AV-Comparatives Nominated for Innovational Euregio Award in 2025

AV-Comparatives: A Leader in IoT Security

AV-Comparatives, an internationally recognized independent testing lab, has recently received a nomination for the esteemed Euregio Innovation Award at the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) 2025. This nomination highlights the organization’s commitment to advancing safety standards for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and their significant achievements in the field of smart home technology.

Innovative Research and Testing

As smart devices, including connected cameras, voice assistants, smart lighting systems, and thermostats become increasingly common in households, they also pose varying levels of risk if not safeguarded appropriately. Vulnerable IoT devices can be exploited by cybercriminals, leading to unauthorized access, identity theft, and control over home systems. Moreover, these compromised devices are at risk of being used in large-scale botnet attacks, thus endangering not just individual users but also vital infrastructures.

In collaboration with MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, AV-Comparatives has developed an advanced automated system for assessing and certifying IoT devices. This innovative platform critically evaluates how these devices protect user data and withstand cyberattacks. During their research, the team identified severe vulnerabilities across devices from two major home automation providers, reinforcing the urgent need for enhanced security standards and independent certification in the industry.

Emphasis on Consumer Safety

“Receiving a nomination for the Euregio Innovation Award significantly validates our mission to ensure that connected technologies are scrutinized under the highest standards,” expressed Jan Brilke, Chief Operating Officer of AV-Comparatives. “Smart home devices are now part of daily life, so the risks associated with inadequate security are no longer hypothetical. Our new testing system prioritizes consumer safety and provides manufacturers with clear pathways to delivering safer and more reliable products.”

Pascal Schöttle from MCI further commented, “The synergy between MCI and AV-Comparatives exemplifies how applied research and industry expertise can merge to tackle urgent societal challenges. With billions of IoT devices entering homes and businesses worldwide, rigorous testing and certifications are indispensable for protecting both users and critical infrastructures.”

Encouraging Collaboration

The Euregio Innovation Award, presented annually at the European Forum Alpbach, aims to acknowledge innovative projects that integrate excellent research, cross-border collaboration, and societal impact. As AV-Comparatives prepares to release comprehensive findings from its research later this year, they actively call on IoT manufacturers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to engage in their upcoming research and certification framework. Collaborating can ensure that technological advancements coincide with consumer safety and data protection.

Interested manufacturers can reach out to AV-Comparatives for a complimentary baseline assessment of their products. Those seeking an overview of the certification program are encouraged to contact [email protected].

About AV-Comparatives

Founded in Innsbruck, Austria, AV-Comparatives is a world-renowned authority in cybersecurity assessment; they systematically test security software, such as antivirus solutions for personal computers and Macs, to verify their effectiveness. The organization’s rigorous methodologies and commitment to fostering a secure digital landscape have made it a trusted name in cybersecurity evaluations.

About MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®

MCI bridges the gap between academia, business, and consulting through a distinctive approach that links theory with practice, furthering science and industry. As one of Austria's leading universities for applied sciences, MCI boasts a robust history of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.