Technology news

HMRC website and a pen and letter

“Recent cyber attacks weren’t purely technical failures, they started with people, processes, and misplaced trust” – Cyber Security expert comments on run of high-profile online attacks

HMRC revealed yesterday that more than 100,000 taxpayer accounts had been compromised, as cyber criminals stole more than £47 million through fraudulent tax rebates. While the tax authority managed to secure the accounts, meaning no taxpayer’s money was lost, the incident highlights how susceptible to organised fraud large organisations can be.

Red exclamation mark on digital background

“Are we dangling on the edge of a digital apocalypse given all of the high-profile attacks recently?”

Professor in Cyber Security, Oli Buckley comments on the importance of digital housekeeping in a world so intrinsically tied to digital services.
Woman opening fridge in supermarket

“In our interconnected world, a hacker’s keyboard can disrupt the journey from farm to fork” – cyber security expert comments on growing vulnerability in our food infrastructure.

As incidents of cybercrime and security breaches dominate the news – particularly in connection to our groceries, Professor in Cyber Security, Oli Buckley comments on how online attacks, such as the recent incidents involving M&S, the Co-op, and now major distributor, Peter Green Chilled, pose serious risks to the complex supply chains that sit behind the shelves we shop from.

Front of Marks and Spencer store

“Nobody wants to think of Percy Pig or Colin the Caterpillar being embroiled in cyber crime” – Cyber security expert explains why there is never a quick fix following a cyber attack.

It’s been over two weeks since news broke that retailers Marks & Spencer and the Co-op, were dealing with serious cyber incidents. Both are still experiencing painful repercussions following the attack, with the latter still struggling to get shelves fully stocked in certain areas, and the former unable to process online orders and, more worryingly, announcing that customer data has been stolen. Many are now asking, ‘why hasn’t the situation been fixed yet?’.

Materials pressured between two graphene layers melt in complex ways. Illustration: Ville Heirola/Aalto University.

Physicists use artificial intelligence to reveal how layered gases and metals melt

A team of physicists – including a Nobel Prize winner – has used artificial intelligence to uncover how layered materials melt and shift between physical states when confined to two dimensions.
A laptop with a small supermarket trolley sat on the keys and two small cardboard boxes with images of trolleys on them

Why hasn’t the M&S cyber attack chaos been resolved yet? We asked a cyber security expert

More than a week has passed since Marks & Spencer (M&S), one of the UK’s most recognisable retailers, was hit by a major cyber attack.

A man facing several security cameras showing different locations in an office

Severance: what the hit show can teach us about cybersecurity and human risk

What if your work self didn’t know about your personal life, and your home self had no idea what you did for a living? In Apple TV’s Severance, that’s exactly the deal: a surgical procedure splits the memories of employees into “innies” (who only exist at work) and “outies” (who never recall what they do from nine to five).
a child, head bowed, with phone in hand

Hit TV series Adolescence: “your child could receive these types of online messages. It's not out of the ordinary” – Loughborough University expert says (VIDEO)

The hit Netflix series, Adolescence, which delivers a hard-hitting storyline around a social media-fuelled killing and the influence of incel subculture, has highlighted the very real concerns children and young people face navigating the online world. 
A small sprout coming out of soil with edited circles around it to give it a tech/AI feel.

New AI model can measure weed growth – here's how it could help ensure global food security

A new AI model has been developed that can quickly tell how much weeds have grown – and it could help ensure global food security by accelerating the development of next generation herbicides.

Hand holding phone with security graphics

“Technology wasn’t at fault - the human use of it was” – Cyber security expert explains how easily human mistakes can undermine even the best technical safeguards

The security leak involving some of America’s most senior officials and their military plans, shocked the world earlier this week.

Representatives of IGEM and EnerHy stand together with partnership sign

IGEM announces support for EnerHy Centre for Doctoral Training to advance green hydrogen technologies

The Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM), the professional engineering institution has announced its support for EnerHy, the UK Research and Innovation Centre for Doctoral Training focused on making green hydrogen more affordable, scalable, and sustainable.
A young person scrolling on a mobile phone

How to feel safe while using social media rather than quitting outright – new study explains

Researchers have identified a growing social media phenomenon known as digital cocooning – a way to feel safe online by only surrounding yourself with close friends.
A person holding a magnifying glass to a microchip board.

Next generation computers: new wiring material could transform chip technology

The rapid technological advancements of our world have been enabled by our capacity to design and fabricate ever smaller electronic chips. These underpin computers, mobile phones and every smart device deployed to date.
A robot sat on top of a pile of books reading a blue book

A is for ‘artificial intelligence’: Why researchers are creating a children’s book and Dungeons & Dragons-style game to teach AI

Computer scientists at Loughborough University are combining fun and education to create an A-to-Z picture book that introduces children to artificial intelligence (AI).

A woman uses the Aftrak tractor in Malawi.

“We are no longer living in the dark.” – Malawi communities praise impact of Loughborough initiative

People living in rural villages throughout Malawi have praised the impact of a Loughborough University initiative that aims to bring affordable green energy and food security to communities across Africa.
Cyclist Axel Dopfer taking part in his German hour record attempt.

University wide expertise helps Loughborough graduate smash prestigious German hour record

Expertise from across Loughborough University has helped a graduate and elite cyclist smash one of the most prestigious records in cycling.
Professor Jennings stood in front of a stained glass window wearing a suit

Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University announced as Trustee and Vice-President for the Royal Academy of Engineering

Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, has been announced as a Trustee and Vice-President for the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng).
Computer chip made from trees

Four ways to make AI algorithms more sustainable and better for consumers

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies become more embedded into our everyday lives and business operations, their high energy demands and environmental impacts call for a more sustainable approach to building algorithms – the sets of instructions used to inform this technology.
A blue globe with lines going around it, you can see different countries on the globe with lights making them look active

UK science secretary warns Britain is “desperately exposed” to cyber threats - researcher reacts

The UK science secretary has warned Britain is “desperately exposed” to cyber threats and the upheaval of another pandemic, and claims national resilience suffered “catastrophically” under the previous government.

Two researchers in the Emergent Photonics Research Centre

Loughborough University to play key role in new £21.9m quantum technology hub

Loughborough University researchers are to play a key role in a new £21.9m government-funded quantum technology hub.

A blue globe with lines going around it, you can see different countries on the globe with lights making them look active

IT outage: Researcher discusses how issue continues to impact airlines and NHS

Andrew Peck, a cyber resilience PhD researcher at Loughborough University who, prior to joining the institute, had a career delivering IT solutions to big industry, healthcare and government, shares his thoughts on the ongoing IT outage issues.

A blue globe with lines going around it, you can see different countries on the globe with lights making them look active

IT outage causes issues across the globe: cyber resilience researchers react

Andrew Peck, a cyber resilience PhD researcher at Loughborough University who, prior to joining the institute, had a career delivering IT solutions to big industry, healthcare and government, and Professor Oli Buckley, an expert in cyber security, have reacted to the IT outage news.
a test tube behind held by a gloved hand

Doping in sport – what’s the testing process? (VIDEO)

Ahead of a busy summer of sport, the issue of doping remains firmly in the news headlines.
Sports bra sample with adidas logo

Loughborough study aims to make sports bra fittings less daunting

It’s hoped research at Loughborough University will help make life easier for those looking to get a sports bra fitted.
The Think Human logo

Think Human exhibition invites broad audiences to discover a world designed for people

Loughborough University is launching an interactive exhibition that showcases the diverse ways that Ergonomics and Human Factors make our lives better, safer and more inclusive.