Identity and access management products

OAuth (Open Authorization)

OAuth (Open Authorization) is an open standard authorization framework for token-based authorization on the internet. Continue Reading

By

• Gavin Wright
• Michael Cobb
• Stephanie Mann

5G networks and biometric breakthroughs: Navigating opportunities and risks

Businesses are quickly adopting 5G to introduce advanced security features such as facial recognition, but while these technologies improve safety and ease of use, they also raise concerns about how sensitive biometric information is gathered and may be misused Continue Reading

By

• Isla Sibanda

European Digital Identity Wallet: One ID for EU citizens

The European Digital Identity Wallet is a personal digital wallet with which you will be able to identify yourself digitally in the future. Is this the solution for a centralised ID? Continue Reading

By

• Oliver Schonschek

Facial recognition to play key role in UK shoplifting crackdown

UK government will fund roll-out of police facial recognition across the country as part of its crackdown on shoplifting and violence against retail staff, but civil society groups say the government is attempting to police its way out of the cost-of-living crisis Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Government dismisses Lords’ concerns over facial recognition

UK government is claiming police forces’ use of live facial recognition is comprehensively covered by existing laws, in response to a Lords investigation that found police lacked a clear legal basis to deploy it Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Public worried by police and companies sharing biometric data

More than half of the British public do not feel comfortable with police forces sharing biometric data with the private sector, including facial recognition images, to tackle crimes such as shoplifting Continue Reading

By

• Josh Osman, Computer Weekly

Greek government fined over AI surveillance in refugee camps

Greece’s Data Protection Authority has issued a €175,000 fine against the country’s migration ministry over its deployment of artificial intelligence-powered security systems in refugee camps after the watchdog’s investigation found ‘serious shortcomings’ with the roll-out Continue Reading

By

• Lydia Emmanouilidou

How Oracle Red Bull Racing guards against cyber threats

The F1 team is tapping managed security services, conducting penetration tests and improving security awareness among employees to fend off cyber threats such as phishing and ransomware Continue Reading

By

• Stephen Withers

Obituary: Professor Ross Anderson, pioneer in security engineering and campaigner

Ross Anderson, a titan in the field of security engineering and campaigner for privacy and security, has passed away Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

retina scan

Retina scanning is a biometric authentication technology that uses an image of an individual's retinal blood vessel pattern as a unique identifying trait for access to secure installations. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Zola

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

Cyber spies, not cyber criminals, behind most zero-day exploitation

Analysis from Google has found that zero-day vulnerabilities are much more heavily exploited for espionage purposes than for financially motivated cyber crime Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NCSC reaffirms guidance for those at risk of Chinese state hacking

As the UK and US governments announce sanctions and indictments of a Chinese state threat actor, the NCSC has reiterated its security advice for individuals at risk of being targeted for espionage purposes Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Challenging the traditional boundaries between IAM and UEM

It's always refreshing to engage with vendors who aren't bound by the rigid category definitions that large analyst firms often impose on the market. At Freeform Dynamics, our view is that it's ... Continue Reading

By

• Dale Vile, Freeform Dynamics

EMEA security spend will have another boom year in 2024

Cyber security services and technology will once again be the focus of major investment across EMEA during 2024, according to the latest Technology Spending Intentions study from TechTarget and ESG Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Australia’s cyber security spending to grow 11.5% this year

Highly publicised cyber attacks and growing regulatory obligations are keeping security and risk top of mind for Australian organisations this year, says Gartner Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Dutch organisations vulnerable to deepfake fraud

With the information many employees share on social media, Dutch companies are especially vulnerable to a new form of fraud Continue Reading

By

• Kim Loohuis

NI Policing Board pressed to open inquiry into PSNI spying on journalists’ phones

Amnesty International and the Committee on the Administration of Justice have asked Northern Ireland’s policing watchdog to open an inquiry into the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s use of surveillance powers against journalists Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Meta outage disrupts social media globally

