We wanted to take a minute to share some trends we are seeing in recent security incidents. This is from a combination of AT's experience and industry intelligence from sources such as our partners and the FBI. Taken together, these trends can offer simple steps to help protect yourself and your organization.
Trend #1: Social Engineering
Many of the attacks we see combine trends 2 & 3 with social engineering. The one thing that can override much of the security protections put in place is the person on the keyboard. There are two common ruses: making the abnormal seem normal and causing alarm. In one instance, attackers noticed a promotion on LinkedIn, and sent a fake HR request for paperwork related to payroll change. This person then logged into what they thought was Office 365, even providing MFA authorization to the attackers. The most common tactic is to alert someone to large charges on their credit card, Amazon account, Apple account etc. and give them a method to stop the charges by calling the attacker. Panic overrides the brain's normal logic, so this is a very successful technique.
What can you do to protect your staff from social engineering?
- Frequent security awareness training. While every training does not touch on all methods of attack, just watching the security video reminds staff to be vigilant. AT recommends quarterly training at a minimum.
- Strong MFA. MFA can help protect against social engineering, and some services, such as Office 365, now offer updated versions of MFA which include protection against the most common social engineering attack methods.
- Remind staff to be suspicious. Many people still view these warnings with skepticism, thinking they're not a target or that their data isn't confidential, so data theft isn't a major concern. Even when nothing valuable is lost or stolen, dealing with a security incident is very disruptive to the individual and the company, and can be an unexpected and unwelcome expense.
Trend #2: Stolen Passwords
Attackers are no longer hacking their way into accounts: they are using passwords stolen from other services to log right in. Websites and data are compromised every day from various sources, and often these compromises do not result in proper notification to customers. This means it is not safe to use the same password on multiple websites, or the same password you use for work on any other website. Additionally, when the attackers need MFA as a second step, they will utilize techniques such as sending numerous MFA requests to the user until the user gives in and clicks Yes/Allow.
What can you and your staff do to protect your company from this trend?
- Never use the same password for work accounts that you use for personal accounts.
- Use a password manager to generate unique passwords for every service, and ensure they are long and complex. (AT has partnered with Keeper, if you would like more information contact Noah Barbel)
- Advise staff to never allow/accept unexpected MFA requests and report them to IT.
Trend #3: Apple ID Compromise
AT has seen multiple Apple IDs get compromised, causing compromised corporate cloud accounts and hardware. Many people use SMS on their iPhone for multi factor into work accounts. Since iCloud shares SMS messages across all registered devices, a compromised Apple ID can unlock those cloud accounts. Additionally, a compromised cloud account allows attackers to wipe or lock Apple computers.
How can you protect your staff and company from this threat?
- Ensure Apple IDs for staff are well secure, with strong passwords and MFA. Many people are using the same Apple ID password from when they bought their first iPhone.
- Never give your Apple ID credentials to anyone, ever.
- Avoid using SMS for MFA.
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With iMIS EMS, new and improved processes are now at your fingertips. Gone are the days of relying solely on SQL and direct database access. Enter the Workbook Converter – a tool that's transforming how we handle data, especially in EMS.
The Challenge
Imagine a client transitioning to EMS with a dues process that traditionally relied on importing a spreadsheet of data into a 'Dues History' temp table through SQL. The task was to run SQL scripts to then update some of this data in a Demographics table. But with EMS, SQL isn’t an option, and the client wasn’t interested in additional cost add-ons. This is where the Workbook Converter shines.
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The Solution |
The process involved two important steps: inserting Dues History data and updating the Demographics table. First, we created and used the Dues History multi-instance panel, allowing historical data to be preserved. This way, the client could view each year's dues payments instead of just the current year. |
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For the Demographics table, which isn't multi-instance, this task included updating the current data to reflect the current year’s numbers. The focus was on current data only for this data source.
Note - understanding the scope of your business processes is crucial to avoid unnecessary data clutter and optimize your configuration for ease of use and reporting.
The Magic of Workbook Templates
Two workbook templates were required for this process, each containing multiple spreadsheets with critical options and settings. For example, the Dues History template had a multi-instance selector marked as 'True,' while the Demographics table was left blank. These settings ensure accurate data insertion and updates, and the test feature helps catch errors before finalizing changes.
Testing: The Key to Success
One of the most important steps is testing before committing changes. The Workbook Converter's 'Test Only' checkbox allows users to run test conversions without affecting actual data. This fail-safe feature ensures everything runs smoothly before making permanent changes.
Pros
The Workbook Converter offers several advantages:
- It enables data insertion and updates in EMS.
- It's included with iMIS at no extra cost.
- It allows for thorough testing before conversion.
- Users have full control over settings to achieve desired outcomes.
Cons
However, there are some drawbacks:
- It doesn't support automation.
- Setting up workbooks and configurations can be complex depending on your requirements
- Other options like iDMS offer more features but come at an additional cost.
Conclusion
The Workbook Converter is a valuable tool for managing data in your iMIS EMS environment. While it requires some learning, the test option provides a safe space to experiment. This use case is just one of many possibilities, making it a viable option for those who don't need automation and don't have iDMS. Andrea Middleton of LWM reported, “The workbook converter has been a huge help with our dues process. It took something that used to be time-consuming and made it so much smoother and easier. Honestly, we couldn’t have gotten it done nearly as efficiently without it!” |
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Trevor Spillane |
Please help us welcome the newest member of the network support team. Trevor Spillane is a System Administrator with a background in customer service and IT support. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 2022 where he studied Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics, and is currently working towards Microsoft Certifications to deepen his expertise. Prior to joining the team at AT, Trevor worked as an IT Support Technician for Image Systems & Business Solutions. He also has extensive experience in customer service and support from several years working with The Home Depot. In his free time, Trevor enjoys reading, watching movies, and playing video and board games with friends. |
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Year 2025: Your Number One Content Challenge is Not What You Think
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The primary content challenge for 2025 isn’t about producing more or even better content.
Instead, it’s about making the content you already have more discoverable.
Your content silos - whether that’s on your website, AMS, LMS, online community or any other outside content source - are killing your website experience and leading to frustrations and overall lack of engagement from your members.
The answer can be found through content aggregation and federated search.
Organizations that will thrive online this year will:
➡️ Unify content from multiple systems into a seamless experience.
➡️ Leverage AI to surface insights, not just data.
➡️ Focus on user experience, making search intuitive and fast.
This isn't really an "if" thing, it's very much a "when" thing, so don't get caught not knowing this tech.
We’ve just published “Federated Search for Associations. What You Need to Know.”
Check it out for everything you didn’t know you needed to know in 2025.
If you'd like to learn more, we’d love to chat.
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Lo-fi and hi-fi prototypes are essential tools in the design and development process, each serving distinct purposes and offering unique benefits.
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Lo-fi prototypes |
Lo-fi Prototypes are typically low-fidelity, simple, and often created using basic materials like paper, sketches, or wireframes. They are quick to produce and cost-effective, making them ideal for the early stages of design when ideas are still being explored and refined. Lo-fi prototypes allow designers to focus on the overall structure and functionality of a product without getting bogged down by details. This simplicity encourages rapid iteration and feedback, helping teams to identify and address potential issues early on. |
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Hi-Fi Prototypes |
On the other hand, hi-fi prototypes are high-fidelity, detailed, and interactive representations of the final product. These prototypes are often created using advanced tools and software, incorporating realistic visuals, animations, and interactive elements. Hi-fi prototypes are used in later stages of the design process when the concept is more developed and ready for detailed testing and validation. They provide a more accurate representation of the user experience, allowing stakeholders to better understand how the final product will look and function. This level of detail is crucial for usability testing, as it helps to uncover any remaining issues and ensures that the design meets user expectations |
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Both lo-fi and hi-fi prototypes play a crucial role in the user experience design process, complementing each other to create a well-rounded approach to product development. Lo-fi prototypes are invaluable for brainstorming and initial concept validation, while hi-fi prototypes are essential for fine-tuning and finalizing the design. By leveraging both types of prototypes, design teams can ensure a more efficient and effective development process, ultimately leading to a better end product. |
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Join in the golfing fun or sponsor the Chicago Golf Outing Benefiting ASAE Research Foundation:
Monday September 22, 2025
Eagle Brook Country Club – 2288 Fargo Blvd, Geneva, IL
Lunch, Golf, Dinner
Various sponsorship levels available
ASAE Research Foundation exists to advance the development and careers of our future talent pipeline via scholarships and grants, and to provide resources that all of us can use. Year after year the Foundation distributes thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving individuals in our association community. We’re proud of the ways the Foundation is changing lives and helping to mold the futures of ambitious, career-focused association professionals. In 2024, the Foundation launched the Future Leaders Professional Development Scholarship, which supports the career advancement of emerging leaders in our field.
Contact Jim Meyers with questions about participation and/or sponsorship.
Do not miss out on this fall spectacular - we are looking forward to seeing you there! |
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What AI Leadership Looks Like |
CEOs—and association pros generally—have kept AI at arm’s length. This should be the year execs commit to understanding it, even if they don’t use it.
Read More |
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Report: Associations Plan to Invest More in Marketing Tech |
Marketing General Incorporated’s new survey shows association professionals optimistic about their prospects, but eager to make changes.
Read More |
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We have an archive of our newsletters and industry related
articles available on our website, click HERE to access them.
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iUG Webinar: Back-to-Basics Series: iMIS Events |
Location: Virtual
Next up in the Back-to-Basics Series...Events presented by AT's Matt Bernatz! Learn how you can publish and manage your events and begin taking event registrations through iMIS. Whether virtual, seminars, in-person conferences or webinars, maintain them in iMIS. Learn how about event types and event code structure, differences between program options and program items, utilizing it for sponsorship functions, understanding pricing groups and more. |
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FEBRUARY |
19 |
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM CST |
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Toast to Tech with AWTC |
Location: 1 N Wacker Dr STE 1700, Chicago, IL 60606
This session combines wine tasting with an engaging exploration of the latest technology trends shaping associations. Participants will sip curated wine flights, with each wine representing a major trend (e.g., AI, automation, innovation). The relaxed atmosphere fosters open dialogue, collaboration, and creativity around how these trends can impact association operations, member engagement, and events. |
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FEBRUARY |
25 |
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM CST |
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Association Forum: Association 101 |
Location: Association Forum Headquarters
Associations are known for having unique cultures, environments, and dynamics that can seem unfamiliar and intimidating for new professionals transitioning from school or another industry.
Association 101 is designed to provide foundational knowledge for navigating these dynamics and achieving success which, in turn, increases the likelihood of career success, the feeling of belonging, and overall job satisfaction. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet other association professionals new to the industry and begin building your industry network. |
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FEBRUARY |
26 |
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM CST |
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ASAE Marketing Technology Demo Day |
Location: Virtual
Tasked with finding the right Marketing Technology systems for your organization? Wondering what platforms are out there and what features you should be looking for?
Join us for our FREE Marketing Technology Demo Day event on February 26 and experience seven in-depth demos from industry partners that are standing by ready to help. |
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MARCH |
7 |
8:15 AM - 5:45 PM CST |
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Association Forum: Women's Executive Forum |
Location: Convene Willis Tower
Get ready to break boundaries at the Women’s Executive Forum 2025, where we’re redefining what it means to be a leader and a changemaker. "Unstoppable" signifies our commitment to lifting each other up while forging new paths to success. This year, we’re focused on giving you immediate, game-changing access to what you need to succeed—education, knowledge, networks, insights, and those crucial conversations that can change everything.
Women’s Executive Forum is your power boost. We're connecting you with cutting-edge ideas, influential leaders, and transformative development opportunities that will catapult your career to the next level. This is your chance to unlock the resources that will propel us all forward, shattering ceilings and reaching new heights. Elevate yourself, lift others, and let's rise together—unstoppable, unbreakable, and unmatched. |
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Higher Logic Super Forum |
Location: Nashville, TN
Discover actionable strategies to boost member engagement, deliver more value, and streamline your efforts. With 70+ breakout sessions, hands-on learning labs, workshops, and insights into the latest product innovations, this is your chance to level up your success. |
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iMIS User Spring Conference |
Location: Marriott New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Learn from seasoned iMIS association professionals, authorized iMIS solution providers, and experienced consultants. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge from the nonprofit sector, offering interactive sessions filled with practical insights, real-world problem-solving, and proven solutions. Comprehensive Sessions: iUG takes pride in delivering sessions that go beyond the basics. Discover how to: Solve challenges with practical "how-to" guidance. Implement best practices for maximizing iMIS functionality. Explore creative, beyond out-of-the-box solutions. Achieve a measurable return
on your iMIS investment. Use iMIS in ways you wouldn’t even think of through case studies from other iMIS user organizations. |
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