IT news in your industry sector

Apps are gateway to business data for cyber attackers

Application security is becoming increasingly important because apps are often the main way cyber attackers are getting into corporate networks, a threat researcher warns Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CIO interview: Niall Quinn, technology director, Crown Commercial Service

The Crown Commercial Service’s technology director talks about how the government’s procurement agency is working to make buying easier, drive innovation forward and shake up the public sector Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK and allies accuse Russia of cyber attack campaign

The UK National Cyber Security Centre has identified a campaign by the Russian military intelligence service of “indiscriminate and reckless” cyber attacks Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

How Starbucks is using Splunk to automate mundane security tasks

Coffee giant Starbucks is using Splunk to automate some of its more tedious security tasks to reduce the workload for its cyber staff Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Companies failing to recognise the internal cyber threat

The focus at many companies is on external cyber threats, and internal threats are being overlooked as a consequence, a researcher warns Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

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

By

• Angelica Mari

Blockchain found at bottom of scraped government barrel

Blockchain answer to Irish border question, but what about Facebook? Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Why do UK banks suffer more software failures than those in other countries?

Why do UK banks suffer more outages than banks in other countries? Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Majority of businesses believe they are open to cyber attack

More than two-thirds of businesses believe their network is open to attack, a report on the state of web application security reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Why are so few electric vehicles used for online shopping deliveries?

UK retailers appear to be in the electric vehicle slow lane when it comes to online shopping deliveries, but changes are imminent Continue Reading

By

• Ben Sillitoe

Matt Hancock plans to sequence five million genomes in five years

The health secretary aims to expand the government-funded 100,000 Genomes Project and sequence five million genomes over the next five years and roll out genomic testing across the NHS Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Rise in data-stealing Betabot malware

Researchers are warning about an increase in Betabot malware after detecting multiple infections in recent weeks, underlining the importance of software patching Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

AI full of possibilities with the right tools and understanding

Artificial intelligence has the potential to assist in the analysis of data in a range of topics, but businesses need to understand its limitations and have the right tools to get the most benefit, says a Swiss entrepreneur Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Security Think Tank: Shift to outcomes-based security by focusing on business needs

What is the first step towards moving from a tick-box approach to security to one that is outcomes-based and how can an organisation test whether its security defences are delivering the desired outcome? Continue Reading

By

• Simon Persin, Turnkey Consulting

How Bank of England is using Splunk for proactive security

Head of the Bank of England’s security operations centre talks about how Splunk is helping it to take a more proactive approach to preventing cyber attacks Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Technology shouldn’t leave anyone behind, says Jeremy Wright

DCMS secretary of state highlights investment in 5G and superfast broadband, and says no one should be left behind by technology Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Everyone, everywhere is responsible for IIoT cyber security

Cyber security in the industrial internet of things is not limited to a single company, industry or region – it is an international threat to public safety, and can only be addressed through collaboration that extends beyond borders and competitive interests Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Kling, The Open Group

Filling the blockchain chasm

Blockchain as a term is becoming common language, but there is a long way to go before it will mean anything to the performance of most organisations Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Industry backs Norway’s AI powerhouse project

Industry and academia in Norway are working together to boost the country’s artificial intelligence capabilities Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Openreach extends full-fibre broadband roll-out to Coventry

Openreach is forging ahead with its Fibre First full-fibre broadband programme and has started to roll out ultrafast services in Coventry Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government explores blockchain to make buying and selling property easier and cheaper

HM Land Registry moves into the next phase of a project that will use the latest technologies to speed up property transactions Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

While Brexit rages on, the UK needs to be looking at the global picture

Talks at the World Trade Organisation in October will shape the future of digital trade, and it is crucial the voice of UK tech is heard Continue Reading

By

• Julian David, TechUK

Porsche Informatik deploys OpenShift to accelerate software development

The automotive manufacturer's software arm is using a Red Hat private cloud to develop new trading platforms Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Full-fibre broadband penetration reaches 5%

The number of UK properties able to access a full-fibre broadband connection has hit a small but significant milestone, according to Ofcom Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Security Think Tank: Start outcomes-based security with asset identification

What is the first step towards moving from a tick-box approach to security to one that is outcomes-based and how can an organisation test whether its security defences are delivering the desired outcome? Continue Reading

By

• Paddy Francis

Launch of NHS app marks a new era

The NHS has begun piloting its coveted app, but how exactly will it work, and what does it mean for patients accessing the health service? Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Government launches public consultation on smart data

Smart data review aimed at encouraging new data services to help customers of utilities and banks Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