Meta services, including Facebook, Instagram and Threads, have been downed in a brief service outage Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

American Express customers exposed through third-party breach

US card giant warns customers that their personal details may have been exposed after a third party experienced a systems breach Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Authorised access only – biometrics in the workplace

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine how biometrics technologies are transforming identity and access management. We analyse research that shows a mismatch between managerial expectations of generative AI and worker experience. And we look at how to assess the best hybrid cloud management tools. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Biometric revolution in IAM: The future of authentication

The IAM landscape is experiencing profound change thanks to the advent of biometrics. Learn about the latest advantages and key benefits of biometrics in identity Continue Reading

Okta doubles down on cyber in wake of high-profile breaches

Okta launches Secure Identity Commitment to shore up its technology in the wake of a damaging breach and elevate best practice around identity Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

DSIT publishes results of public digital identity trust consultation

Report from Department for Science, Innovation and Technology shows UK public wants government to be accountable and transparent, and views trust and inclusivity as key Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Majority of UK employees ‘willingly gamble’ with security

Human-centric threats originating from employees continue to damage organisations both financially and reputationally, according to a report Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Cozy Bear and other APTs changing tack as cloud adoption increases

A change in APT tactics has been observed resulting from greater adoption of cloud-based services, according to the NCSC Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Flying into cloud – EasyJet’s journey out of the datacentre to AI

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how EasyJet fills an aircraft every 10 seconds while migrating to the cloud and introducing AI. There’s only 283 years to go until we have a diverse IT workforce – we find out why. And we examine how the UK anti-trust investigation into the cloud market could hit the big hyperscalers. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Met Police to scrap and replace ‘racist’ Gangs Violence Matrix

A database used by the Metropolitan Police to identify and track people linked with gang violence is being decommissioned and replaced. The decision follows a long-running controversy over its discriminatory impacts on young black people, but campaigners warn that racial discrimination will persist with new tool Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Amazon defends facial-recognition tech sale to FBI despite moratorium

The FBI has confirmed it is using Amazon’s Rekognition image and video analysis software, but Amazon says it is ‘false’ to suggest this violates the company’s self-imposed moratorium on selling facial-recognition technology to US police Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Security Think Tank: The phishing forecast for 2024

Egress' Jack Chapman and James Dyer explore how phishing attacks are set to grow in their scope and sophistication this year, with generative AI playing a big role Continue Reading

By

• Jack Chapman and James Dyer

AI ID specialist Onfido in talks to be bought by Entrust

UK-based cyber unicorn Onfido agrees to enter talks to be acquired by Entrust Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Generative AI – an early adopter’s experience

In this week’s Computer Weekly, as IT leaders start to implement GenAI in their organisations, we look at the experiences of one early adopter. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the key security trends for 2024. And Microsoft’s head of identity talks about a future without passwords. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

UK police facial recognition explained: What you need to know

In this essential guide, Computer Weekly looks at the use of facial recognition technology by UK police forces, including the points of contention around its deployment so far and where it’s heading next Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

US government disrupts Chinese botnet containing hundreds of end-of-life Cisco and Netgear routers

The US government has succeeded in halting a botnet comprised of hundreds of end-of-life routers that posed a threat to critical national infrastructure (CNI) organisations in multiple countries Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Lords question legality of police facial recognition

Lords committee ‘deeply concerned’ about the rapid expansion of live facial recognition by UK police, which it says is progressing without any real oversight or accountability Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

UK government consults on age verification tech in alcohol sales

The government has said it wants to allow the use of digital identities and various age-verification technologies in alcohol sales Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

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

Biometric revolution in IAM: The future of authentication

The IAM landscape is experiencing profound change thanks to the advent of biometrics. Learn about the latest advantages and key benefits of biometrics in identity Continue Reading

By

• Isla Sibanda

Republic of Ireland publishes progress update on digital strategy

Update reveals 2.3 million people in Ireland now have MyGovID accounts, and the Irish government plans to launch a new digital portal for businesses, as well as establishing an AI advisory council imminently Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

