Has your association ever faced the challenge of a shadow website or social media page imitating your own? Have you discovered your community’s name being used by a business entity without permission? Host Donna DiMaggio Berger, along with guest Valeria Angelucci from Becker’s Corporate Practice, shed light on these common issues. Despite their prevalence, the […]
Are E-mail Discussions by HOA Directors Aloud? (CA)
Below is a helpful tip from the Davis-Stirling.com Newsletter by ADAMS | STIRLING PLC regarding the directors having discussions in emails. It reads as follows . . . Seventeen years ago, the Open Meeting Act for HOA meetings went into effect. Everyone assumed that emails among a quorum of directors constituted a board meeting and was […]
Palm Beach webpage explains new condo-inspection law after Miami collapse (FL)
In an effort to inform residents about new state legislation that requires aging condominium buildings to be inspected by licensed engineers and architects, the town has published a new webpage with details of the law. Read the article………………………………..
‘My internet was shut off’: Entire community left without service, caught in middle of legal fight (FL)
The Seasons at Spring Creek community in Lake County is now in its final phase of construction. Arlene Fernandez bought her home in 2021 while relocating from south Florida. She was excited about the promise of high-speed internet with fiber-optic lines throughout the community. Read the article……………………………..
Best HOA & Condo Websites for your Association
A website is a handy tool for any homeowners association. It defines how a community interacts with its residents and eases communication. What’s more? An HOA website makes it easy to access community rules and improves transparency between the residents and the management. Read the article………………………..
Why Condo and Co-op Boards Should Reconsider Cable Bulk Agreements (NY)
As a co-op and condo efficiency consultant, we analyze our clients’ operating expense and income line items as well as their contracts. When we hear that they are in a cable bulk agreement, we immediately review it to get the end date so that we can cancel it at the earliest possible date. Why? Because […]
Cautionary Tales: Know Your Association Website Information and Protect It
As more community associations enter the digital age and establish their own websites, boards enter a new world that may be unfamiliar. Association websites are a great tool for providing owners with the community’s governing documents, handbooks, and other relevant information, such as when the pool will open and close. Many owners have stated that […]
POA board videos removed from YouTube (AR)
Streaming meetings of Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association Board of Director might continue on YouTube, even though it appears board meetings have been removed from HSVPOA’s YouTube channel. Read the article………………………..
Data Security In HOAs: How Is Homeowner Information Protected?
Data privacy is a widely discussed topic among planned communities and condominiums today. But, is an HOA legally required to protect member information? How do you strike the right balance between records inspection and data security in HOAs? Read the article………………………..
7 Must-Have HOA Online Services For The Best User Experience
There is a lot that goes into managing a homeowners association. But, with the right tools, it can be made significantly more straightforward. Here are the HOA online services every community should have. Read the article………………………..
It’s Time to Implement Best Practices for HOA Cyber Security
There is no question that digital solutions and online platforms can save tons of time for homeowners associations. Every paper process that can be replaced with a digital solution is probably worth exploring. The only problem with online solutions versus traditional paper document storage is the increased risk for hacks that put member and association […]
New Website Requirement for Wisconsin Condominium Associations and Their Property Managers
Condominium associations and their property managers should be aware of a new subsection (1r) added by the Wisconsin State Legislature to the 2021 Wisconsin Act 166 requiring condominium associations of 100 units or more to maintain a website that satisfies the conditions listed below by April 1, 2023. Those that do not comply may face […]
Your HOA’s Been Hacked. Now What?
I thought the large-scale community with 3,000 homes and 20 subassociations that I manage was too small to need any major computer security other than the typical antivirus and spam filters. I was wrong. Read the article………………………..
Cyber Security In HOAs (AZ)
In 2021, the average number of cyber security attacks increased by over 15%.[1] LinkedIn was source of the largest data breach in 2021 when over 700 million files were stolen. An increase in cyber related attacks should have everyone reviewing their cybersecurity plan. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Strata management target of cyber attack
An Australia-wide strata management firm has been targeted by a ransomware attack. The attack compromised the operating systems and phone lines of SSKB. Watch the news report……………………….
Residents in subdivision near Gurnee Mills seek Lake County’s help on high-speed internet (IL)
Residents in the unincorporated Hunt Club Farms subdivision near Gurnee Mills are appealing to Lake County officials for help in making high-speed internet available. Read the article………………………..
Cybersecurity tips for condo and co-op boards (NY)
As the number of devices connected to the internet (known as the Internet of Things, or IoT) grows, so does the risk of cyberattacks. With the increase in technology used in coops and condos, the board has a responsibility to protect the association and its owners from these threats. Here are some tips for NYC […]
Tips to Consider in Preparing Your Community Association for a Fiber Network: The Present & the Future of the Internet and TV (FL)
The Present: These days, we are driven and focused on data and media consumption. The fiber optic technology continues to strengthen and the need for gigabit speeds becomes more and more evident. It is important to engage with a telecommunication service provider that specializes in community associations offering bulk discounted rates Read the entire article……………………………….
