03 March 2021

Hackers breached the biomedical systems of an Oxford University laboratory doing vital research into Covid, it has confirmed.

The Division of Structural Biology, known as Strubi, had been hit by a cyber attack but stressed that its clinical studies had not been compromised. GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has been alerted and will assist with an investigation. However, Strubi is not behind the successful Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine - created by the university's Jenner Institute.

03 March 2021

Openreach is using Viavi's Optical Network Monitoring System (ONMSi) for its full fibre broadband deployment as its build programme reaches over 40,000 premises per week.

The former will use ONMSi for such functions are validating new construction, performing preactivation checks, and monitoring ongoing service, among other areas.

“Having a fast, reliable broadband connection matters more than ever, so we’re proud that our network has played a crucial role in keeping the UK connected during the pandemic. We’re also convinced that our new ultra-reliable and futureproof full fibre network will be a major catalyst in helping the UK to build back better," 
said Peter Bell, director, network technology at Openreach. “This year, our nationwide build programme has been gathering pace - passing 42,000 premises every week – and we’re determined to match that speed of deployment with the highest quality of build standards. “We want to maintain our position as the U.K.’s leading Full Fibre network by working with world class partners, and VIAVI’s innovations in remote fibre testing will help us monitor and accelerate our network build whilst making sure we continue to deliver great experience for customers.”