NCA director sacked after WhatsApp and email security breaches

Nikki Holland, former director of investigations at the NCA, was sacked for “misconduct” after sending sensitive NCA information over personal email and WhatsApp Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

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

SEC social media hack highlights value of MFA

The US SEC briefly appeared to approve new bitcoin trading rules after a social media account was targeted by troublemakers, proving the value of MFA once again Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Scotland ‘sleepwalking’ to mass surveillance with DPDI Bill

The independent checks and balances over biometrics and biometric-enabled surveillance must be strengthened to prevent Scotland from sliding into a surveillance state along with the rest of the UK Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Top 10 police technology stories of 2023

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 police technology stories of 2023 Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Top 10 cyber crime stories of 2023

Ransomware gangs dominated the cyber criminal underworld in 2023, a year that will prove notable for significant evolutionary trends in their tactics Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

What we learned in cyber in 2023, and what to look out for

PA Consulting's Rasika Somasiri looks back at a busy 12 months in the cyber security world, and highlights some key learnings from 2023 Continue Reading

By

• Rasika Somasiri

Security Think Tank: Anytime, anywhere access is achievable

Remote working has enabled people to work from almost anywhere but has piled pressure on cyber pros. Three years after Covid, how are best practices evolving and what can we expect going forward? Continue Reading

By

• Tim Holman, 2-sec

The Security Interviews: Talking identity with Microsoft’s Joy Chik

Microsoft’s president of identity and network access, Joy Chik, joins Computer Weekly to discuss the evolving threat landscape in identity security, using innovations in artificial intelligence to stay ahead, and advocating for the coming passwordless future Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Top IT predictions in APAC in 2024

Generative AI will continue to leave its mark on many areas in business and IT, along with other trends such as sustainability, cyber security and smart factories that are expected to shape the region’s technology landscape in 2024 Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Human augmentation tech requires dual use oversight

Researchers investigating human augmentation technologies must acknowledge the potential military applications of their work, and military bodies cannot be allowed to dismiss ethical concerns in their pursuit of national security interests, says NGO Drone Wars UK Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

The Security Interviews: Mark McClain, SailPoint Technologies

SailPoint founder and CEO Mark McClain reflects on how the concept of identity has evolved over the past 20 years, and points to rapid evolution still to come Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Scope of Okta helpdesk breach widens to impact all users

Okta has widened the scope of the October breach of its systems to include every customer that has used its helpdesk service, after new information came to light Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

privileged identity management (PIM)

Privileged identity management (PIM) is the monitoring and protection of superuser accounts that hold expanded access to an organization's IT environments. Continue Reading

By

• Rahul Awati

How passwordless authentication aids identity security

Enterprise Strategy Group's Jack Poller discusses survey results on user authentication practices and explains the security benefits of passwordless methods. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Stedman, Industry Editor

UK police plan national roll-out of facial-recognition phone app

UK police chiefs plan to expand use of facial-recognition technology through a nationwide roll-out of mobile-based tools and increases in retrospective facial-recognition, but oversight problems persist Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Australia ups ante on cyber security

Australia’s new cyber security strategy will focus on building threat-blocking capabilities, protecting critical infrastructure and improving the cyber workforce, among other priorities Continue Reading

By

• Stephen Withers

An inside look at a Scattered Spider cyber attack

Threat researchers at ReliaQuest share the inside track on a Scattered Spider cyber attack they investigated Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

possession factor

The possession factor, in a security context, is a category of user authentication credentials based on items that the user has with them, typically a hardware device such as a security token or a mobile phone used in conjunction with a software token. Continue Reading

By

• Rahul Awati

Canada’s Mounties among government employees hit by LockBit

A LockBit attack on a specialist supplier of relocation services has engulfed multiple government agencies in Canada Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Outgoing police tech watchdog warns of declining oversight

