IT technical skills

AI Seoul Summit: 16 AI firms make voluntary safety commitments

Prominent artificial intelligence companies from around the world have committed to a set of voluntary AI safety measures, which includes developing continuous risk assessment processes, setting acceptable risk thresholds, and ensuring greater transparency Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

UK AI Safety Institute to open San Francisco branch

News of the AI Safety Institute’s expansion to the US follows the first public release of its AI safety testing results Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Sunak warned against changing foreign student visa rules

Business leaders have called on prime minister Rishi Sunak not to be pressured into altering the graduate visa route Continue Reading

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• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Cyber Safety Force wants to change conversation around risk

A consortium to help cyber pros better manage risk has launched, with ambitious goals to change the nature of the conversation from cyber security to cyber safety Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Red Hat bullish on APAC growth, targets automakers and SMEs

Red Hat is expanding its reach into smaller firms as well as the automotive and other industries to fuel its ‘high-double digit’ growth in the region Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Ofcom publishes draft online child safety rules for tech firms

In the draft codes, Ofcom calls on technology firms to use ‘robust’ age-checking and content moderation systems to keep harmful material away from children online Continue Reading

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• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Gen AI: what we know and don’t know, what excites us, what scares us

GenAI is probably the most exciting technology development since the creation of the internet but its essential businesses put in the right controls Continue Reading

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•  Andrew Neal, Chief People Officer, Nash Squared

Embrace alternative education pathways for cyber success

Shifting focus toward passion, adaptability, and a willingness to learn can revolutionise talent acquisition, fostering a more diverse and effective cyber security force. Continue Reading

By

• Ricardo Villadiego

Microsoft beefs up cyber initiative after hard-hitting US report

Microsoft is expanding its recently launched Secure Future Initiative in the wake of a hard-hitting US government report on recent nation state intrusions into its systems Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Lords say government must ‘go beyond’ current approach to LLMs

Chair of the Lords Communications and Digital Committee has written to the UK’s digital secretary about the government’s approach to generative AI, lamenting a lack of support for copyright holders and measures to ensure competition in AI markets Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Secure coding benchmark to increase standards among developers

Developer security advocate Secure Code Warrior has launched what it claims is the industry’s first benchmark designed to quantify the security competence of its customers’ software developer teams Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Google Cloud accelerates asteroid discovery for US-based non-profit

Google Cloud opens up about the work it is doing with a US-based planetary science non-profit to help map the solar system Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

DSIT launches SME training fund

Businesses have up until May 31st to apply for a grant covering 50% of the costs for training staff on AI Continue Reading

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• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Autonomous weapons reduce moral agency and devalue human life

Military technology experts gathered in Vienna have warned about the detrimental psychological effects of AI-powered weapons, arguing that implementing systems of algorithmic-enabled killing dehumanises both the user and the target Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

What’s it like being the IT chief at Man Utd?

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we speak to the chief digital information officer at Manchester United Football Club to discuss the IT that keeps a premiership team running. We also investigate how well prepared the UK is for major semiconductor supply chain disruptions. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Progress being made on gender diversity in cyber

Women make up a higher percentage of new entrants to the cyber security profession, particularly among younger age groups, and are increasingly taking up leadership positions and hiring roles, but challenges still persist Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NCSC announces PwC’s Richard Horne as CEO

Former PwC and Barclays cyber chief Richard Horne set to join UK’s National Cyber Security Centre as CEO Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

IT talent trap: How cloud skills suffer as a result of supplier lock-in

Even when supplier partners dominate, providers can keep some independence by nurturing in-house skills Continue Reading

By

• Fleur Doidge

CISOs not yet convinced to invest in AI

CISOs say their eyes are fixed firmly on threats like ransomware and supply chain attacks, and while AI is becoming a threat that needs to be dealt with, it’s not yet an immediate spending priority Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UK in critical need of regulation to fight misinformation online

Misinformation, where it is generated by AI, poses a serious threat due to the ease with which plausible false content can be created and spread Continue Reading

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• Josh Osman, Computer Weekly

AI skills gap blocking public sector take-up

A Salesforce report claims that a lack of skills in artificial intelligence is preventing effective take-up of generative AI to enhance frontline citizen services across the public sector Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

TeamViewer launches initiative to bring women into sports tech

TeamViewer’s flagship SheSportTech initiative aims to encourage more women into sports technology, offering ‘inspiration, training grants and access to unique experiences’ Continue Reading

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• Josh Osman, Computer Weekly

Government struggles to upgrade legacy IT systems, says PAC chair

In her annual report, Public Accounts Committee chair Meg Hillier calls legacy IT one of government’s ‘big nasties’ and says money urgently needs to be spent to fix the situation Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Further extension to controversial Post Office contract with Fujitsu inevitable

Post Office is seeking software developers as it replaces the controversial Horizon system from Fujitsu with an in-house alternative Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Five key principles for data insight success

Five key principles for using data to grow your organisation Continue Reading

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• Ian Bobbett, Crimson, and George Lynch, NashTech, part of Nash Squared

Startups: how to navigate at high velocity

When up to 90% of startups fail, tech entrepreneurs must do something different to get a different result and to be part of the 10% Continue Reading

By

• Raihan Islam, defineXTEND

IR35 reforms: Incoming legislative tweak could reignite contracting market, experts claim

A long-awaited tweak to the IR35 rules that will put a stop to HMRC over-collecting tax from non-compliant entities is great news for IT contractors, experts claim Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Everyone involved – expert advice surrounding D&I in tech

At the 2023 Computer Weekly diversity in tech event, in partnership with Nash Squared, more than 100 experts from the tech and employment sectors shared their ideas for improving diversity in the technology industry Continue Reading

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• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

UK plc going backwards on cyber maturity, Cisco report claims

Fewer UK organisations believe their cyber security postures have reached a mature level than did so 12 months ago, as they struggle to keep up with new challenges and a fast-evolving threat landscape Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NHS SBS launches digital advisory framework

The Digital Health Advisory Services framework agreement aims to provide a way for health and care organisations to get help with digital transformation and skills Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Open Data Institute launches digital policy manifesto

The Open Data Institute has launched a policy manifesto ahead of the UK general election that outlines policies and issues it believes must be part of the political discussion around digital and data Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Everywoman announces 2024 Women in Tech Awards winners

Network for women in business, Everywoman, has announced the winners of this year’s technology awards, in partnership with Bupa Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Board-level buy-in: preparing cyber defences the right way

The cyber security function isn’t a back office team that is never seen and never heard. To truly protect the company, cyber security touches every corner of the business, and it starts from the top Continue Reading

By

• Bruno Soares

Government pumps £1.1bn into tech skills training

Government funding will be used to allow more than 4,000 students to pursue PhDs in technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and 6G Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Industry partnerships and data key to better public services

Using public-private partnerships and improving the use of data are key to improving public services and the government’s ‘science and technology superpower’ ambitions, says digital secretary Michelle Donelan Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

TechUK calls for next government to introduce ‘industrial strategy’ for AI

Trade group TechUK publishes blueprint calling for winner of next election to boost tech startups, digitise government services and accelerate technology R&D Continue Reading

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• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Government insists it is acting ‘responsibly’ on military AI

The government has responded to calls from a Lords committee that it must “proceed with caution” when it comes to autonomous weapons and military artificial intelligence, arguing that caution is already embedded throughout its approach Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

HP emphasises AI in partner programme enhancements

Vendor uses partner event to share details of changes coming in May, and its plans to increase support for partners keen to get involved with artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Cash-strapped cyber pros go rogue on the dark web

Research conducted by CIISec has turned up worrying evidence of hard-up legitimate cyber professionals offering their services to the cyber criminal underground Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Interview: How a fundraiser became more data-savvy

We speak to a fundraiser in the charity sector about how an apprenticeship in data analytics has given her Excel, PowerBI and Power Query skills Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Going up? Senior tech pay trends – and how to influence them

