Latest news
Acumin’s very own news service has been set up to provide you with live industry specific news throughout the week. If you require any further information that we may be able to help with then please contact us. If you have your own news article that you would like to post on Acumin’s site then please submit this to hgoodyear@acumin.co.uk for approval.
Microsoft hits back over Vista security
16/05/2008 11:00:05
Claims made by an Australian security vendor that Microsoft's Vista program is more susceptible to malware infections than Microsoft Windows have been refuted by the software giant
Renewed calls for more data access
15/05/2008 16:51:40
One of the co-founders of Business Wiki website Bizwiki believes information collected by taxpayer-funded agencies on behalf of the public should be made readily available for inspection.
New browser security software released
15/05/2008 16:02:57
Data security for those using the internet may be aided by new software released by a security company.
Computer game virus poses data risk
15/05/2008 11:18:21
Hackers are disguising viruses as downloadable copies of the recently-released Grand Theft Auto IV computer game available on file-sharing networks.
Security warning over fraudulent login attempts
15/05/2008 11:13:02
A rise in the number of secure shell attacks during the past week has led network administrators to issue a security warning.
Identity fraud risk for VoIP users
14/05/2008 16:49:07
A VoIP provider has claimed consumer details are being stolen by hackers and sold on the Internet
25-year-old software bug discovered
14/05/2008 11:57:53
A software developer has discovered a software bug, 25 years after it is believed to have originated.
Information risk management fears at government department
13/05/2008 15:15:12
Staff at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have been criticised for sending out sensitive information in the same package as relevant passwords.
Microsoft to patch system flaws
13/05/2008 12:01:40
Four system patches are set to be released by Microsoft, aiming to repair flaws which are leaving systems vulnerable to hackers.
UK firms 'struggle to comply with regulations'
12/05/2008 18:23:42
IT and security specialists are not satisfied with their IT security provision and struggle to adhere to regulations.
New encryption software launched
12/05/2008 14:54:37
A collaboration between IT service providers McAfee and Gemalto has produced new information security software.
Hackers 'tailor internet attacks'
09/05/2008 17:56:30
A study has revealed that online crime is being tailored to different countries and regions.
Google releases IT security product
09/05/2008 14:45:48
Internet giant Google has released an online security product aimed at employers.
New botnet 'accounts for over half of all spam'
09/05/2008 13:04:34
The Srizbi botnet now accounts for more spam than all other botnets combined.
Online consumers 'must be vigilant'
08/05/2008 17:51:42
Online consumers should not depend only on corporations or governments to secure their personal information on the internet, according to an industry expert.
Mozilla releases infected software
08/05/2008 13:16:14
IT technology company Mozilla has announced that software it released is infected.
Government orders new disk encryption solution
08/05/2008 10:06:10
The Ministry of Defence will make use of encryption software in an attempt to secure important information.
Server found 'containing stolen information'
07/05/2008 17:55:40
Hackers have stolen information from businesses wordwide and stored it on a single server.
PCI compliance software developed
07/05/2008 12:03:07
PCI compliance software has been designed to help businesses make online payments secure.
McAfee and Microsoft develop new IT security technology
06/05/2008 14:09:11
A joint venture between McAfee and Microsoft has provided new IT security software.
Internet fraud 'must be spotted quickly'
02/05/2008 17:47:13
In order to prevent identity theft, internet users must report security breaches as soon as they occur, says an IT security expert.
BCS criticises government
02/05/2008 17:44:07
A survey has revealed that people see the governmnet as less reliable because of recent data losses.
Hackers target Google
02/05/2008 11:58:18
The search engine giant has come under recent bombardment by hackers as a result of its growing popularity.
New virtual firewall venture launched
01/05/2008 18:08:51
New virtual firewall security has been developed.
Hackers add malicious hardware to repertoire
01/05/2008 12:15:09
Malicious hardware has been designed by hackers, putting companies' sensitive information at even greater risk.
Dramatic increase in phishing
30/04/2008 19:13:17
Phishing attacks have seen an increase in April for the third month in a row.
Google's cookies "fairly standard"
30/04/2008 19:10:13
An industry expert has said that Google 'cookies' are standard technoloy and do not raise any significant security issues.
