Women in technology

Shadow business minister Chi Onwurah has recently put forward new ideas to increase the number of women working in engineering and technology. Amongst other suggestions, discussed in an article by Louise Peacock in The Daily Telegraph, she suggested that the awarding of government contracts should be dependent on the companies involved having a minimum number of female staff. Her other suggestions include more prizes and awards schemes for female scientists and technologists. Ms Onwurah was an electrical engineer for 23 years before joining parliament in 2010 and says that she has ‘definitely’ experienced sexism. Currently 94% of engineers are men, according to recent research. An additional report by the Institute of Engineering and Technology calls for women to be encouraged into the profession at an earlier age. It also calls for more flexible working arrangements to be available. For more on these proposals to encourage women into technology read more at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-politics/9618140/Call-for-minimum-number-of-female-staff-in-tech-firms.html

Increased powers sought against data security breaches

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is looking to increase its authority to impose greater punishments against companies  who have had major data security breaches. Recent official figures show a marked increase in cyber security incidents in both the public and private sector.  In addition, according to the article on computing.co.uk, Europe is also looking to ‘introduce tough new data protection regulations as early as 2014.’ The article has views from Deputy Information Commissioner, David Smith, who even argues for custodial sentences although the government has not wanted to take this step so far. Currently the maximum fine that can be issued for a data security breach is £500,000. The maximum issued so far was for £375,000 to Brighton and Sussex General Hospital when hard disks with patient data were found on eBay. For more on the debate on how cyber security breaches should be handled read the full article at http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/analysis/2214058/analysis-data-watchdog-needs-more-bite#ixzz29Rv1qpPi

Consultation opens on .uk domain names

Does British business need new shorter domain names – particularly the option of www.company.uk? These have been proposed by Nominet, the non-profit organisation that oversees all .uk net addresses. According to today’s article on the BBC technology page, the shorter domain names would have added security features. Eleanor Bradley, director of operations at Nominet explains that the new domain names would be “DNSSEC-signed [Domain Name System Security Extensions] …a security protocol that adds a digital signature to a domain to minimise the risk of domain-hijacking.” A three-month consultation period is now underway until 7^th January to listen to business concerns. Some companies envisage additional expense as they may have to buy the additional domain names simply to protect their brands. To obtain the new names, businesses would have to prove they have a significant UK presence and pay additional fees. For more information on the new domain name proposals read the full BBC article at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19767014