Police Scotland sets out 10-year digital plan

Scottish Police Authority has approved Police Scotland’s 10-year digital transformation plan, which aims to bring the country’s police forces into the 21st century and requires £244m in capital funding and £54m in reform funding Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK will unilaterally tax web giants, says Hammond

Chancellor threatens to go it alone on tax reform for digital services businesses if an international agreement cannot be reached Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

New cloud storage services for Microsoft Azure at Ignite 2018

Microsoft launches Data Box hardware appliances for cloud ingestion, Avere vFXT cloud NAS, Ultra SSD storage based on NVMe flash and Azure Premium file storage Continue Reading

By

• Christophe Bardy

UK firms’ password security score ‘average’

While businesses are making strides in strengthening password security, there is more work to be done, with the UK password score lagging behind the frontrunners, a survey shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Two autonomous vehicle projects funded in government contest

The National Infrastructure Commission’s Roads for the Future contest has awarded a £50,000 prize fund to two projects exploring how to make the UK’s roads ready for connected and autonomous vehicles Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Tesco Bank gets first cyber-related FCA fine

UK’s financial watchdog issues its first cyber-related fine to Tesco Bank in connection with a multimillion-pound cyber fraud in 2016 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Security Think Tank: Security governance key to outcomes-based approach

What is the first step towards moving from a tick-box approach to security to one that is outcomes based, and how can an organisation test if its security defences are delivering the desired outcome? Continue Reading

By

• Maxine Holt, Omdia

Mobile will be more disruptive for retail than online, says Facebook representative

Facebook’s retail industry head says mobile technology is likely to cause a bigger shift in retail than online shopping did Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Facebook could face up to $1.6bn fine for data breach

Facebook is under increased pressure to demonstrate that users’ personal data is protected as it faces a potential fine of more than a billion dollars for a data breach affecting millions of users Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Openreach completes largest Tupe transfer in history

More than 30,000 BT employees have transferred across to the quasi-independent Openreach, completing what is thought to be the largest one-off Tupe transfer in history Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UKtech50 2018 – help us find the most influential people in UK IT

Computer Weekly’s annual search for the 50 most influential people in UK IT is on – let us know who you would like to nominate for this year's list Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

EU sees eIDAS regulation come into full force

A regulation aimed at cutting red tape to enable a digital single market in Europe will soon be in full force, but it could present some challenges to the UK after Brexit Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Data analytics cuts queues and flight delays at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport

Aeroporti di Roma’s CIO, Emiliano Sorrenti, describes how the city’s main airport is using data analytics technology to reduce delays and queue times, securing it an industry award for customer service Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

No let-up in digital banking glitches as TSB and HSBC customers are hit on payday

Online and mobile app banking outages continue to increase in regularity as TSB and HSBC customers report problems Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

The fintech interview: Part 2 CreditLadder

CreditLadder is helping renters build up their credit scores and helping the rental industry get good renters Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Citizens Advice makes super-complaint over rip-off phone charges

Citizens Advice is calling for a fair deal for consumers that it claims are being ripped off by out-of-contract charges by communications services providers and the financial services industry Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Shell CTO Yuri Sebregts talks about using AI to amplify the human impact of its workforce

Digital transformation is a multi-decade process for Shell, with artificial intelligence presenting the oil and gas giant with new opportunities to ramp up the productivity of its workforce, its CTO explains Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Cyber attackers are increasingly exploiting RDP, warns FBI

Businesses should to act to reduce the likelihood of compromise from cyber attackers exploiting the remote desktop protocol, warns the FBI Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Finland’s e-retail sector driven by international growth

Finland has a fast-growing e-retail industry as a positive consequence of the huge job cuts at Nokia Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Everywoman in Retail Awards – an industry disrupted

Much like every other industry, retail is becoming consumed by technology adoption to the point where the two are no long separate sectors. “Every company is a technology company” is a phrase heard ... Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Smart places can supercharge the digital economy

The UK needs to enhance its digital capability, and there are huge opportunities for different regions to secure a niche within our growing digital economy Continue Reading

By

• Matthew Evans, TechUK

Business is at inflection point for proactive cyber security

The time is ripe for proactive cyber security, but many organisations must first overcome four key obstacles to achieve effective protection, according to a research report Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Explosion in fake data-stealing shopping sites

Cyber attackers are ramping up efforts to steal personal data by setting up look-alike domains that pose a phishing risk to online shoppers, researchers warn Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

CIO interview: Fraser Ingram, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank

Fraser Ingram joined the Clydesdale and Yorkshire banking group as CIO just at the right time – as it was embarking on its digital journey Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Prepare now for quantum computers, QKD and post-quantum encryption

The predicted processing power of quantum computers is likely to make existing encryption algorithms obsolete. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a possible solution - we investigate whether QKD is viable Continue Reading

By

• Peter Ray Allison

Uber fined $148m for data breach cover-up

US court hits Uber with heavy fine which security industry commentators hope will encourage firms to take cyber security more seriously and resist the urge to cover up data breaches Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Best supply chain firms are masters of data and automation

Europe’s best supply chains are making the most out of e-commerce, customer insights and robotic process automation, according to Gartner Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Australian teen Apple hacker avoids jail time

“Fan” who broke into Apple’s mainframe from his home in Melbourne has avoided prison because the information he gathered was recovered Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

ICO threatens fines for outstanding fees

The UK’s privacy watchdog has issued warning letters to organisations, including some NHS trusts and government organisations, for failing to pay a new data protection fee Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

At the new Cisco, culture is as important as innovation

Cisco’s newly appointed SVP of Emear, Wendy Mars, shares her thoughts on the state of network innovation within the industry, and explains why cultural change is just as important an element of a digital strategy Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Indian IT giant TCS sees IBM and Accenture as nearest rivals

Rapidly-growing Tata Consultancy Services has its eyes on the US IT giants, with customer service key if it is to overtake them Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Rural business bodies seal new broadband agreement

The Country Land and Business Association and the National Farmers’ Union have reached an agreement with Openreach to put new wayleave arrangements in place for broadband network builds Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Financial services firms face potential security bombshell

UK financial services are facing a security crisis over outdated services and applications, a survey shows Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Australia’s ANZ banks on Google Cloud

The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group has signed up for the Google Cloud Platform to help its bankers deliver data insights to institutional customers Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Why the government should rethink the UK’s surveillance laws

The European Court of Human Rights has made clear that the Snoopers’ Charter is an unlawful violation of people’s rights and freedoms Continue Reading

By

• Megan Goulding

Intelligent automation and the WAN: Is SD-WAN moving mainstream?

Take-up of software-defined networking in corporates is slower than expected. Where have we reached on the journey to software-controlled networks – and SD-WAN in particular – becoming the norm? Continue Reading

By

• Christian Annesley

Fujitsu teams up with UTCs on cyber security training

Fujitsu, University Technical Colleges across England and other private sector partners have joined forces to help address the cyber security skills gap Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

About the blog

This blog from Computer Weekly’s business editor, Clare McDonald, discusses the technology innovations that are evolving the retail sector, including the technology retailers are adopting, the ... Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

PCI DSS compliance falls despite security benefit

Despite the benefits of the payment card industry security standard, there is a concerning downward trend in compliance, a report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

MI5 admits to ‘unlawful’ spying on Privacy International

The UK's intelligence agencies acted unlawfully by intercepting communications data on NGO, Privacy International, the UK's most secret court ruled. Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

NHS Digital to publish new guidance on data standards

Data could be a huge advantage for the NHS, but data quality and accessibility is still a big challenge, says NHS Digital CEO Sarah Wilkinson as she promises clear guidance on standards and interoperability Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

DWP IT chief Mayank Prakash quits for new job outside government

Chief digital and information officer leaves after four years in the civil service – no news yet on his successor Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

WannaCry and NotPetya inspiring new attacks

Designs and techniques used in 2017’s global cyber attacks have inspired a new breed of malware that exploits software vulnerabilities, according to a McAfee report Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Mac OS Mojave zero-day warning

The latest version of Apple’s Mac operating system contains a vulnerability that could be exploited by attackers to access protected files, a researcher warns Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Mapping the future at Ordnance Survey

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how the UK mapping agency, Ordnance Survey, is innovating to put geospatial data at the heart of smart cities. We look at how to manage subscription and licensing costs when moving to the cloud. And we examine how proposals to change the UK visa system could help to tackle IT skills shortages. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

InfoWatch opens training centre to help address Middle East skills shortage

Security supplier offers Middle East customers cyber security and digital training facility as organisations in the region struggle to equip staff with latest skills Continue Reading

By

• Edward Banda

No Deal Brexit could mean additional costs for tech businesses

The government plans to continue to enforce existing intellectual property rights in the event of a No Deal Brexit, according to the latest planning notices, but businesses could face additional costs to access EU and UK markets Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Government launches £7.5m digital innovation fund for local councils

Councils with digital innovation ideas can apply for grants up to £100,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Colocation and the hyperscalers: What the cloud giants want in a datacentre partner