'Security breaches require more attention'
30/04/2008 13:02:00
UK companies should pay close attention to how their information is used online, to prevent data losses and the associated financial cost.
EC addresses online crime
29/04/2008 19:17:45
A new report from the European commission addresses the growing problem of internet payment fraud.
Computer users make case for encryption
29/04/2008 19:15:21
New research reveals that Britons are in favour of encryption protection for all personal information put onto the internet.
Windows 'vulnerable to hackers'
29/04/2008 11:57:48
A malware infection targeting Windows Vista could leave PCs vulnerable to hackers.
Online crime 'makes internet voting untenable'
28/04/2008 18:36:26
People are unable to be able to vote using the internet for some time due to the security risks involved, according to an industry expert.
High street 'will be attacked by hackers'
28/04/2008 18:31:16
IT security experts have predicted that "it is only a matter of time" before high street retail websites are targeted by hackers.
Encryption strategy 'offers better IT security'
28/04/2008 11:52:23
Encryption strategy is the key to online security, a new study has found.
Government websites hacked
25/04/2008 18:00:38
A second wave of hacking attacks have targeted government and UN websites.
Businesses use 'inefficient WEP protocol'
25/04/2008 17:56:46
UK companies have been warned that they are leaving their information unguarded due to simple oversights.
Companies should improve IT security, says FSA
25/04/2008 14:10:44
The FSA has found that UK companies could be doing more to protect their information.
Penetration-testing provider organisation launched
24/04/2008 15:30:41
A not-for-profit organisation has been formed to regulate UK IT security standards.
IT providers 'should secure technology'
24/04/2008 15:25:24
At Infosecurity 2008, a chief information security officer has called on technology providers to to provide end users with more secure software and hardware.
Web pages 'infected every five minutes'
24/04/2008 11:59:37
A report at Infosec 2008 has said that a web page is infected every five seconds.
New hacking tool discovered by researchers
23/04/2008 16:36:40
A new hacking tool is being used as a base for money-making cybercriminal activity, according to researchers.
Automotive industry 'increasingly concerned with IT security'
23/04/2008 16:24:06
Car manufacturers are becoming more worried about securing their intellectual property and are making larger use of encryption technology.
Microsoft: 'IT security community should work together'
23/04/2008 11:38:31
UK chief security advisor at Microsoft calls for the IT security community to work together to secure information as it requires "a huge amount of resources".
Search engines 'should be more transparent'
22/04/2008 18:03:20
An IT security industry commentator has called on search engines to increase their transparency regarding user information.
UK companies 'should review their security provision'
22/04/2008 17:58:48
Companies in the UK have been advised to check their ability to secure information.
Security testing service released
22/04/2008 12:15:06
A portfolio designed to allow businesses to coordinate applications testing could streamline IT security.
SaaS security suite launched
21/04/2008 19:28:12
A new Qualys-designed suite looks to assist business practices.
Number of business hacks increases
21/04/2008 19:25:52
Companies report an increase of security breaches in 2008.
CEOs targeted in spam spear attack
18/04/2008 18:35:45
Malware attacks target chief executives with fake subpeona emails.
Banking customers 'responsible for own online security'
18/04/2008 15:18:50
Customers who bank online could risk losing money if they do not take measures to ensure their own online security.
Unsafe browsers to be banned by PayPal
18/04/2008 15:14:36
PayPal is planning to remove its site from browsers not suitably protected against phishing.
Time to address public IT security concerns
17/04/2008 13:38:10
The government and IT security companies should respond to public internet security concerns,a technology watchdog has said.
IT security workforce to double
17/04/2008 12:02:14
New regulations and better client knowledge will lead the IT security workforce to increase dramatically over the next four years.
PCs vulnerable to 'free Tibet virus'
16/04/2008 10:50:42
A new 'anti-Chinese' Olympic email video is attacking PC users.
Malware threat 'evolving'
16/04/2008 10:19:01
Malicious programs are adapting and becoming more lucrative for cybercriminals.
Businesses warned to keep vigilant of phishing
15/04/2008 13:08:02
APACS warns of the dangers of phishing and offers advice on beating e-crime.
Importance of data protection for small businesses
15/04/2008 11:27:56
An industry expert has warned that the problems caused by losing data extend beyond financial damage.
