• by Chase Martin , April 5, 2017

In an effort to further enhance online security, two Internet groups have just joined forces.

The Online Trust Alliance (OTA) is teaming up with the Internet Society to become an initiative within the Internet Society’s global network of online security members and organizations.

“The Internet Society and OTA share the belief that trust is the key issue in defining the future value of the Internet,” Kathryn Brown, CEO and president of Internet Society, said in a statement. “At a time when cyberattacks and identity theft are on the rise, this partnership will help improve security and data privacy for users.”

OTA plans to operate as a core initiative within the Internet Society, offering advisory services for both public and private markets, and carrying over its current staff.

Key areas of focus for the Internet Society include building stronger adherence to privacy best practices, preventing security breaches and fraud, among other security-related issues, according to Craig Spiezle, president and executive director of OTA.

“OTA and the Internet Society 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,” Spiezle stated.

“By working together, OTA’s vision and mission will be sustained and amplified with the resources, reach and stature of the Internet Society,” Spiezle stated.

As the Internet expands to merging digital identities with physical devices, OTA has been involved in expanding its efforts to include the related security concerns.

At CES in January, OTA introduced its framework for securing the Internet of Things. The framework is a set of IoT security principles advocating for multiple security measures to be built into IoT devices from the beginning, as well as securing IoT devices through the entire product lifecycle.

More than 140 organizations and 91,000 members are currently part of the Internet Society.