PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J, April 27, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the Internet of Things (IoT) creates an increasingly connected world—connected devices are expected to reach 21 billion by the year 2020—security and privacy concerns are top-of-mind. To address these concerns, the Smart Card Alliance is bringing its expertise to IoT as it has done in other markets including payments, transportation, government, identity, mobile and healthcare. As part of its expanded focus, the Alliance has formed the Internet of Things Security Council to develop and promote best practices and provide educational resources on implementing secure IoT architectures using embedded security and privacy technology.

Similar to other Smart Card Alliance councils, the Internet of Things Security Council will provide guidance and insights through white papers, briefs, webinars, seminars, infographics, and a variety of other resource formats.

More information about the Internet of Things Security Council is available at http://www.smartcardalliance.org/activities-councils-internet-of-things-security/.

One of the Alliance's first IoT activities will be the Security of Things conference, to be held October 19-20, 2016 in Chicago. The event will focus on security, authentication and the Internet of Things.

“The Smart Card Alliance has a proven track record in bringing industries together to move technologies forward. We’ve had positive impacts in a many markets, propelling the use of EMV chip, NFC for mobile devices, contactless fare payment in transit systems, and secure PIV identity cards in government. The Alliance aims to do the same with IoT,” said Randy Vanderhoof, executive director of the Smart Card Alliance. “The Internet of Things Security Council will provide a single forum where all industry stakeholders can network, share implementation experiences, and discuss applications and security approaches, as well as provide best practices and education to the industry to promote security and privacy.”

The council will focus on IoT markets where security, safety and privacy are key requirements, and will leverage the expertise and knowledge gained from implementing embedded security technology across other industries to provide practical guidance for secure IoT implementations.

“We want to encourage broad participation from IoT technology firms and device manufacturers to join the IoT Security Council. This is an ideal venue for organizations seeking an industry forum to promote security awareness, encourage the widespread adoption of security standards, and define best practices that will help protect and maintain privacy of IoT devices and the data they generate,” Vanderhoof added.

Tweet this: .@SmartCardOrgUSA forms IoT Security Council to develop guidance, best practices on #security #privacy of #IoT http://ow.ly/10xbWj

About the Smart Card Alliance
The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-industry association working to stimulate the understanding, adoption, use and widespread application of smart card technology.

Through specific projects such as education programs, market research, advocacy, industry relations and open forums, the Alliance keeps its members connected to industry leaders and innovative thought. The Alliance is the single industry voice for smart cards, leading industry discussion on the impact and value of smart cards in the U.S. and Latin America. For more information please visit http://www.smartcardalliance.org.

CONTACT: CONTACT:Megan ShamasMontner Tech PR203-226-9290mshamas@montner.com