The working group dealing with »Identity Protection on the Internet« (»Arbeitsgruppe Identitätsschutz im Internet e.V« – which is abbreviated to a-i3) is an independent, cross-disciplinary organisation which has tasked itself with identity protection on the internet.
a-i3 was formed in May 2005 by researchers from the Ruhr-University of Bochum and representatives from the IT-Security industry. Since 2005, the working group has been operating as a not-for-profit registered association and has been able to attract academics from various different disciplines and universities as well as numerous representatives from industry to join its ranks.
The activities of a-i3 were initially focussed on problems surrounding Phishing but, in recent years, the range of topics has been greatly extended. Today, a-i3 covers the entire area of Identity Protection and information identifying the user on the Internet.
A-i3 has taken on the task of improving protection for internet users against all forms of identity misuse.
In order to achieve this goal, a-i3 briefs others on methods of identity theft; researches new attack scenarios and searches for technical and legal solutions such as, for example, looking at ways of offering technical protection; rights and obligations when dealing with identity theft.
In this context, a-i3 provides a valuable service to the general public, its members, sponsors, co-operation partners and to academic research.
a-i3's active members carry out the association’s daily work. This work is predominantly funded by membership fees and donations as well as through sponsorship and co-operation partners.
a-i3's website can be found here.