New malware legislation 'not needed'
14/04/2008 19:21:59
The increase in malware attacks does not require new legislation, according to an e-crime researcher.
Web designers' mistakes aide cybercriminals
14/04/2008 19:19:33
Many web designers are making old and simple mistakes and allowing hackers to target those visiting their sites, according to industry experts.
Businesses 'ignorant' of information security
11/04/2008 17:12:08
A government survey has found that the overwhelming majority of firms in the UK (79 per cent) responsible for security are not aware of IT security standards BS 7799 and ISO 27000.
Security business futile, says IBM
11/04/2008 10:51:47
IBM is to overhaul its existing security strategy to focus on business sustainability, a leading executive at the technology company has said.
'Criminals out-pace businesses on IT security'
10/04/2008 14:09:46
The security of business enterprises is at risk due to the innovate abilities of criminals, top information security technologists have warned.
'National e-crime unit needed'
10/04/2008 10:16:13
Almost 75 per cent of UK businesses want a new national body to tackle e-crime, an industry report has revealed.
EU warns Google over search records
09/04/2008 17:21:03
The European Union (EU) is warning search engines that they could be forced to delete personal information after six months if new guidelines are approved.
'Stolen bank data sold for £5 online'
09/04/2008 11:04:33
Stolen bank details are being sold online for as little as £5, research has discovered.
'Oyster cards have data security issues'
08/04/2008 17:32:06
Although consumers have benefited from the use of pre-paid electronic travel cards, the payment technology has data security issues, a consumer body has warned.
'Information systems poor at London firms'
08/04/2008 10:40:34
Tools to access information systems at a number of London corporate firms are so archaic that business productivity is hampered as a result, a survey has found.
HSBC loses data for 370,000 customers
07/04/2008 15:51:02
A computer disc containing details of 370,000 customers has been lost by HSBC.
'IT budgets continue to increase'
07/04/2008 10:16:55
Despite economic uncertainty following the credit crunch, IT budgets for European firms are continuing to grow, a sector consultancy firm has found.
Government has lost more than 1,000 laptops
04/04/2008 17:30:51
Information security fears have been raised as the number of laptops lost by government departments exceeds 1,000.
Security systems not updated after SEPA introduction
04/04/2008 10:40:12
Failure by corporate firms to upgrade anti-fraud systems to deal with payments made as part of the Single European Payments Area (SEPA) has left them exposed to data security risks, it has been claimed.
'Quarter of UK businesses have no disaster recovery plan'
03/04/2008 17:39:30
The number of UK companies with a IT disaster recovery plan in place has increased but more than a quarter still do not have one, new research claims.
'Government not serious about cyber-crime'
03/04/2008 11:03:05
The government's commitment to tackling internet crime has been criticised by the shadow home secretary.
'Retailers unable to track data access'
02/04/2008 12:19:37
Many retailers in the UK are failing to monitor access to data used in credit card transactions, research has revealed.
'Internet malware active for longer'
02/04/2008 10:06:24
Malware on infected websites is remaining active for longer, an internet security company has found.
Biometrics company receives grant for security system research
01/04/2008 17:32:20
A research grant worth SKr 5.7 million (£0.48 million) has been given to a Swedish biometrics company to develop an authentication system aimed at improving information security procedures for businesses and public bodies.
'Adequate security for retailers imperative'
01/04/2008 10:00:31
Retailers have been urged to keep their information security systems up-to-date following a data breach at two US supermarket chains.
'850 laptops missing from government departments'
31/03/2008 17:23:55
More than 850 laptops have gone missing from government departments, it has been revealed.
'Employees bypass data security controls to do their jobs'
31/03/2008 12:09:44
Employees have admitted to evading information security measures in order to do their jobs, research has revealed.
'Record number of cybersquatters evicted from domains'
31/03/2008 10:33:14
A record number of evictions from domains were made last year to cybersquatters involved in intellectual property disputes.
'Data must be kept secure by employees'
28/03/2008 10:10:11
Employees are vital to keeping sensitive information secure, research has found.
Stolen card data sold on website
28/03/2008 10:08:16
Fears for information security have been raised after experts uncovered a website selling stolen credit card data to fraudsters.
Employers seek new IT qualification
27/03/2008 18:22:23
Employers are seeking to make IT recruitment easier.