The outgoing biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner for England and Wales discusses police deployment of powerful new surveillance technologies, and the declining state of oversight in this area Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

mandatory access control (MAC)

Mandatory access control (MAC) is a security strategy that restricts the ability individual resource owners have to grant or deny access to resource objects in a file system. Continue Reading

By

• Rahul Awati

Shadow IT use at Okta behind series of damaging breaches

Okta now believes the initial access vector in a series of damaging breaches was one of its own employees who used a corporate device to sign into their personal Google account Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

EU digital ID reforms should be ‘actively resisted’, say experts

Over 300 cyber security experts have called for the EU to rethink its proposals for eIDAS digital identity reforms, saying some of the provisions risk damaging user privacy and security Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Microsoft warns over growing threat from Octo Tempest gang

The English-speaking Octo Tempest extortion gang – which became an ALPHV/BlackCat affiliate recently – presents one of the most significant and rapidly growing threats to large organisations at this time, says Microsoft Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Demystifying the top five OT security myths

Goh Eng Choon, president of ST Engineering’s cyber business, outlines the common myths around OT security in a bid to raise awareness of the security challenges confronting OT systems Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

1Password caught up in Okta support breach

After breaches at BeyondTrust and Cloudflare, 1Password, a third customer of Okta operating in the same space, has revealed that it too was impacted in a breach of the IAM house’s support systems Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

soft token

A soft token is a software-based security token that generates a single-use login personal identification number (PIN). Continue Reading

By

• Paul Kirvan

How to tame the identity sprawl

Organisations should find a comprehensive way to gain full visibility into their digital identities and leverage automation to tame the identity sprawl. Continue Reading

CyberArk eyes growth beyond PAM

Aaron Tan examines CyberArk’s exponential growth in the broader identity security market. Continue Reading

CW APAC: Buyer’s guide to IAM

Identity access management tools are proving pivotal in the race to outwit cyber criminals. In this handbook, focused on IAM in the Asia-Pacific region, Computer Weekly takes a closer look at their capabilities, CyberArk’s growth, the uses of automation and how ForgeRock enhances user experience. Continue Reading

APAC guide to identity and access management

The rise of identity-based attacks is fuelling investments in identity and access management tools. Continue Reading

Loughborough Uni to create five cyber AI research posts

Supported by Darktrace, Loughborough University is to recruit five doctoral researchers focusing on cross-disciplinary research in AI and cyber security Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator is a mobile security application that provides a second type of confirmation for websites and online services that use two-factor authentication (2FA) to verify a user's identity before granting him or her access to secure resources. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

Secure Sockets Layer certificate (SSL certificate)

A Secure Sockets Layer certificate (SSL certificate) is a small data file installed on a web server that allows for a secure, encrypted connection between the server and a web browser. Continue Reading

By

• Rahul Awati

Preparing IT security for the age of quantum computing

We look at what progress is being made to ensure digital communications remain secure as quantum computers make an entrance Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

password entropy

Password entropy is a measurement of a password's strength based on how difficult it would be to crack the password through guessing or a brute-force attack. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

MGM faces £100m loss from cyber attack on its casinos

MGM Resorts has provided further details on the fallout of the hack targeting its casinos in early September, confirming that a range of personal information has been stolen and that it will likely cost the firm around $100m Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

risk-based authentication (RBA)

Risk-based authentication (RBA) is an authentication method in which varying levels of stringency are applied to a system’s authentication process based on the likelihood that access to that system could result in its compromise. Continue Reading

By

• Rahul Awati

Policing minister wants to use UK passport data in facial recognition

The policing minister’s plans to integrate the UK’s passport database with police facial-recognition systems have been met with criticism from campaigners, academics, and the biometrics commissioner for England and Wales Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Lloyds Bank launches digital identity app

Lloyds Bank has launched a digital identity app with tech startup Yoti, after it invested £10m in the firm Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Where next for quantum computing?

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to the head of Amazon’s Braket quantum computing services about how the technology is progressing. We go behind the scenes at an ethical hacker event to find out how bug bounty programmes work. And we analyse the offerings of the major players in software-defined storage. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Strasbourg court condemns Turkey for jailing teacher for using ByLock encrypted messaging app

The case is expected to have implications for the use of digital evidence in prosecutions against users of other encrypted phone apps Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Security and risk management spending to grow 14% next year

Growth in public cloud services will stand out over the next 12 months, as Gartner projects an overall 14% increase in cyber spending in 2024 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol (PEAP)

Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol (PEAP) is a security protocol commonly used to protect wireless networks. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

Cover-ups still the norm in the wake of a cyber incident

Almost half of organisations that have experienced a cyber incident did not report it to the appropriate authorities, according to a report Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Preparing for post-quantum cryptography

In this week’s Computer Weekly, our latest buyer’s guide assesses the challenges for cryptography in the emerging era of quantum computing. Google Cloud experts explain how the internet giant is preparing its datacentres for a world of AI. And we examine the privacy, compliance and backup issues from generative AI. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Okta confirms link to cyber attacks on Las Vegas casinos

Okta CISO David Bradbury confirms widespread speculation about the high-profile cyber attacks on two Las Vegas casino operators, revealing that the threat actors responsible had indeed abused its services as they earlier claimed Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

38TB Microsoft data leak highlights risks of oversharing

An accidentally disclosed SAS token with excessive privileges enabled researchers to access nearly 40TB of Microsoft’s data, highlighting the risks of privilege mismanagement and oversharing Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Ending the online fraud epidemic

A different approach to managing personal data across the web is possible - and it could minimise online fraud, boost e-commerce, and help make the web more secure. So why isn't the government doing it? Continue Reading

By

• Jon Nash, Demos

APAC guide to identity and access management

The rise of identity-based attacks is fuelling investments in identity and access management (IAM) tools. We examine the key capabilities of IAM, discuss implementation best practices, and explore the future of this technology Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Las Vegas mainstay Caesars Palace likely paid off ransomware crew

Caesars Entertainment, owner of the lavish Roman Empire-themed Caesars Palace casino in Las Vegas, has revealed it also suffered a ransomware attack, and appears to have paid off its hackers Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Manchester police data breach a classic supply chain incident

The developing data breach at Greater Manchester Police follows a cyber attack on the systems of a key supplier of ID services to the force Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Storm-0324 gathers over Microsoft Teams

An initial access broker associated with several different ransomware operations is now conducting Microsoft Teams phishing attacks Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

How DocuSign is extending its capabilities beyond e-signatures

DocuSign is harnessing large language models to help individuals make sense of agreements and employing AI-based biometrics to verify the identity of signers, as part of its broader efforts to expand its capabilities beyond electronic signatures Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Podcast: ‘Data first’ a key principle of digital transformation

Chris Gorton of Syniti says organisations should put data first during digital transformation projects, and that means getting data quality, access rights and governance right Continue Reading

By

• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

Sensitive NatWest customer files set to be returned after High Court agreement

Sensitive NatWest customer files set to be secured by bank after years in the home of a data breach whistleblower Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

HGS to provide contact centre support for One Login

The partnership between the Government Digital Service and Hinduja Global Solutions will see the supplier provide contact centre services for the digital identity platform Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Finnish government to bolster spending on cyber-AI defences

Finland’s government will increase spending on cyber security amid heightened threats from artificial intelligence-based attacks Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Meet the professional BEC op that targeted Microsoft 365 users for years

The so-called W3LL cyber crime operation ran a phishing empire that has played a large role in compromising Microsoft 365 accounts for years. Its activities are now coming to light thanks to Group-IB researchers Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Okta customers targeted in new wave of social engineering attacks

Authentication specialist Okta has warned customers to be on alert for a campaign of social engineering attacks exploiting highly privileged users Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor