Nicholas Fearn
Nicholas Fearn is a freelance technology journalist and copywriter from the Welsh valleys. His work has appeared in publications such as the FT, the Independent, the Daily Telegraph, the Next Web, T3, Android Central, Computer Weekly, and many others. He also happens to be a diehard Mariah Carey fan. You can follow Nicholas on Twitter.
Latest articles by Nicholas Fearn
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A complete guide to data encryption
By Connor Jones last updated
In-depth We explore the world of digital cryptography, and explain why it is an increasingly fundamental aspect of modern business
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What is a rootkit?
By Rene Millman last updated
In-depth We look at this malicious tool and how to detect and remove it
![A CGI render of a warning symbol representing malware, sitting on an abstract computer surface. Decorative: the warning sign is glowing red and there is blue and yellow diffused light throughout.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AjqYaghFDo2SkUwDDPKDtA-320-80.jpg)
What is malware?
By Connor Jones last updated
In-depth Knowing what malware is means knowing the differences between viruses, trojans, ransomware, and more
![man sat at computer using development software](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Zqpn8G5LNzEEzCVBr7Txyh-320-80.jpg)
The best APM tools for 2024
By Nicholas Fearn last updated
Best Our picks for the best application performance management (APM) tools, to make it simple and easy to manage your applications and boost your IT network performance
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How coronavirus has accelerated the digital transformation of Britain's public sector
By Nicholas Fearn last updated
In-depth Offering support to the public via digital services has quickly become the new normal for government, health and social care bodies
![Blue outline of head with AI inside](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nbu9Rh2XbePqi9jyytn4vW-320-80.jpg)
Is artificial intelligence safe?
By Nicholas Fearn last updated
In-depth AI could build a better future, but it could also crush our economy. How can we ensure the best outcome?
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How to become a cyber security expert
By Nicholas Fearn published
In-depth With cyber security professionals in high demand, we explore the steps people need to take to pursue a successful career in this industry
![A green shoot growing out of a log](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/An8mB4YHKrppVHNekdb4Ng-320-80.jpg)
How tech startups survived the pandemic
By Nicholas Fearn published
In-depth Fledgling firms have stepped in to cater for extraordinary demand for products and services
![A woman holding a box full of work possessions having left her job](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SvwVbaEEh7uzuitufmiKBP-320-80.jpg)
How the tech industry can retain talent
By Nicholas Fearn published
In-depth As demand for IT skills skyrockets, many tech professionals plan to quit their roles in the near future. How can business leaders solve this problem?
![Three computer chips on a circuit board and the middle one has a union flag on it](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cJa36cDKJajp5HVW5UG3b4-320-80.jpg)
Can the UK semiconductor industry help solve the global chip shortage?
By Nicholas Fearn published
In-depth The UK has a booming semiconductor industry and is home to breakthrough technologies, but that may not be enough to make an impact
![A group of schoolchildren working on PCs](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ncNFreozzm5X2SJFqvkhkb-320-80.jpg)
How to reverse falling GCSE IT numbers
By Nicholas Fearn published
In-depth With GCSE IT participation rapidly decreasing, business and technology leaders suggest ways the issue can be tackled
![A close up of a Union flag on the shoulder of a soldier's uniform](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Xg7pMjHRqVU2qgu3LNhSsM-320-80.jpg)
Why is the government cutting troops for emerging forms of warfare?
By Nicholas Fearn published
In-depth Are plans to reduce troop numbers to 72,000 in order to invest in newer forms of warfare future-proofing, or a mistake?
![A cartoon of two workers holding cardboard boxes containing their possessions being shown the door by their boss having been made redundant by a robot worker, who now sits at their desk.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HdmD3GAYirRuryqnCVmrPg-320-80.jpg)
Why IT professionals are concerned about the rise of AI
By Nicholas Fearn published
In-depth AI is quickly automating numerous areas of the technology workplace, and many IT professionals fear becoming redundant as a result. Are these concerns justified?
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Is this the beginning of the end for Google?
By Nicholas Fearn published
In-depth Google faces a major lawsuit for allegedly breaking competition laws, but what effect it will have on the search giant – if any – remains in doubt
![Abstract image of a digital brain powering a processor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6rfn3rTAPUDoN5RKBMM4XN-320-80.jpg)
AI, 5G, and IoT will be the most important tech of 2021, IT leaders say
By Nicholas Fearn published
News A new IEEE survey looks at the trends and challenges of IT leaders as 2021 fast approaches
![Woman shopping online](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AJj7awfpcnX9YWQ9EA6jSP-320-80.jpg)
86% of consumers experience cyber crime amid coronavirus pandemic
By Nicholas Fearn published
News Cyber crooks have leveraged the increase in online shopping
![fake news](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Bdhtey4Gb8BCNpNHGec7XW-320-80.jpg)
Trend Micro's free web-based tool takes on hackers and fake news
By Nicholas Fearn published
News The tool leverages the Google Fact Check API and a partnership with NewsGuard
![An @ sign on a fish hook](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HEPc3JYzWVzemamgbp7VGF-320-80.jpg)
People can’t resist opening LinkedIn phishing emails
By Nicholas Fearn published
News Dodgy emails with “LinkedIn” in the subject line had an open rate of almost 50%
![Man sitting behind a computer at an office](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6ixvYbkMPpDHzHACiT7iq7-320-80.jpg)
Retrain to be a software developer to future-proof your career
By Nicholas Fearn published
News Retraining as a software developer offers huge opportunities
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Microsoft says skip SMS and voice multi-factor authentication
By Nicholas Fearn published
News Firm argues some forms of MFA are vulnerable to social engineering attacks
![phishing hook in water surrounded by "at" symbols](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PQ6zpHir7GnrTaiRFWcTef-320-80.jpg)
Phishing grows by 220% as cyber criminals leverage COVID-19 pandemic
By Nicholas Fearn published
News Over half of all phishing websites mimicked large brands
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How the IoT can transform customer experiences
By Nicholas Fearn last updated
In-depth From preventative maintenance on white goods to smart mirrors in clothes stores, the IoT is ready to change customer relationships
![A concept illustration of three people securing hardware and data, with a large coronavirus particle in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kP7QQUF8YGtVSw2bBhCxyG-320-80.jpg)
What can businesses learn from the cyber security challenges of coronavirus
By Nicholas Fearn published
In-depth Throughout the pandemic, organisations have responded to a range of cyber security risks. Here are some of their biggest lessons