Energy efficiency 'important for IT managers'
27/03/2008 18:20:18
IT managers are increasingly viewing energy efficiency as a priority, it has been claimed.
Firewalls are 'no longer enough'
27/03/2008 12:05:09
Firewalls are no long enough to provide companies with adequate protection, it has been claimed.
Encryption fears raised
26/03/2008 16:41:38
The DRAMs currently used in many computers could represent one way in which hackers could get past disk encryption programs, according to a recent study.
Laptop stolen in US
26/03/2008 16:40:02
Personal information fould be at risk in the US after a laptop was recently stolen.
New NHS data breaches uncovered
26/03/2008 11:41:32
Another data breach at the NHS has been revealed.
Firms urged to consider 'overall' security
25/03/2008 17:52:04
Businesses around the world have been urged to take a wider perspective on how they aim to approach information risk management.
Concern raised over VoIP security
25/03/2008 17:50:34
Concerns have been raised over the security of voice over IP (VoIP) solutions as the technology becomes increasingly popular among businesses in the US and around the world.
Google's security 'embedded within infrastructure'
25/03/2008 13:07:51
Google's vice president of engineering has highlighted the firm's approach to security and its workforce.
Encrytion vulnerability found
20/03/2008 17:31:36
A computer security expert at Princeton University has discovered an unexpected vulnerability in encryption hard disks.
Data protection laws 'worrying businesses'
20/03/2008 17:29:44
Businesses are struggling to keep ahead of data hackers who are making it harder to protect personal information pertaining to clients and employees, it has been claimed.
Laptop data loss 'could be a threat'
20/03/2008 12:02:15
Organisations need to keep a closer eye on their electronic devices in light of recent data loss incidents.
'Public concerned about data security'
19/03/2008 17:02:17
More people are concerned about the "safety and security" of their personal details than ever before, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has claimed.
'Business computers lack security measures'
19/03/2008 09:43:10
Two-thirds of business computers are not properly secure, an IT firm has discovered.
'Biometrics have security risks'
18/03/2008 17:34:45
The increased use of biometrics by commercial organisations to identify individuals creates information security risks for users, an IT system company has said.
'Banks see increase in phishing attacks'
18/03/2008 08:34:53
Phishing attacks on banks reached their highest levels for six months during February.
'British public doubts government over data protection'
17/03/2008 12:13:56
Two-thirds of British adults claim that their trust in the government over the safe-guarding of personal information has weakened following recent data breaches, a survey has found.
Smartcard security warning issued
17/03/2008 12:10:18
A warning about the security of smartcards containing RFID chips - which including Oystercards used across London's transport system - has been issued by the Dutch government.
Webpages targeted by cyber criminals
17/03/2008 09:53:19
More than 10,000 web pages modified to redirect users to websites containing viruses have been identified by security firm McAfee.
'Public believes banks better at data security than government'
14/03/2008 11:44:22
Consumers in the UK have more faith in the IT security systems of the banking sector than those of central government, a YouGov poll has found.
'Green computing adopted by IT managers'
14/03/2008 10:41:55
IT managers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their work, research has shown.
'IT skills shortage sees salaries rise'
14/03/2008 09:19:47
A global shortfall in IT skills is causing salaries for professionals in the sector to increase, it has been claimed.
'Stolen card data sees fraud rise'
13/03/2008 12:00:00
Criminals using stolen card details largely account for the rise in credit card fraud over the past year, UK payments association Apacs has revealed.
'Remote network access raises security fears'
13/03/2008 11:58:31
Technology chiefs are worried that sensitive data will be exposed as corporate networks being made more accessible, a survey has shown.
'Hackers could target wireless medical devices'
13/03/2008 11:54:52
Some medical devices pose security risks for patients as they could be intercepted by hackers, researchers have said.
'Thousands of people affected by data breaches'
12/03/2008 11:25:19
Thousands of people have had their personal data breached in Scotland, it has been claimed.
UK banks review IT systems following SocGen scandal
12/03/2008 11:23:35
British banks have reviewed their trading controls - including their IT systems - following the Societe Generale (SG) 'rouge trader' incident, the Financial Services Authority has found.
HSBC customers reassured after security scare
11/03/2008 11:08:44
HSBC is reassuring customers after they were told the banks' website security certificate had expired.
