Shoal IT Solutions
Managed IT Services London
As 2024 is getting underway, the economic and political outlooks remain uncertain both here in the UK and around the globe. Whilst much seems out of our control, often the best thing to do is focus on what we ourselves can do to keep our businesses moving forward, securely and efficiently. Modernising small business tech …
Christmas festivities are over and 2024 is just getting started. As we look ahead to what the new year will bring, whilst we always need to remain on guard against bad actors, it’s also worth remembering how technology has enriched our home and working lives – that said, some digital detoxing can be a good …
During 2023 we have covered a host of topics in our newsletters, focused largely around cyber security and IT infrastructure efficiency. To conclude 2023 we take a look at how you can share passwords safely and the NCSC’s latest annual review. Secure password sharing Passwords are a key vulnerability for any organisation with hackers using …
Last month we discussed how to better manage IT vulnerabilities at the office to make sure your business continues to function well but what about IT risks at home? Smart homes Being able to control your home’s key functions such as heating, lights and door mechanisms can be extremely convenient, however as all these apps …
October is here and autumn seems to be upon us… as soon will Halloween! Whilst we don’t want to alarm, cyber security remains front and centre of the agenda as these reports from the BBC and SkyNews continue to highlight. We therefore make no apology for focusing on some further hints to help protect yourself. …
With Q4 2023 almost upon us, whilst inflation may have fallen back, we’re all looking at how we can optimise our essential services. This month we look at auditing your cloud services. Cloud AudIT Most businesses and individuals will have subscriptions to multiple cloud services such as Microsoft 365, online bookkeeping and industry publications. As …
Whilst we sweltered in June, July has seen unseasonably cold and wet weather. However, the heatwave in the Mediterranean did get us thinking about what can be an all-too-common problem with your devices, overheating. Fire risk At some point, you may well have experienced your mobile device or laptop getting hot but is this a …
The weather has been glorious for the last few weeks and with school holidays starting soon, you might well be dusting off your suitcases for a trip abroad. This month we thought it would be timely to remind you of good practice whilst away from home to keep you and your IT equipment safe. Stay …
Previously, we have provided numerous tips on getting your IT infrastructure fit for purpose, staying cyber secure and implementing policies to maintain business continuity. In this issue we take a look at accessing the right IT support for your individual needs. Right-sized support Whatever the size of your team, efficient and well-functioning IT infrastructure is …
As we continue to face high costs and a tight labour market, we take a look at how your technology might be able to help you do more with less. Efficient working Following the pandemic’s forced shift to remote working, for many this has become a permanent change to their working lives. However, many firms …
This month we continue to build on our recent theme of implementing the right policies and procedures to help your IT to do what you need it to, when you need it. Get your BCDR policy right In previous newsletters we have looked at formulating and implementing a BCDR policy. However, given the ever present …
Following the password hygiene tips we provided in our most recent newsletters, we thought we would take a look at “spring cleaning” your IT processes to make sure you are getting what you need – when you need it – from your infrastructure. Reshaping your IT Our IT is so deeply embedded in our everyday …
We hope your year is getting off to a good start and, whilst the weather may be wintry, at least the days are getting longer! In this month’s newsletter we focus on how you can add an additional layer of security to your operations, especially after recent high profile hacks. Multifactor authentication Last month we …
2023 is here and many see the new year as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf and implement new behaviours. Whilst you really can do this any time of year, we would urge you to take stock of your IT infrastructure and think about some changes you can make to ensure it’s doing …
As 2022 draws to a close, this month’s newsletter focuses on dark web monitoring via Trillion and password security. (You’ll need to be a Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy fan to understand the relevance of this month’s title!) Dark web monitoring You have probably heard of the dark web (that bit of the internet only …
This month, we follow up on previous newsletters regarding collaborative tools to aid your team’s cohesion and efficiency. Our cyber security section focuses on potential issues within supply chains following the NCSC’s updated guidance. Intranet – all inclusive We’ve recently covered collaboration and document sharing, achieved through SharePoint Online. However, SPO also facilitates the creation …
Like many of you, we were greatly saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II after her incredible record-breaking reign. With the pomp and ceremony of her funeral now behind us, we are moving to the final quarter of 2022 and this month we’re focusing on getting the best out of your office collaboration tools …
Autumn is here and many of you will be thinking about the return to your office or hybrid working. Our previous newsletters have covered a variety of topics from IT infrastructure, device management and, of course, cyber security. This month we take a look at good practice with auditing and management of your IT set …
The extreme weather in the last few weeks will have been welcomed by some and loathed by others but at least holiday season has arrived. Wherever you might be taking a break, whilst it’s good to relax the body and mind, staying vigilant against cyber attacks is a must. This month we look at what …
We hope you all had a good long jubilee weekend and, whilst the sun may have made an appearance encouraging us to relax, unfortunately there is no let up on both inflation and cyber threats. This month we continue our important focus on staying cyber safe and take a look at how you might be …
We hope you are all staying safe and well and looking forward to the Jubilee long weekend. The bunting is up and we’re hoping the weather plays ball so everyone can enjoy some much-needed downtime as local and global events remain challenging. This month we continue our focus on cyber security and the importance of …
We have always had a strong focus on cyber security, however, recently we have had to be even more obsessed given the current risk intensity. Hence this month’s blog (unapologetically) focuses again on cyber security along with some practical help for your day-to-day IT needs. Staying safe The NCSC has continued to provide various alerts …
The situation in Ukraine has seen an escalation of the already prevalent cyber threats, so this month’s newsletter focuses on cyber security. Take the advice The NCSC was launched by the UK government in 2016 to provide advice and practical guidance on cyber security for both home and office. It sends out regular updates …
With the last of the pandemic restrictions lifted here in the UK, more and more people are heading back into their offices – even if not full time. Sadly, at the moment, there is a need for a different kind of vigilance with the deteriorating situation in Ukraine providing the backdrop for a potential increase …