Security Tips For Protecting Your HOA’s Data
Technology can enhance homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in a variety of ways—including helping with data storage. Many HOAs depend on digital platforms to store contracts, resident databases, banking information, and other confidential documents. This method of storing data can be extremely efficient, but as with all technology, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches is present. Read […]
Spring Creek receives $7 million for broadband (NV)
Spring Creek has received a $7 million federal grant to expand broadband in the area. The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced Friday it had awarded $7.3 million to fund the project that will serve 5,568 homes, 169 businesses and 21 anchor institutions. Read the entire article……………………………….
Text Messaging for HOAs: Reasons Your HOA Needs to Improve It
How is communication between HOA management and homeowners? Make use of text messaging for HOAs to make sure messages are read and replied to. Read the entire article……………………………….
Problem Solved: How to Prevent Phishing and Cyber-Theft (NY)
All our digital devices make us ripe for fraud or a hack, whether it’s out-and-out theft or someone stealing personal information from our servers. From a banker’s perspective, what are the various ways that digital fraud happens? Read the entire article……………………………….
Pierce County man loved on Instagram, hated by neighbors. What are limits of online speech? (WA)
Martin Cabello III is incredibly popular on Instagram. Almost 500,000 people follow him for diet advice and explanations of his religion, Cabelloism. He has another 25,800 followers on Twitter and 1.2 million on TikTok………The people who live in his Pierce County neighborhood, though, say he makes their lives a living hell. Read the entire […]
Inadequate Internet Service Rouses Ire of Captain’s Cove Residents (VA)
A crowd of around 70 — socially distanced and wearing masks — filled the Greenbackville fire hall Thursday, Sept. 10, to voice concerns about inadequate internet service in Captain’s Cove. Read the article………………………………..
Data Breach Prevention
Data leaks and hacks are happening every day. From a small business to a Fortune 500 company, chances are your private information was subject to a leak or a hack and you might not even know it. Moreover. you might not be aware what type of information these companies have of yours. Imagine all of […]
Cyber Security Issues | Protecting HOA Data from Hackers
All homeowner associations have access to sensitive owners’ data. From social security numbers and driver license information to credit card numbers, you are responsible for keeping them out of the wrong hands by boosting your cyber security efforts. Read the article…………………………….
Can an HOA hand over residents’ email addresses?
Can an association turn over residents’ email addresses to an outside party? Our community wants to share our addresses with a local radio station so it can send news alerts, which would be specific to our area. Residents can opt out. Read the Q&A……………………………..
HOA and Condo Online Banking Tools for Board Members
A key part of financial transparency is access to banking information. We selected one of the few national banks that specializes in HOAs and Condo banking. We use this bank to provide operating accounts since as they interface with our accounting systems to provide online payments and checks mailed directly to the bank’s lockbox (a […]
Are E-Mails Official Records? (FL)
Whether you live in a condominium, cooperative or homeowner association, the Statue governing your community defines the term “official records”. In defining official records, each Statue has a catch-all provision. All other written records of the association not specifically included in the foregoing which are related to the operation of the Association. Read the article………………….
Cybersecurity: Is Your HOA Protected Against Data Breaches?
What do Ashley Madison, Uber, Target, Yahoo, Ebay, Equifax, JP Morgan Chase, and Sony – companies that have incredibly diverse products and expertise – have in common? They have all been victims of data breach! These large breaches, which affected hundreds of millions of customers, have caused cybersecurity to become a common topic of conversation. […]
Five Steps to Greater Cybersecurity Health for Community Associations
Media reports concerning cyber attacks continue to increase. Over the past few years, some of the largest and well-known companies have been affected by data breaches. These companies have experienced millions of dollars in losses as a result. Even a small data breach impacting only a few thousand records can expose a business to significant […]
Recommendations to Prevent Cyber Theft at your Community
An article titled “Real Threats” in the July/August Community Manager Magazine [Best Practices for Community Association Managers] highlighted the 2018 Survey of Cyber-security in Community Associations by the Foundation for Community Association Research. To help your board we’ve summarized the main points from the 7 page report and the article in the following recommendations to […]
4 Strategies for Improving Cyber Security for Your Community
Your community association collects a wide range of data about your residents–including, in some cases, sensitive financial records, including credit card information and other data. You want to be sure that you are providing the maximum possible security to members of your community. If you need to improve your cyber security setup or you are […]
Cyber Security for HOA Communities
In this modern age where nearly everything is done electronically, it’s important to have a cyber security plan in place for your HOA. As a board member, you’re responsible for safeguarding the information of all residents in your community, and it’s essential for you to have both an official cyber policy and an emergency plan […]
New Statutory Requirements for Condominium Websites (FL)
Action alert! By legislative enact last year, all non-timeshare condominium association with 150 or more units must have an independent, password-protected website or web portal accessible to association members by July 1, 2018. The website must be wholly owned and operated by the association, or a website or web portal operated by a third-party provided […]
Community Next: Homes of the Future
Community Next: Homes of the Future is the latest milestone in CAI’s Community Next series, which offers industry insight to empower community association volunteers, managers, and business partners with a strong understanding of how to preserve, protect, and enhance common-interest communities. This Fall 2017 report will provide you with a better understanding on topics like: Integrated technology Government […]
3 Reasons Your HOA Should Offer Online Dues Payment
I know it’s hard to believe, but in 2017 there’s an 88 billion dollar industry that still processes millions of payments by check. Less than 50% of the corporations in this industry even offer online payments. It’s not some obscure industry that nobody has ever heard of, it’s your homeowner’s association. A recent survey by […]
Can You Afford NOT to Pay for Cyber Security?
Last month, the credit-reporting agency Equifax announced that it had fallen victim to a data breach, in which cyber thieves stole the sensitive data of more than 140 million Americans. It was only the latest episode in a widespread cyber crime wave, and it’s pushing forward-thinking co-op and condo boards to implement protective measures. “Ten […]
Case Alert: Emailed Notices of Foreclosure Under In Re Ackah (NC)
In re Ackah: Must Planned Communities Now Serve Notices of Foreclosure Hearing Via Email? The North Carolina Court of Appeals issued an opinion on September 5, 2017, that appears to add an additional requirement for foreclosure trustees regarding the due diligence necessary to properly serve the homeowner in an HOA foreclosure proceeding. Read the article…………….
Anonymous Defamatory E-Mails About Condo Board Members Results in Successful Lawsuit Against E-Mail Provider
In a recent case, CCC No. 282 v. Yahoo! Inc., a condominium corporation obtained a court order requiring Yahoo! Inc. and Yahoo! Canada Inc. (collectively “Yahoo”) to provide information to help identify the author of allegedly defamatory e-mails sent to condominium unit owners and occupants. After the resignation of the condominium superintendent, a disgruntled unit […]
Commentary: New Florida law governs condo association websites (FL)
In today’s digital world, the public’s view of an organization frequently comes with the click of a mouse, leading to a website. Thanks to a new bill governing the operations of condominium associations in Florida, these associations must abide by strict regulations regarding the characteristics of these online properties. Read the article……………….
Email Security as a Board Concern: Two Views Once That Sensitive Info Gets Out There, You Can’t Take It Back
As we’ve recently seen in the news–from the Democratic National Committee email leaks about Bernie Sanders from last year’s presidential election, to the latest in the Trump-Russia brouhaha–emails aren’t always the safest and securest method of communication. And once that sensitive information gets out there, you can’t take it back. So what does that mean […]
Singapore: Some condo laws prevail over data protection needs
When it comes to protecting your personal data, there is a limit to what owners can do if their personal information is available to the public and the management at their private estate chooses to display it. This emerged after unit owners at three private estates took issue with their individual management corporations (MCs) and […]
Emails Are a Legal Minefield for Co-op and Condo Boards (NY)
A recent decision by the state’s highest court drives home a lesson every co-op and condo board member needs to heed: if you use your employer’s computer, tablet, or smart phone to communicate board business, expect zero privacy. While the state Supreme Court had already ruled that employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy in […]
Condo Boards Beware: Risks Outweigh Advantages of Using E-mail to Discuss Association Business
It is a sign of technology’s fast and firm grip that few of us can remember a time when we communicated by mail (letters inserted in envelopes, affixed with stamps and delivered by the post office) rather than e-mail, delivered instantly to one recipient or dozens of them by pressing the “send” button on a […]
Cyber Security for your Community Association
It is always a good idea to maintain security both as individuals and as HOA and condo associations. In this technological age, people are more vulnerable and susceptible to being hacked. Just as you would lock your doors and protect yourself in the real world, it is important to secure your belongings in the cyber […]
5 Productivity Apps For HOA & Condo Managers
Welcome to another Evercondo “tech tips” post, where we share some of the best apps and technology solutions out there for helping property managers, board members and residents get more done with less time. We all want to be more productive in life. Fortunately we live in a time when helpful technology is plentiful and […]
Could Your Personal Emails Be Exposed?
Imagine the worst case scenario: you are on the board, the board is embroiled in litigation, and the opposing side wants to know what was said in an email. Suddenly you may find yourself facing the possibility of a third party rooting through your private email in search of information relative to the pending lawsuit. […]
Best Practices for Protecting Association Data
Hacking can be defined as the breach of a computer system in an attempt to exploit weaknesses in a network. As online commerce continues to grow and individuals search for ways to make bill paying more convenient, security threats are inevitable. Monetary transactions, including association assessment payments, have become increasingly more susceptible to the risks […]