IT security

Microsoft appears to reverse VBA macro-blocking

Microsoft quietly reverses VBA macro-blocking across its Office portfolio in a move that has left security experts puzzled Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Lots to consider when buying cyber insurance, so do your homework

When considering implementing a cyber insurance policy, due diligence should be your watchword, says Paddy Francis of Airbus CyberSecurity Continue Reading

By

• Paddy Francis

UK government does not yet understand threat of technology to foreign policy

Select committee chair warns government that the threat posed to global security by malign actors influencing tech standards is no ‘dystopian fantasy’ Continue Reading

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• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

MI5, FBI chiefs warn of Chinese cyber espionage threat

In a joint appearance in London, MI5 director general Ken McCallum and FBI director Chris Wray warn of the growing threat posed by the Chinese government to UK and US interests Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UK signs ‘in principle’ data adequacy agreement with South Korea

Bilateral adequacy agreement will allow businesses to conduct cross-border data transfers with minimal restrictions Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

The evolution of threat modelling as a DevSecOps practice

Threat modelling is becoming ever more integrated into software architecture design. Here, Stephen de Vries of IriusRisk looks at the evolution of the process Continue Reading

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• Stephen de Vries

Amid NSO lawsuit, Apple expands spyware protections

Apple previews a new feature called Lockdown Mode to protect iPhone and iPad users from ‘mercenary spyware’ Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Security Think Tank: Cyber insurance – A nice safety blanket, but don’t count on it

In the second instalment of this month’s Security Think Tank, Mike Gillespie argues that cyber insurance should be thought of like car insurance – you don’t start driving recklessly because you’re covered Continue Reading

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• Mike Gillespie

Latest Marriott data breach not as serious as others

Questions are again being raised over Marriott’s cyber security practices following yet another incident, but fortunately it seems limited in its scope, and the company is responding appropriately Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CW Middle East: UAE citizens embrace new digital technologies

A survey shows that people in the United Arab Emirates believe next-generation technologies such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence will become widespread in the country. Also read how the UAE has improved its security posture amid mounting cyber threats. Continue Reading

Tech companies face pressure over end-to-end encryption in Online Safety Bill

An amendment to the Online Safety Bill, currently going through Parliament, will put pressure on tech companies over end-to-end encrypted messaging services Continue Reading

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• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

The Security Interviews: Inside Russia’s Ukraine information operation

Computer Weekly speaks to Craig Terron of Recorded Future about delving deep inside the Russian disinformation machine, and how the Kremlin’s strategy is set to evolve Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

blended threat

A blended threat is an exploit that combines elements of multiple types of malware and usually employs various attack vectors to increase the severity of damage and the speed of contagion. Continue Reading

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• Kinza Yasar, Technical Writer

UAE bolsters cyber security

 Continue Reading

Plexal seeks new scaleups for next phase of Cyber Runway

Established security startups looking to grow and scale their operations are being invited to join the next phase of Plexal’s Cyber Runway programme Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

ESET: Lazarus APT hit aero, defence sector with fake job ads

ESET researchers present new findings into a series of cyber attacks on the aerospace and defence sectors by North Korea’s Lazarus crime syndicate Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Prepare for long-term cyber threat from Ukraine war, says NCSC

The NCSC has published refreshed guidance on cyber preparedness as the war on Ukraine continues, urging organisations to pay attention to the state of their security teams Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

LogRhythm bullish on growth in APAC

LogRhythm expects its business in the region to grow by over 20% this year thanks to demand from emerging economies where cyber security investments have not kept pace with cyber threats Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

NCSC CEO: Why we should run towards crises to elevate cyber security

National Cyber Security Centre CEO Lindy Cameron, the 2022 Computer Weekly UKtech50 Most Influential Person in UK IT, reflects on a career immersed in crisis management, and how she is using this to elevate cyber security standards across the country Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

How to get the right level of cyber protection

The first part of our buyer’s guide to cyber insurance looks at how the market for cyber insurance is evolving and how IT security leaders can avoid buying the wrong level of cover. Continue Reading

