Technology

Lunchtime Links: Why You Need to Update Your iPhone

A glaring security concern for Apple iPhone owners, and what you can do to fix it. Plus: a reminder of social media's true purpose.

Apple releases a security update that raises several red flags about its devices, and we offer some refreshers on keeping new members engaged with your association in today’s Lunchtime Links:

Fixing a Poisoned Apple

For the Apple users out there, update your operating system as soon as possible. The tech giant sent out a security update for iOS 7 on Friday that seemed innocuous until security experts delved into the cause for the patch. What they found was an eye-opening security issue, one that could allow for unauthorized access to encrypted communications sent by iOS users.

How long this security flaw has been out in the open is unknown, as is the reason behind it.

“It has the look of a thoughtless editing bug—a slip of the fingers—rather than an error in logic,” security expert Larry Seltzer wrote on ZDNet.

Apple has also since patched iOS 6, but it has yet to address the possible issue for its desktop users, promising that a solution will be dispatched for OS X “very soon,” said spokeswoman Trudy Miller, who spoke to TechCrunch.

A Two-Way Social Street

Now that your Apple device is hopefully secure, Dean Olsen over at SocialFish has some sound advice for engaging with audiences who can be easily connected to your association.

“The interesting thing about social media is that it frames organizations and businesses like people. They’re treated virtually the same way as an individual, be they a friend or family member, and like any individual, it turns out that people give them allowances for work, sleep, or any other necessity,” he writes.

Olsen reminds that social media isn’t just there for promotional purposes. Members, readers, and users are all actively looking for answers and solutions, so make sure to keep an eye out for those calls for interaction.

Roll Out the Red Carpet

Along with social, Lori Halley at Wild Apricot has a rundown of what you might want to consider about each point of contact your organization has with interested individuals, from email to blogging and real-life events.

“The truth is, whether it’s a silent auction, black-tie fundraiser, or membership conference—for some it can be a great chance for reconnecting, but many newcomers may feel very lost and disconnected,” Halley writes. “So it’s really important to give some thought to making all members feel welcome at meetings and events, especially new members, supporters, or volunteers.”

Do you have any tips for making your association more welcoming to nonmembers or new enrollees? Sound off in the comments below, or tweet us at @AssociationsNow.

(iStock Editorial/Thinkstock)

Morgan Little

By Morgan Little

Morgan Little is a contributor to Associations Now. MORE

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