The colocation market is booming on the back of the growing demand from the hyperscale cloud giants for readily available datacentre capacity, but why are some operators more successful than others when it comes to landing their business? Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Fair trade software on the agenda but Dutch businesses not ready to buy it

There is already free trade chocolate and coffee on supermarket shelves, but two Dutch tech entrepreneurs are trying to add free trade software to the mix Continue Reading

By

• Kim Loohuis

NHS Digital hires chief information security officer

Robert Coles will lead the health and care sector’s response to cyber attacks and help local organisations meet the government’s cyber security standards Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Phased roll-out of ESN to start in early 2019

The government will adopt a phased approach to the roll-out of the new emergency services 4G communications network Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Business leaders expect suppliers to ensure they are cyber secure

Most UK business leaders expect suppliers to be cyber secure and nearly a third of businesses would terminate contracts because of suppliers’ security failings, a survey has revealed Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Security Editor

Businesses that take humans with them on robotics journeys gain the most

Businesses that put human development at the centre of their automation strategies will profit the most Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Pharmacy2U signs up to digital communications platform

Online pharmacy aims to make it easier for people to contact them, using an omnichannel system from RingCentral allowing arrange of services, including voice, chat, text and email Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Tech won’t solve customs border issues, House of Lords EU Committee finds

Tech won’t solve potential customs issues at the border post-Brexit, at least not in the short term, and especially not in case of no-deal Brexit, according to a House of Lords report Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

RBS, Barclays and NatWest customers suffer more mobile banking outages

Banks apologise for problems that have affected mobile and internet banking services Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Shell mines Microsoft Azure for AI to digitally transform upstream and downstream operations

Multi-national oil and gas company Shell is embarking on an artificial intelligence-led digital transformation of its business with the help of Microsoft Azure and C3 IoT Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

DCMS plan aims to open up digital identity market - and might kill off Gov.uk Verify

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has been conducting a review of digital identity since taking over policy responsibility from the Government Digital Service (GDS) in ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Doorstep challenge: How retailers are innovating on delivery and fulfilment

Every retailer selling online in 2018 needs great shipping options for customers who have got used to an expanding list of choices. How are some retailers developing the proposition, and where does technology fit into the equation? Continue Reading

By

• Christian Annesley

Rural areas will be among the first to get Vodafone 5G

Parts of Cornwall and Cumbria will be among the first locations to get access to Vodafone’s 5G mobile network when it launches in 2019 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Alibaba debuts its first service robot

Chinese tech firm is eyeing a slice of the global robotics market, starting with a service robot that delivers items to hotel guests Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

How is Google taking on Microsoft Office in retail?

Carrefour represents a big-name contract win for Google’s G Suite, but will Microsoft Office still be dominant across retail? Continue Reading

By

• Ben Sillitoe

Asda outsources app development to support digital future

Supermarket chain Asda is outsourcing its application development to HCL to access and build skills and experience in agile development methods Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Scottish government pumps £13.5m into The Data Lab

Funding will help data innovation centre to explore data opportunities for Scotland’s economy Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

A battle between big tech firms and banks can only help fintechs

If banks and big tech firms go head to head for customers fintechs will benefit because the banks need them if they are to have any chance of winning the customer satisfaction battle Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Digital economy competition panel meets to discuss regulations

Experts on a new panel put together to review competition in the digital economy have met for the first time to discuss how to ensure the country has the right regulations in place Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Police chiefs put plans in place as UK may lose access to EU data sharing tools post Brexit

Police chiefs have put plans in place to help forces find alternatives to share and access information, should the UK lose access to EU data sharing systems post Brexit, but say processes would be “slower and ultimately less effective” Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

What are the current SD-WAN options for enterprises?

Software-defined wide area networking is well on its way to being a multi-billion dollar market. We assess the current state of the market and look at some of the options for enterprise CIOs and network managers Continue Reading

By

• Rene Millman

Waitrose to launch same-day delivery trial

High-end supermarket Waitrose is partnering with retail delivery startup On the Dot to trial same-day delivery for its food and wine goods Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

IT sector advises Swedish government on elections and voting system

Swedish IT secure is helping the government make election systems more secure and reduce external influence Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

TechUK calls for councils to establish digital boards

Local authorities should ensure they have a digital board made up of academia, local bodies and industry, to drive transformation, improve capacity and capability Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Out-of-contract users paying millions for phones they already own

Despite calls for MNOs to change their ways, users are still being overcharged for their devices, says Citizens Advice Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor