PRESS RELEASE

AOTA Forms Online Trust Ecosystem to Combat Internet Abuse  
Industry Leaders Commit to Online Safety, Security & Privacy

SEATTLE, WA – January 8, 2008 – Today, the Authentication and Online Trust Alliance (AOTA) announced the newly appointed members of its board of directors and advisors as another positive step toward improving the online trust ecosystem.  The nonprofit’s new structure and experienced leadership will provide value to the financial services and e-commerce industries as well as to businesses of all sizes.  Since inception in 2004, AOTA has become a leading advocacy organization, inclusive of the entire Internet ecosystem.  AOTA, its member companies and affiliates, represent over one million business and 500 million users worldwide. 

The AOTA board of directors, steering committee, advisors and member companies provide a 360 degree view of the issues representing multiple constituencies and stakeholders and will help drive industry adoption of best practices, membership, education and initiatives. 

The board of directors is comprised of pioneers and thought-leaders in the war against online crime.  Members include Ross Fubini, senior director of Engineering, Messaging and Web Security, Symantec; Eric Johnson, vice president, Bank of America; Howard A. Schmidt, president & CEO of R&H Security Consulting LLC; former CSO Microsoft, CISO eBay & White House Cyber Security Advisor; Craig Spiezle, director of Internet Security & Privacy Product Management, Microsoft Corp; and Ken Takahashi, vice president, Corporate and International Development, Return Path Inc. The steering committee includes Bank of America, Box Sentry, IronPort System, division of Cisco Systems, Datran Media, Epsilon, Goodmail Systems, Habeas, Iconix, Internet Identity, Microsoft Corporation, MX Logic, Return Path and Symantec Corporation.

“The board members and steering committee members that have come together to form the Authentication and Online Trust Alliance are some of the brightest minds and influencers in the space, and working with other partners, we are in a key position to make a positive difference in online trust,” said Howard A. Schmidt, former White House Cyber Security Advisor and board member.

AOTA aims to build upon the efforts of other industry organizations, including, among others, the Anti-Phishing Working Group, Anti-Spyware Coalition, CA/B Forum, Direct Marketing Association, ECO, Experience Email Council, the Internet Advertising Bureau, Merchant Risk Council, TRUSTe, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Treasury, which share the common goal of reducing messaging abuse and Internet fraud.  This spans all forms of messaging, e-commerce and e-banking solutions, online authentication, identity management, data governance and consumer privacy issues.

“Since 2004, the Authentication and Online Trust Alliance has evolved with the industry and we are proud of what we have accomplished to date,” said Craig Spiezle, chairman of AOTA and director of Internet Security & Privacy at Microsoft Corporation. “As a nonprofit organization, we will continue to expand our footprint in the industry, business and public policy, increasing awareness of online fraud and crime and facilitate best practices to promote international consumer and brand safety.”

In other news, AOTA is pleased to announce that the 2008 Authentication and Online Trust Summit will take place June 4-6, 2008 in Seattle, WA.  For more information on AOTA including membership and events, visit: www.aotalliance.org.  Membership info>

About The Authentication and Online Trust Alliance (AOTA)
Founded in October 2004, the mission of AOTA is to foster the elimination of email and Internet fraud, abuse and data intrusions thereby enhancing online trust, confidence and online protection of businesses and consumers.  The goals include but are not limited to facilitating best practices, data sharing, the deployment and implementation of authentication, identity and reputation solutions as well as domain defense strategies.  By providing the ecosystem prescriptive and actionable advice in a vendor neutral environment, AOTA aims to increase digital inclusion and Internet usage worldwide by promoting the benefits of Internet safety to users of all ages and demographics. AOTA represents over one million business and 500 million users worldwide, with members in Canada, Demark, Germany, Romania, Singapore and the United States.  AOTA is a 501c6 IRS approved non-profit, incorporated as a Washington State non-profit corporation.

Media Contact:
Carla Vicens
blast! PR for the AOTA
(919) 833-9975 x10
carla@blastpr.com

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