'Government does not comply with DPA'
11/03/2008 11:07:04
The government's data security procedures have again been called into question after it was revealed that several of its departments have not taken measures to comply with the Data Protection Act (DPA).
'IT spending set to beat inflation'
11/03/2008 11:04:26
Despite reports of economic uncertainty, expenditure on IT is set to beat inflation, experts have said.
Smartcard security questioned
10/03/2008 11:33:58
Computer experts in America claim to have found a security loophole in payment smartcards which could be exploited by fraudsters.
'Consumers believe data is not protected'
07/03/2008 11:59:43
Consumers in Europe believe businesses and governments fail to protect their personal information online, it has been claimed.
Conservatives call for more cyber security
07/03/2008 11:55:51
The Conservative party has called for the appointment of a cyber security minister to combat internet crime in the UK.
Laptop containing children's records stolen
07/03/2008 11:42:12
A laptop containing the confidential details of more than 200 children has been stolen from a medical centre in Shropshire.
Timetable for national identity cards announced
06/03/2008 11:13:55
A timetable for the government's controversial identity card scheme is to be announced despite data security fears.
'One in five business lack continuity plans'
06/03/2008 11:11:30
More than one in five UK companies lack detailed business continuity plans should their IT systems fail, it has been claimed.
Concerns over use of biometric data for Olympic workers
05/03/2008 11:32:56
Plans to store biometric information for workers at the London Olympic site have raised concerns about data protection.
'Poor information use costs £67 billion a year'
05/03/2008 11:29:07
Despite heavy investment in IT £67 billion is wasted each year by business leaders who struggle to interpret data stored on their systems, it has been claimed.
Counterfeit Cisco hardware seized
05/03/2008 11:25:08
Concerns over the security of computer networks have been raised after £36 million worth of counterfeit Cisco equipment was seized by officials.
Staff use mobile phones for secure system access
04/03/2008 12:00:37
High Street retailer John Lewis is to implement security software to allow its 15,000 UK staff to use their mobile phones as part of an authentication process to access the company's IT systems.
'Patient database open to non-medical staff'
04/03/2008 12:00:16
The security of the £12.5 billion NHS database is being questioned after hospital receptionists were found to have accessed confidential patient records.
Manufactures defend encryption software
03/03/2008 17:02:03
The makers of encryption software have defended their products after a recent report claimed the technology had a major security flaw.
'Data guardians' to watch over HMRC data
03/03/2008 11:26:34
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is to appoint data guardians to ensure the protection of confidential information handled in the department.
'Internet shoppers do not know about security measures'
29/02/2008 12:10:07
Online shoppers in the UK lack basic knowledge of internet security measures, it has been claimed.
Home office disc found in eBay laptop
29/02/2008 12:07:42
A Home Office disc containing confidential data has been found hidden in a laptop computer sold on eBay.
Hacking group target Google
29/02/2008 12:04:56
Businesses have been urged to enforce data protection measures following warnings from security firm Cyber-Ark that a hacking group has targeted Google.
Travel firm turns to virtualisation
29/02/2008 12:02:01
TUI Travel is aiming to reduce the amount it spends operating data centres by choosing virtualisation software.
'IT professionals confident about job prospects'
28/02/2008 17:01:53
Despite reports of economic instability, IT professionals remain positive about their job prospects in the UK.
MP defends National Identity Register
28/02/2008 12:05:28
Home Office minister Meg Hillier has defended the government's plans for a National Identity Register despite fears over data security.
ENISA supports initiative to pool information on data breaches
27/02/2008 17:45:45
The creation of an EU-wide bank of private and public sector information security incidents to improve the resilience of ecommunication across the continent has been backed by the European Network and Information Security Agency.
Fears over security of card data used in chip and pin
27/02/2008 11:48:41
Weaknesses in the security of chip and pin machines have been identified by researchers.
MPs support NHS database
26/02/2008 13:20:18
Development of the £12.5 billion NHS database is to continue despite information security fears, the commons health committee chairman has announced.
'UK companies unprepared for data loss'
26/02/2008 10:19:03
The majority of UK companies have no emergency plans in the event of data loss, research has revealed.
Data breach costs average £1.4m
26/02/2008 09:17:26
Data loss cost British businesses an average of £1.4 million each in 2007, research has revealed.
