bitznpcz

I had a couple of brief drops this morning but only for a few minutes... I wouldn't have noticed apart from working in one of the schools and I checked my RMM which showed others offline.

I'm guessing that things will just move to Nasstar, Netsweeper/ekte etc... Not sure what happens with the DNS and website hosting though? Hopefully we will get more information ASAP to allow us to make an informed choice... Hopefully the staff will get redeployed as well.

We're back online as well. Just hope they provide a clear explanation of what happened and what they're doing to prevent it happening again...

Latest update: / A technical bridge continues to investigate, the network routes are being analysed by several SMEs / The impact to business has now been confirmed to be the Spalding sites, with some network connectivity being present, but not enough to be classed as operation. / Sites outside of Spalding appear to be operating from approximately 19:15. Next Update Due: 13:00

I've got the same issues in Derbyshire. The updates from Nasstar are concerning as it sounds like they haven't got a clue to what is causing this! The hourly updates are not good enough! Some of my schools have some connectivity, but my RMM tools are reporting them offline. VoIP is down, Uniflow is down. I feel completely in the dark and getting more frustrated by the hour!!!

I use SMTP2GO with my CRM software and it does a good job.

For Endpoint protection, have a look at Conceal (https://conceal.io). I'm working with them to try and bring an offer to UK Schools at the moment... Chromebooks are inherently secure as long as they're receiving updates, but it doesn't stop all phishing and malicious websites.

Is this affecting the Smart 6265 with IQ does anyone know? I've just had a message from one of my schools saying they're having similar issues...

I totally agree, but don't think it will happen. I'd love to have Microsoft Defender for O365 P2 included in the A1 licenses as that would prevent a lot of phishing emails and you could argue that Microsoft could do more to protect their uses, but they're in business to make money at the end of the day.

I have broached this with a few companies - the problem is how to handle schools that are already paying for A3 and A5 licenses etc - should they be entitled to a discount? Would they stop paying if Microsoft made this free? I completely agree with you, but it's a difficult thing for the vendors to manage. There's lots of other things that would be nice to have, such as Impossible Travel alerts to detect IPs from foreign countries.

A general refresh of the video would be a good start if teachers and governors are to watch it every year. Lots of SBMs have been falling for phishing emails recently so more focus on that, plus vishing, smishing and quishing (QR code phishing), whaling, spearphishing and gift card scams (particularly for MATs). A few other ideas: A section on AI and deepfakes maybe. A section about what makes a good password and why you should have unique passwords for every site and service. MFA Data Loss Prevention / GDPR / Secure File Sharing Patch management (and why you should periodically reboot your computer to install updates). Supply Chain Attacks Incident response - what to do

You need a P1 licence for everyone that benefits from the feature. Technically one license would do the job, but that would be in violation of Microsoft's terms and conditions.

Do you use another MDM as well as AC2? I'm not 100% certain but my issues could tie to signing up for Addigy.

I'm having the same issue at one of my schools... I have agreed to the new terms in ASM so cannot figure out what's wrong???

If Ubiquiti APs and Switches were included, you could kit the whole school out for less than a grand! Giving each Primary a ring fenced £5k and each Secondary £25k would have been a better solution all round. At least you could start replacing aging APs and Switches. It makes no difference to the Ofsted outcome whatsoever but doesn't penalise the Good and Outstanding schools like the current system.

Completely agree. Some schools get thousands whilst others have to limp along with outdated, insecure networks. There must be something we can collectively do to change this situation...

Hi James, I have a few installs to do at one of my MATs. The big issue is having 3 (or 4) MSI files to install. It would be simpler to have one MSI file you can install with Group Policy (or PDQ Deploy etc). If you have a better method you're wanting to try out, please let me know. Thanks, Kevin

Avanan is another alternative. I'm trialling this with a few of my schools...

It's not secure. Passwords are often stored in an unencrypted format so anyone with access to your computer can find your password. There's also a lot of malware that can steal passwords from the browser. Password Managers have their flaws, but they're a safer option (LastPass excluded).

Definitely not the browser! I use Keeper for my business passwords and Bitwarden for all of my school passwords.

Amsterdam

I've just moved a couple of my schools over to Axcient - roughly £30 per month, per server with fair use set to around 5TB.

Are they AC Pros? Please bear us in mind if you're scrapping them... I have loads of cash strapped schools who are not eligible for Connect The Classroom...

I've not received anything... Will drop them an email...

I've used Everything ICT a few times and had a good experience. I know some vendors don't like the framework as they have to pay back 7-10% of the deal. Ask them for a quote and compare with a company you normally deal with and see how you feel. I still like to get best value for my schools so it depends on what you're looking for and in what volume.