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Internet security protocol bodies ISOC, OTA announce merger
The two leading internet security protocol bodies, Online Trust Alliance and Internet Society, merge to work for improved IoT security and online security.
Industry consolidation has arrived for internet security protocols as two key internet standards bodies, the Online Trust Alliance and the Internet Society, combine their operations.
Going forward, Online Trust Alliance (OTA) will continue its work within Internet Society (ISOC) on its internet of things Trust Framework, Cyber Incident Response Guide and the annual OTA Online Trust Audit.
"OTA and ISOC are excited to join forces in order to improve online trust, enhance data security, promote responsible privacy practices, and bolster the development and use of an open internet," said OTA president and executive director Craig Spiezle in OTA's press release. "By working together, OTA's vision and mission will be sustained and amplified with the resources, reach and stature of the Internet Society."
Craig Spiezle
The Internet Society will continue, and expand on, OTA initiatives. Under the agreement, OTA will continue its operations within the Internet Society, and OTA members will automatically become members of ISOC.
"The Internet Society and OTA share the belief that trust is the key issue in defining the future value of the internet," said Internet Society president and CEO Kathryn Brown in the press release. "Now is the right time for these two organizations to come together to help build user trust in the internet. At a time when cyberattacks and identity theft are on the rise, this partnership will help improve security and data privacy for users."
The Internet Society, formed in 1992, has been the organizational home for the primary internet standards body, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), since 1993. IETF is responsible for key internet security protocols, including the IPsec protocol, the Transport Layer Security protocol and DNS Security Extensions.
OTA was formed in 2004 in response to high levels of spam and deceptive email; the standards body now focuses on promoting guidelines and internet security protocols defending trust online. OTA focus has been on fighting spam and malicious ads, supporting new internet security protocol standards for IoT security, email authentication and privacy best practices.
