Shoal IT Solutions
Managed IT Services London
We are now midway through Q2 2025 which seems a little hard to believe but with the 24-25 tax year behind us and longer days, we are no doubt all trying to make the most of the better (less rainy?) weather! That said, in the world of technology, you can never take an eye off …
It is now officially Spring and we have finally seen some sunshine after a long and pretty chilly winter. In this edition, we’re focusing on potential risks of Bluetooth and how to protect against bad actors, along with what to consider if you are thinking of buying pre-owned devices. Bluetooth – what to be aware …
The technology environment in which we all operate is sadly not getting any safer. Bad actors are constantly looking to exploit vulnerabilities, meaning we all need to remain ever vigilant. This month we look at two very different aspects of how to do this – one physical, one technological – to help maintain your cyber …
As 2025 gets under way, it’s a good time to think about how we can optimise our business efficiency whilst staying cyber safe. This month we look at how AI can help you with day-to-day office tasks along with some reminders of how cyber security depends not only on having the right preventative software and …
It’s hard to believe that 2024 is over and we are already “diving into ’25”! In the last year our newsletters focused on tips to help optimise your IT infrastructure around your needs whilst keeping a close eye on costs and remaining cyber secure. We are starting the new year with help on how to …
Summer seems to have finally arrived though holidays are still some distance away. This month we’re looking at how to make the most of your tech and providing some tips to maintain cyber awareness. New tech, new habits? Shiny new tech comes with promises of increased efficiency, happier employees and better ways to beat the …
June is here and it will soon be the longest day of the year – let’s hope there is some sunshine to go with that! This month we are focusing on the multiple benefits of better managing your data and details of a rather alarming deepfake incident. Improving your data management Data is the …
May bank holidays are looming and we still seem to be waiting for the promised heatwave but at least the days are lighter for longer! This month we’re taking a look at how you can protect against email spoofing and a good news story on the fightback against the hackers. Email authentication Email spoofing …
We hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend and didn’t overdose on chocolate! This month we are taking a look at how to optimise your cloud services to be cost-effective as well as touching on the potential QR code scams out there. Efficient cloud services Cloud computing offers scalability and flexibility that is accessible …
We are coming towards the end of the first quarter of 2024 and, whilst uncertainty abounds, Chaucer‘s “Time and tide wait for no man” seems rather apt. This month we focus on safe use of online services for small businesses and a recent NCA success against Lockbit. Using online services safely The NCSC was launched …
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. …
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 …