How to get the right level of cyber insurance

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at how the market for cyber insurance is evolving and how to avoid buying the wrong level of cover. We find out what role hydrogen technologies could play in reducing datacentre carbon emissions. And we hear how a 125-year-old bicycle maker is embracing digital innovation. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

MPs call for ban on Chinese surveillance camera technology

Nearly 70 MPs have called on the government to ban Chinese camera technology that is widely used by UK government agencies despite links to human rights abuses in China Continue Reading

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• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Government rejects Lords police tech inquiry recommendations

The government has largely rejected the findings and recommendations of a House of Lords inquiry into police tech, which called for an overhaul of how police deploy artificial intelligence and algorithmic technologies Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Assange appeals against Priti Patel’s extradition order

WikiLeaks founder is expected to raise concerns over the political nature of his prosecution, the likelihood of him receiving a fair trial, and the risk of a coercive plea bargain Continue Reading

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• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Cyber insurance: What does a CISO need to know?

We look at how the market for cyber insurance is evolving and how IT security chiefs can avoid buying the wrong level of cover Continue Reading

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• Stephen Pritchard

Tech sector efforts to root out forced labour are failing

Digitally mapping supply chains to identify forced labour and slavery is no longer a technology problem for the IT sector, but a lack of government enforcement and corporate inaction are major barriers to effective change Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Security Think Tank: Now is the time to think about cyber insurance

Many IT leaders shy away from cyber insurance, but new, innovative developments in the market can help organisations take an approach that suits their needs Continue Reading

By

• Carl Nightingale

ICO to cut back on fines for public sector data breaches

Information commissioner John Edwards sets out a revised approach to how the ICO handles data breaches in the public sector, saying fining victims risks punishing the public twice over Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Urgent need for new laws to govern biometrics, legal review finds

Independent review says new framework is needed to clear up legal and ethical concerns over the use of biometric data and technologies, which can impact privacy, freedom of expression and other human rights Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

New cyber extortion op appears to have hit AMD

Semiconductor specialist AMD has confirmed it is investigating reports that a ‘bad actor’ has stolen hundreds of gigabytes of its data Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Romance scammers exploit Ukraine war in cynical campaign

Romance scammers can make easy money exploiting people looking for love, but in this newly observed campaign linked to the Ukraine war they are playing on deeper emotions Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Backup maintenance: Five key points to consider

Effective backups need to ensure all data is protected, and to track media and software changes. We look at five key things to consider Continue Reading

By

• Stephen Pritchard

Spy agencies need ‘independent authorisation’ to access telecoms data, say judges

The High Court has ruled that UK intelligence agencies should seek independent authorisation before accessing phone and internet records during criminal investigations Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

hardware security

Hardware security is vulnerability protection that comes in the form of a physical device rather than software that's installed on the hardware of a computer system. Continue Reading

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• Kinza Yasar, Technical Writer

Proposed changes to copyright law open doors for AI data mining

Update to copyright law will mean researchers who already have access to data will not require extra permission from copyright owner to run data mining algorithms, removing barriers to artificial intelligence research and development Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Avast uncovers ‘thieves’ kitchen’ of malware-writing teens

Researchers stumble across online community of 11 to 18-year-olds constructing, exchanging and spreading malware Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Russia-aligned hacktivists behind Lithuania DDoS attack

Killnet hacktivist collective targeted Lithuania with distributed denial of service attacks after its government angered the Kremlin Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Veritas aims at autonomous backup discovery and provisioning

Veritas bets on a backup platform that can discover all enterprise data – on-premise and in the cloud – and make its own decisions about the optimal place to store copies Continue Reading

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• Yann Serra, LeMagIT
• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

How to retain cyber talent in the Great Resignation

The cyber security industry is experiencing alarming rates of resignations, leaving organisations vulnerable to cyber attacks. How can we better retain cyber talent? Continue Reading

Collaboration key to IT sector sustainability

In this week’s Computer Weekly, as sustainability rises up the corporate agenda, IT leaders say more collaboration is needed to meet climate goals. Microsoft faces further calls for greater transparency over software tools used to monitor employees. And the cyber security industry warns over an increasing loss of talent. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Commercial cyber products must be used responsibly, says NCSC CEO

NCSC’s Lindy Cameron is to speak out on responsible regulation of cyber capabilities at an event in Tel Aviv, Israel Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Brexit a net negative for UK cyber, say CISOs

Six years on from the UK’s Brexit vote, the majority of security professionals say leaving the EU has raised concerns over their ability to keep their organisations safe Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

LockBit ransomware gang launches bug bounty programme

A bug bounty programme is among a number of features LockBit’s developers have added to ‘version 3.0’ of the ransomware Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

The cyber security impact of Operation Russia by Anonymous

The campaign against the Russian government by Anonymous surprised many with the depth and scale of the cyber attacks. What can we learn from this online war? Continue Reading

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• Peter Ray Allison

Secure everything, not just the weakest link

The rise in cyber attacks on supply chains has expanded the role of IT security chiefs and the complexity of keeping organisations secure Continue Reading

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• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

10 metaverse dangers CIOs and IT leaders should address

The metaverse poses many of the same risks and security pitfalls that the internet does. Here's a look at 10 of those issues and how IT leaders should address them. Continue Reading

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• Mary K. Pratt

CW APAC: Tech career guide to cyber security

The demands placed on those fighting against hackers are constantly evolving. In this handbook, focused on cyber security in the Asia-Pacific region, Computer Weekly looks at the skills required to make it in the industry, how Singapore’s critical systems remain protected, the short-term options for tech stack management and how organisations can support cyber professionals’ mental health. Continue Reading

Black Basta ransomware crew aiming for ‘big leagues’

Emergent Black Basta ransomware gang has hit more than 50 countries since bursting onto the scene earlier this year, says Cybereason Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

US cyber agency in fresh warning over Log4Shell risk to VMware

Many VMware Horizon and UAG servers remain defenceless against Log4Shell, and organisations continue to fall victim to the vulnerability Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Assessment and knowledge: Your key tools to secure suppliers

There is no silver bullet that will resolve all the issues arising from today’s interconnected businesses and complex supply chains, but there are some key tools at your disposal Continue Reading

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• Andrew Morris, Turnkey Consulting

Developers grapple with open source software security

Software developers are taking longer to fix vulnerabilities and many do not know about the dependencies of open source software components they are using, study finds Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Finding the balance between innovation and data security in healthcare

As the government launches its data strategy for health and social care, a fine line must be trodden between innovating through privacy-enhancing technologies, and retaining data security for patients Continue Reading

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• Kevin Curran, IEEE

What will the Data Reform Bill mean for UK businesses operating in the EU?

Following the government’s response to the Data Reform Bill consultation, Peter Galdies of DQM GRC looks at what might lie ahead for UK organisations working in the European Union Continue Reading

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• Peter Galdies

Ukraine cyber agency enlists Radware to protect government networks

Ukraine’s State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection is using Radware cloud DDoS protection and web application firewall services to protect the government from persistent Russian attacks Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

What the world can learn from Saudi Arabia’s fight against industrial control system attacks

Iran learned from attacks on its infrastructure and unleashed similar malware on Saudi Arabia. The world has now gained valuable lessons from the Saudi response Continue Reading

By

• Pat Brans, Pat Brans Associates/Grenoble Ecole de Management

FCA seeks more tech expertise in fight against fraud

UK financial services regulator wants technology professionals to join its team fighting online fraud Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

SolarWinds unveils new development model to avoid a repeat of Sunburst

SolarWinds has unveiled a new, secure-by-design software development model to protect itself from a repeat of the infamous 2020 cyber attack on its systems, and serve as a blueprint for the industry Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Germany – let’s stop debating data retention and start finding solutions

Germany has the opportunity to set the democratic precedent for ending the collection and retention of everybody’s call details record and metadata in the EU. It is time find real and effective solutions to crime Continue Reading

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• Patrick Breyer

Security Think Tank: Supply chain security demands systematic approach

Supply chain security measures need to be systematic and assessed so as to minimise the complexity and cost to the business Continue Reading

By

• Paddy Francis

Uber drivers strike over pay issues and algorithmic transparency

Unionised Uber drivers take industrial action against the company over its failure to pay workers in line with a Supreme Court decision and inflation, as well as the lack of transparency around how it uses their data Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Why the world needs tech standards for UN Sustainable Development Goals

Chaesub Lee from the ITU argues that the world needs technology standards to address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Continue Reading

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• Chaesub Lee, ITU Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau

NatWest files under whistleblower’s bed contain live customer data

Former Royal Bank of Scotland worker wants bank to take back customer files and provide an ‘adequate receipt’ Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

How TDCX is building a people-centric business

Every digital tool deployed by the Singapore-based services firm is aimed at augmenting the performance and experience of its employees, says TDCX’s group CIO, Byron Fernandez Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Security Think Tank: Balanced approach can detangle supply chain complexity

Achieving an appropriate balance between people, processes and technology can help to detangle the complexities of the supply chain and create better security practices Continue Reading

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• Francesca Williamson, Information Security Forum

We’re all technologists now – the powerful impact of low-code platforms

Low-code platforms are bringing a shift in how organisations develop and use technology – and it’s the job of the CIO to let it happen in a controlled, secure and connected fashion Continue Reading

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• Rob Mallaband , Crimson
• Tom Cadman, Crimson

Government won’t regulate on professional cyber standards

The government has elected not to proceed with regulatory intervention to embed standards and pathways across the cyber profession Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CNI leaders’ attitude to ransomware lackadaisical at best

A survey of security decision-makers in sectors regarded as critical national infrastructure reveals a disappointing attitude to ransomware threats Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Microsoft Office 365 has ability to ‘spy’ on workers

Microsoft faces calls for ‘transparency’ over tools in Office 365 that allow employers to read staff emails and monitor their computer use at work Continue Reading

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• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Supply chain security goes deep – forget this at your peril

It may have hit the headlines as an IT issue, but supply chain security goes far deeper into an organisation than just technology Continue Reading

By

• Mike Gillespie

Dreams come true – how data and communication saved a failing company

In this week’s Computer Weekly, the former CEO of bed retailer Dreams explains how digital, data and communication helped turn round a failing company. The UK government has a new digital strategy – but it all seems rather familiar. And we talk to the tech firms trialling a four-day working week. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Lords move to protect cyber researchers from prosecution

A cross-party group in the House of Lords has proposed an amendment to the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill that would address concerns about security researchers or ethical hackers being prosecuted in the course of their work Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Complex Russian cyber threat requires we go back to basics

The situation in Russia is anything but simple, but it is the fundamentals of cyber security hygiene that pose the best defence against the country’s digital threat, as Mandiant’s Jamie Collier explains Continue Reading

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• Matthew Staff

Challenges of securing a software supply chain

The US president has issued an executive order to improve cyber security, which has ramifications across the software development supply chain Continue Reading

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• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Aussie mobile users most vulnerable to security threats

Australia has the highest percentage of mobile app threats detected on a per-device basis, with iPhone users more likely to download a risky app than an Android user, study finds Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

What the EU’s content-filtering rules could mean for UK tech

EU proposals to clamp down on child sexual abuse material will have a material impact on the UK’s technology sector Continue Reading

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• Peter Ray Allison

Government responds to Data Reform Bill consultation

Westminster claims its new data laws will boost British benefits, protect consumers, and seize the ‘benefits’ of Brexit Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Consider governance, coordination and risk to secure supply chain

A recent ISACA study found myriad factors that give good reason to be concerned about supply chain security. Cyber adviser Brian Fletcher recommends three areas to zero in on Continue Reading

By

• Brian Fletcher

MoD sets out strategy to develop military AI with private sector

The UK Ministry of Defence has outlined its intention to work closely with the private sector to develop and deploy a range of artificial intelligence-powered technologies, committing to ‘lawful and ethical AI use’ Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

TalkTalk hacker Daniel Kelley gives up his black hat for good

After serving a four-year prison sentence for his role in the 2015 TalkTalk hack and other cyber offences, Daniel Kelley now wants to pursue a legitimate cyber security career Continue Reading

