#Austria #AV-Comparatives #IoT Security #Euregio Innovation #Alpbach

AV-Comparatives Nominated for Euregio Innovation Award

AV-Comparatives has received significant recognition with its nomination for the Euregio Innovation Award at the esteemed European Forum Alpbach (EFA) 2025. This pivotal nomination underlines the organization’s dedication to enhancing security in the Internet of Things (IoT) and creating certified smart home devices.

As households continue to embrace smart home technology, ranging from connected cameras to intelligent lighting systems, the importance of robust security measures becomes increasingly evident. While these devices offer unparalleled convenience, they can also expose homes to cyber vulnerabilities if not properly secured. Unsecured devices are susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors, potentially leading to unauthorized access to personal information or control over household systems, making the conversation around IoT security a pressing social concern.

Collaborating with MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, AV-Comparatives has developed an innovative automated testing system aimed at certifying IoT devices. This cutting-edge platform comprehensively evaluates the security functions of smart home devices to ascertain their effectiveness in protecting user data and resisting cyberattacks. Intriguingly, their research has revealed alarming vulnerabilities in the products from two prominent smart home vendors, signalling an urgent need for stringent standards and independent verification in the industry.

Jan Brilke, COO of AV-Comparatives, remarked, "Our nomination for the Euregio Innovation Award is a strong validation of our mission to ensure that connected technologies undergo rigorous testing to meet the highest security standards." Brilke further emphasized that as smart home devices become more integrated into daily life, the risks associated with inadequate security are not theoretical any longer. The new IoT test system developed by AV-Comparatives helps protect consumers while providing manufacturers a clear guideline to enhance the safety and reliability of their products.

Pascal Schöttle from MCI noted the impressive synergy between applied research and industry expertise that characterizes the partnership with AV-Comparatives. He highlighted that with billions of IoT devices infiltrating homes worldwide, thorough testing and certification are crucial to protecting both consumers and critical infrastructures.

The Euregio Innovation Award is a hallmark of recognition given annually at the European Forum Alpbach to commend groundbreaking initiatives that marry research excellence with cross-border collaboration and societal impact.

In light of these developments, AV-Comparatives encourages IoT manufacturers, policymakers, and various industry stakeholders to engage with their forthcoming research and certification framework. This collaborative approach between different parties can foster the development of innovative smart home technologies while ensuring consumer safety and data protection remain at the forefront. Manufacturers interested in having their products undergo this certification process can reach out for a complimentary initial assessment.

Contact AV-Comparatives directly at [email protected] for more details regarding the certification program and how you can contribute to safer smart home technology.

About AV-Comparatives

Founded in Innsbruck, Austria, AV-Comparatives is an independent testing laboratory renowned globally for its methodological assessments of security software, including antivirus solutions for PC and Mac environments. This organization stands as a trusted authority in IT security evaluations, known for its systematic approach in verifying the promises made by cybersecurity products.

About MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®

MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® uniquely converges academic pursuits, business practices, and consulting to provide a framework that effectively bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. Recognized as one of Austria's leading universities of applied sciences, MCI excels in stimulating innovation and fostering entrepreneurial endeavors.