Salaries for CIOs and senior IT professionals have continued to grow despite tough economic conditions. What can you expect in 2024? Continue Reading

By

• Helen Fleming, Director at Harvey Nash, part of Nash Squared

Caroline Dinenage signs letter calling for angel law change

The MP has signed a letter calling for the government to reconsider recently changed laws making it harder for women to be angel investors Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Netherlands formulates vision to address risks of GenAI

There are numerous risks and challenges associated with generative AI – which is why the Dutch government has formulated a vision document for its responsible and safe use in the Netherlands Continue Reading

By

• Kim Loohuis

Singapore to invest S$1bn in AI over five years

The funding will go towards compute, talent, and industry development to support Singapore’s national AI strategy Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Misunderstanding and underrepresentation blocking tech diversity

Research from the Institute of Coding has found UK adults don’t think tech represents the wider UK population, and are uncertain about the level of education needed for a tech job Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Post Office IT insider and the software decision that lit the Horizon scandal

As the Post Office replaces its controversial Horizon software, a former Post Office IT executive describes disastrous mistakes of the past Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Security-by-design push prompts new ISC2 accreditations

Security-by-design has become a hot-button regulatory issue. ISC2 has decided now is the time to upskill cyber pros around these vital software and hardware development principles Continue Reading

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• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

How DBS is industrialising AI across its business

Southeast Asia’s biggest lender is building a strong data foundation and upskilling employees on data and artificial intelligence to realise its vision of becoming an AI-fuelled bank Continue Reading

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• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Lack of tech skills making hiring more competitive, says Morgan McKinley

A lack of skilled workers is forcing hiring managers to use salary and benefits such as flexibility to compete for talent, according to research from global recruiter Morgan McKinley Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

BCS report shows lack of improvement in tech diversity

Research from BCS shows very slow progress when it comes to the number of women and people from under-represented groups in tech over the past five years Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Government funds two semiconductor centres

So-called information knowledge centres in Bristol and Southampton are each receiving £11m Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Russian IT sector still under serious pressure

Russian IT sector faces challenges on multiple fronts as Western sanctions widen Continue Reading

By

• Computer Weekly correspondent

Proposed changes to investment thresholds highlights lack of funding diversity

The government is introducing a law to raise the income threshold for potential angel investors, potentially making it harder for people from underrepresented groups to fund startups Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Google Cloud teams up with Singapore government on AI initiatives

Over 100 generative AI use cases have been tested through the AI Trailblazers programme, among other initiatives to spur AI adoption and build AI talent in the city-state Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Expert IT witness outsmarted an ‘aggressive’ Post Office to get to truth after inspection ‘madness’

The Post Office’s attempts to protect the Horizon system are well known, in light of the public inquiry and a recent TV drama, but Computer Weekly can reveal how an IT expert was treated during his investigation of Horizon Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

CW EMEA: Investing in the future

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, and businesses might be forgiven for taking a cautious approach to their planning. But one thing is certain, and that is that oil-rich countries in the Middle East will continue to invest heavily in diversifying their economies. Continue Reading

Davos 2024: AI disinformation tops global risks

In this week’s Computer Weekly, AI-generated disinformation and misinformation will be the top risks for businesses, governments and the public over the next two years, according to the World Economic Forum. Intel’s CTO discusses the chip maker’s plans for the European market. And we examine the dearth of digital skills among elected officials. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Upgraded Arabic large language model is twice as big

Techniques that were used to double the power of what was already the largest LLM for Arabic can now be applied to other languages whose native speakers do not yet have access to AI Continue Reading

By

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

ICO prompts confusion over police cloud legality

The UK data regulator has suggested that, despite major data protection concerns, it is likely to greenlight police cloud deployments because of an information-sharing agreement with the US government Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

2024: The year Generative AI is let out of its cage  

Instead of worrying about AI taking over their jobs perhaps people should wonder if their work will be taken over by a new starter who knows how to use AI.   Continue Reading

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• By Peter van der Putten, Director AI Lab, Pegasystems