'Government has green IT agenda'
25/02/2008 12:35:55
The government is planning to reduce the adverse effects of the public sector's information technology systems on the environment, a report claims.
Work on children's database continues
25/02/2008 11:14:12
Development of a national children's database is to continue despite warnings from an independent review that data "risk can only be managed, not eliminated".
HMRC data loss victims targeted by fraudsters
25/02/2008 11:12:05
Fraudsters have targeted people whose confidential data may have been on the computer discs lost by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Report doubts security of children's database
22/02/2008 12:46:46
The government is facing calls to abandon its plans for a database containing details of every child in England after a report raised fears over its security.
'Government fails to promote green IT'
22/02/2008 10:39:52
The government's spending plans for information technology in public services fail to acknowledge the environment and are hampering efforts to reduce carbon emissions, it has been claimed.
Skipton Financial found in breach of Data Protection Act
22/02/2008 10:36:34
Skipton Financial Services (SFS) has been found in breach of the Data Protection Act by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) following the theft of a laptop containing personal details of 14,000 customers.
'One-third of companies affected by IT skills shortage'
21/02/2008 14:59:26
More than a third of companies across the globe suffer from a lack of IT skills, according to the IT Governance Institute (ITGI).
New measure to protect data on stolen laptops
21/02/2008 11:39:23
The exposure of personal data stored on stolen laptops can be avoided thanks to a new security programme, claims an information security firm.
Disc containing details of criminals lost for a year
20/02/2008 11:53:56
A computer disc containing the details of 4,000 offenders was mislaid by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for almost a year, it has emerged.
Glasgow city council invests £265 million in IT overhaul
20/02/2008 11:50:45
Glasgow city council has invested in a £265 million venture that will see the overhaul of its IT services.
'Internet crime policing inadequate'
19/02/2008 16:16:52
Policing of internet crime in the UK is inadequate, members of the Information System Security Association (ISSA) claim.
'Tony Blair tried to rush NHS IT programme'
19/02/2008 09:49:24
Tony Blair had hoped to make NHS medical records available online in time for the 2005 general election - underestimating the time needed to implement the necessary information technology, it has been claimed.
'Security strategy lacking in technology industry'
18/02/2008 17:23:59
Information security professionals working in the technology and creative industries may claim to be confident at dealing with external security threats but nearly half lack a formal security strategy, new research has revealed.
Dudley hospital to spend £135,000 on computer security
18/02/2008 11:50:45
Dudley hospital will spend £135,000 on improvements to information security in the wake of a laptop theft containing the details of more than 5,000 patients.
New IT system saves council millions
15/02/2008 16:51:46
A council is now saving £2 million a year thanks to an overhaul of its IT system.
Laptop containing patient database stolen from hospital
15/02/2008 09:18:56
A laptop containing the medical records of more than 5,000 patients has been stolen from a hospital near Birmingham.
Extension of FOI laws will see rising IT costs, experts warn
14/02/2008 16:43:32
Extension of freedom of information (FOI) laws to government suppliers will incur increased IT costs, experts claim.
Public sector workers 'more computer compliant'
14/02/2008 12:04:57
Public sector workers are more compliant at storing data than employees in the private sector, research has revealed.
EuroSOX could be chaotic, says ISF
13/02/2008 17:04:27
The EU's imminent directives on corporate governance EuroSOX, could be chaotic, the Information Security Forum (ISF) has warned.
Internet Security Awareness Forum launched
13/02/2008 12:00:39
An IT forum has been launched to promote secure computer use in the UK.
Absolute security of data is impossible, say researchers
12/02/2008 16:05:09
Confidential information is impossible to protect no matter how sophisticated a company's IT system is, researchers have warned.
Mobile phone users anxious over security
12/02/2008 09:09:09
Information security risks are now a worry for mobile phone users, new research claims.
Shortage of IT skills, report says
11/02/2008 16:47:05
Staff with the right IT skills are proving hard to find, the National Computer Centre (NCC) claims.
Lords committee to re-examine nation's data security
11/02/2008 11:56:13
The Lords science and technology committee is to re-examine data security and internet crime measures in Britain in response to the government's "complacent" attitude towards earlier recommendations made by the body, reports claim.