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• Nicholas Fearn

Privacy-enhancing technologies – myths and misconceptions

As the UK and US prepare to open a joint privacy-enhancing technology (PET) prize challenge, expert Ellison Anne Williams busts some myths and misconceptions around this emerging area Continue Reading

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• Ellison Anne Williams

Dundee security research centre opens with support from SBRC

An £18m hub at Abertay University in Dundee forms the centrepiece of Scotland’s first security research cluster Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Office 365 loophole may give ransomware an easy shot at your files

Researchers at Proofpoint have discovered potentially dangerous Microsoft Office 365 functionality that they believe may give ransomware a clear shot at files stored on SharePoint and OneDrive Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Security Think Tank: Best practices for boosting supply chain security

In a highly connected world, managing the supply chain landscape requires an adaptation of the ‘traditional’ approach to managing cyber risk Continue Reading

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• Carl Nightingale

Interpol arrests thousands in global cyber fraud crackdown

A two-month operation saw law enforcement agencies in 76 countries crack down on organised cyber fraud Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Is digital ID still the missing link for the UK’s digital economy?

While progress has been made, the government’s proposed digital ID trust framework needs more work – and the tech industry wants to have more input Continue Reading

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• Julian David, TechUK

$2k to access your organisation on the dark web

Dark web brokers will sell access to company networks and systems for an average of $2,000 to $4,000 Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

directory traversal

Directory traversal is a type of HTTP exploit in which a hacker uses the software on a web server to access data in a directory other than the server's root directory. Continue Reading

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• Ben Lutkevich, Site Editor

Patch Tuesday dogged by concerns over Microsoft vulnerability response

The last Patch Tuesday in its current form is overshadowed by persistent concerns about how Microsoft deals with vulnerability disclosure Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Security Think Tank: Basic steps to secure your supply chain

When it comes to supply chain security, there are some core things you should be doing – but remember, the devil is in the detail Continue Reading

By

• Petra Wenham

MS Azure Synapse vulnerability fixed after six-month slog

Microsoft patched a critical Azure Synapse vulnerability twice, but each time the researcher who discovered it was able to bypass it with ease, leading to a lengthy saga Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Managing Apple Macs in the enterprise

In this week’s Computer Weekly, with more people working remotely, the use of Apple Macs in the enterprise is growing – we look at how to manage them securely. Our latest buyer’s guide examines security in the supply chain. And 10 years on from the London Olympics, we find out how data innovation is revitalising its legacy. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

UK, US prepare to launch PET project

A transatlantic prize challenge to accelerate development of privacy-enhancing technologies is set to begin Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government recommits to UK’s cyber future in Digital Strategy

New strategy leans heavily on cyber security but stops short of announcing any initiatives that have not already been launched or heavily trailed Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

New UK digital strategy aims to secure future growth for £150bn digital economy

Government publishes plan that brings together existing and new initiatives intended to expand the digital sector and help to establish the UK as a ‘superpower’ in science and tech Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

New warning over tech suppliers in thrall to hostile governments

Ukraine war could lead to shakeup of dual-use tech exports, says former UK intelligence officer Continue Reading

By

• Joe Fay

Health data strategy to exorcise ghosts of GPDPR

Government publishes a revised data in health strategy, with an emphasis firmly on preserving the integrity and privacy of patients’ confidential information Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Qatar bolsters cyber security in preparation for World Cup

With hackers honing their cyber weapons to target the upcoming football World Cup, Qatar is busy developing countermeasures and raising awareness Continue Reading

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• Pat Brans, Pat Brans Associates/Grenoble Ecole de Management

ICO fails to disclose majority of reprimands issued under GDPR

London law firm Mishcon de Reya forces disclosure of reprimands issued to organisations by the Information Commissioner’s Office for contraventions of UK data protection law Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Security Think Tank: Don’t trust the weakest link? Don’t trust any link

Your security model shouldn’t fall apart just because a part of your business, or a partner, has weak security. This is why information-centric security is a must Continue Reading

By

• Tim Holman, 2-sec

Snake Keylogger climbing malware charts, says Check Point

Cyber criminals behind Snake Keylogger campaigns have been switching up their tactics in the past few weeks, say researchers Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor