The Smart Card Alliance, a nonprofit long known for its advocacy of smart card technology, is expanding its charter to include a broader range of security and privacy-enhancing technologies.
Reflecting its expanded mission, the Smart Card Alliance is changing its name to the Secure Technology Alliance, according to a press release.
"As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and mobile, the technology used in smart cards is being used more widely in mobile devices, wearables and internet-connected devices," said Randy Vanderhoof, executive director of the Secure Technology Alliance. "The clear next step for this organization is to expand and engage in activities across the full spectrum of these new applications as the Secure Technology Alliance."
Under its expanded scope, the alliance will incorporate additional security technologies and applications — such as those used for IoT and mobility applications — into its conferences and training programs.
Additionally, the organization's activities will include:
influencing standards and best practices relevant to the understanding, adoption and widespread application of secure solutions, including smart cards, embedded chip technology, and related hardware and software;
serving as an educational resource to members and industry stakeholders implementing secure solutions;
providing a forum for discussions and projects on issues surrounding the implementation of secure solutions;
maintaining a voice in public policy as it affects adoption and implementation of smart card, embedded chip and other security technologies;
supporting the adoption and implementation of smart cards and smart card technology.