The human toll of ransomware: how IT pros suffer during incidents

Any ransomware attack causes significant challenges for a business or organisation going through such incident. But ransomware attacks also have tremendous impact on the staff – especially IT teams – working on mitigating the attack’s effect Continue Reading

By

• Pia Hüsch, Jamie MacColl and Gareth Mott

Santander bank added 4,500 tech staff last year

Santander added thousands of IT staff to its global operation last year, as part of its digital transformation Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

APAC leaders expect tech disruption to accelerate

Nearly two-thirds of C-suite leaders in the region expect the pace of technology disruption to accelerate further in 2024, driven by advancements in generative AI Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

UK government seeks public views on impacts of AI-generated porn

The government’s Pornography Review will look in part at the use of AI throughout the industry to generate sexually explicit content without people’s consent Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Fujitsu UK employees working for HMRC to strike during self-assessment tax period over pay

Hundreds of Fujitsu UK staff working for HMRC are set to strike later this month over a pay rise dispute Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Redefining the cyber domain to tackle the challenges of tomorrow

Emerging technologies have brought about a new age of cyber – and we need a 360-degree collaborative approach more than ever to succeed Continue Reading

By

• Saj Huq, Plexal

Top 8 in-demand cybersecurity jobs for 2024 and beyond

Cybersecurity is a challenging career path, filled with professional opportunities. Learn about the top cybersecurity jobs and the training and background they require. Continue Reading

By

• Rahul Awati

Top 10 women in tech and diversity in tech stories of 2023

As the year draws to a close, Computer Weekly looks over some of the notable stories relating to women in tech, diversity and inclusion throughout 2023 Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Top 10 IT careers and skills stories of 2023

Looking back at the skills and hiring landscape in 2023, Computer Weekly shares the key moments for IT careers and skills over the past 12 months Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Immigration clampdown could worsen UK IT skills shortage

The UK government’s recent clampdown on immigration could exacerbate the IT skills shortage in the country, especially in web design and development Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

Top 10 Benelux stories of 2023

The Benelux region is researching some of the latest digital technologies of the future with efforts to ensure the region keeps pace in quantum computing and artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Police defend facial recognition target selection to Lords

Senior police officers confirm to Lords committee that facial recognition watchlist image selection is based on crime categories attached to people’s photos, rather than a context-specific assessment of the threat presented by a given individual Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

NCSC CEO Lindy Cameron to step down in 2024

NCSC chief exec Lindy Cameron, who helped lead and elevate the national dialogue on cyber security through major events such as Covid-19, SolarWinds Sunburst and Colonial Pipeline, is to step down in the New Year Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Diversity in tech 2023: Bev White, Nash Squared

In this video from Computer Weekly’s annual diversity in tech event, in partnership with Nash Squared and sponsored by NatWest, Bev White, CEO of Nash Squared, talks about the challenges the tech sector faces when it comes to increasing diversity and inclusion. Continue Reading

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• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Suki Fuller, most influential woman in UK tech 2023, winner’s speech

In this video from Computer Weekly’s annual diversity in tech event, in partnership with Nash Squared, Suki Fuller, gives her acceptance speech as the 2023 Most Influential Woman in UK Tech. Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Finnish IT industry talent fears amid government restrictions

Finnish businesses concerned over the immigration plans of the country’s right-wing government Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Government launches UK-wide Cyber Explorers Cup

Schoolkids across the UK are being called on to team up and defeat Herbert the Hacker in a new government-backed competition Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UAE university vies for international recognition in AI education and research

The UAE is betting heavily on its new AI university to develop local talent and boost the country into a position of thought leadership Continue Reading

By

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

CTO interview: Greg Lavender, Intel

Computer Weekly caught up with Intel’s chief technology officer to find out the semiconductor giant’s plans for the European market Continue Reading

By

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

Almost 60% of UK workers have had no digital skills training

Companies often complain of a lack of skilled workers, but many employees have also claimed they’ve not received any digital training, according to CV Genius Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Government sets out AI training framework for business

The Alan Turing Institute’s AI Skills for Business Competency Guidance for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is now live Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Can contributing to open source get you a job?

Could voluntary work on open source projects be a stepping stone to employment? That was one of the intriguing prospects held out at the launch last week of a report with the slightly ominous title ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Betts, Freeform Dynamics

India's Hexaware creates hundreds of jobs in UK

Hexaware opens IT services operation in Birmingham, with a plan to recruit 250 people in the region by 2025 Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

DWP to surveil bank accounts of benefit claimants for fraud

The UK government has outlined how it plans to tackle benefit fraud by giving the Department for Work and Pensions new powers compelling banks to collect and share data on claimants’ bank accounts Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

AWS to offer free AI training courses to two million people by 2025

Public cloud giant AWS has set its sights on bolstering the AI skill sets of two million people globally Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Deputy prime minister heads up AI central government drive

The government has established a new initiative called i.AI in a bid to drive AI across the public sector to improve efficiency Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Why transparency and accountability are important in cyber security

If we accept that the humans who build technology and systems are naturally fallible and mistakes inevitable, and then deal with that with good grace, we could do much to improve cyber standards, writes Bugcrowd's Casey Ellis Continue Reading

By

• Casey Ellis

Government response to digital exclusion recommendations lacking, say Lords

The government’s response to a committee report that makes recommendations for addressing digital exclusion has been met with criticism from the House of Lords Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Elected officials' lack of digital skills affects public services

A lack of digital skills and tech expertise among elected officials encourages government to contract out IT work instead of building up internal capacity, making the public sector increasingly reliant on outside knowledge to get things done Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Kersley

Workato CEO calls for new automation mindset

Workato CEO Vijay Tella urges organisations to go beyond the ‘mechanistic glue’ of automating manual processes and embrace a new automation mindset that focuses on transforming their business Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Interview: Dan Huddart, CTO, Homeprotect

After building up experience in the insurance sector, Homeprotect’s chief technology officer sought the freedom to innovate being offered at the rapidly scaling company Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Are firms using mergers and acquisitions to inherit talent?

Getting the right tech skills is proving increasingly difficult for businesses, so some are resorting to combining companies to find the industry’s existing talent – but what are the pros and cons? Continue Reading

By

• Cath Everett

As the jobs market evolves, maximise opportunities, mitigate AI risk

Heather Thomson, Director of Skills and Talent at The Data Lab urges society to keep calm and focus on the opportunities afforded by artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Heather Thomson

APAC cyber security workforce hits record high

The cyber security workforce in Asia-Pacific now stands at just under a million people, but demand for cyber security talent in the region continues to outpace supply Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

How to manage the cultural and operational impact of AI

Organisations will need to address workplace fears of potential job losses, manage change and improve their talent mix to drive success in AI adoption Continue Reading

By

• Pieter den Hamer

UK government does not see need for specific AI legislation

The UK government does not currently see the need for new artificial intelligence legislation, as many regulators are already dealing effectively with AI-related harms Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

The Security Interviews: Why cyber needs to integrate better

Cyber security is an intensely technical field, but we shouldn’t ignore the soft skills of communication and collaboration. Wipro’s Tony Buffomante explains why a robust security posture is dependent on a security team engaging with the wider organisation Continue Reading

By

• Peter Ray Allison

Heineken lets the data flow

In this month’s CW EMEA ezine, we find out about Heineken’s mission to make the most out of the data it holds through an enterprise-wide data ecosystem. We also look at how the UK has turned its back on the German government-funded Gaia-X data platform, why cyber experts are urging the EU to rethink vulnerability disclosure plans, and how the IT industry is responding to the software developer skills shortfall. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

The Security Interviews: ISC2’s Clar Rosso on cyber diversity and policy

Computer Weekly catches up with ISC2 CEO Clar Rosso to talk about diversifying the cyber workforce and supporting cyber pros as they keep up with growing compliance and security policy demands Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

AI Safety Summit review

Computer Weekly takes stock of the UK government’s AI Safety Summit and the differing perspectives around its success Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor