changes to their organisations between now and 2020, according to a new report from Cisco Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NatWest pilots digital bank for SMEs

App-based banking platform offers small enterprises other business tools on top of a current account Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Start preparing for post-quantum data protection

Organisations that need to retain sensitive information for long periods of time need to start preparing for the post-quantum era, according to an IBM security architect Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst