Authentication and Online Trust Alliance seeks nominations for safest e-mail senders

The Authentication and Online Trust Alliance is calling for nominations of companies who have demonstrated leadership in online safety.

The Alliance has reported an increase - from 7 to over 25 percent - in the adoption of Sender ID by Fortune 500 companies over the last 20 months.

"We see this as a critical time and need to recognize that a great deal of business large and small are taking the steps and making the investment to protect customers and their employees," said Craig Spiezle, executive director and chair of AOTA, Boston. "We have an opportunity to highlight these as best practices and it is our hope that rewarding them will serve as a wake-up call to others that are failing. Ultimately, our goal is to improve online safety for everyone, young and old, internationally, as well as all business sizes and business sectors."

Nominated companies must be authenticating outbound e-mail and corporate domain via Sender ID or Domain Keys and will be judged on several criteria. These include the adoption of innovative technologies, a commitment to user education, industry and business collaboration, and a dedication to working with government and law enforcement to bring online criminals to justice.

Nominations can be made through April 2. To download the nomination form, click here. Winners will be announced at the Authentication and Online Trust Summit, April 18-19, at the Boston Sheraton. The annual AOTA summit features experts in global authentication, domain defense and online threats.

Mr. Spiezle expects authentication to grow.

"While we are encouraged by the rapid rate of adoption by the F500, I would hope we are twice that within 12 months. There is absolutely no reason why the Fortune 500 companies cannot comply and take the time to protect their customers and the ecosystem."