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

AV-Comparatives Nominated for Euregio Innovation Award

AV-Comparatives, a leading independent testing lab focused on security software, has recently garnered significant recognition with its nomination for the prestigious Euregio Innovation Award at the upcoming European Forum Alpbach 2025. This accolade acknowledges the organization’s remarkable contributions to the field of Internet of Things (IoT) security, particularly with its innovative automated test system that certifies smart home and IoT devices as well as enhancements for smart city infrastructures.

In today’s world, smart home devices such as connected cameras, voice assistants, intelligent lighting systems, and thermostats have become commonplace, delivering convenience and enhancing our daily lives. However, these technologies carry inherent risks, especially when security measures fail to meet the necessary standards. Cybercriminals can exploit unsecured devices, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or controlling household systems. Furthermore, vulnerable IoT products contribute to larger-scale botnet attacks, posing risks not only to individual users but to critical infrastructures as well.

In a bid to tackle these issues, AV-Comparatives has collaborated with MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® to develop an advanced automated testing and certification system for IoT devices. This pioneering platform assesses how effectively these devices protect user data and withstand cyber threats, addressing the urgent need for robust standards and independent certification in the industry. During their research, significant vulnerabilities were identified in products from two major smart home providers, underscoring the necessity for enhanced safety protocols.

Jan Brilke, COO of AV-Comparatives, expressed pride in the nomination, stating, "Our nomination for the Euregio Innovation Award validates our mission of ensuring that connected technologies undergo rigorous testing to meet high standards. With smart home devices increasingly integrated into daily life, the consequences of inadequate security measures are very real. Our IoT test system is designed to safeguard consumers and provide manufacturers with a roadmap to deliver safer, more reliable products."

Pascal Schöttle from MCI echoed these sentiments, remarking, "The collaboration between our institutions exemplifies how applied research and industry expertise can unite to tackle pressing societal challenges. As billions of IoT devices permeate homes and businesses globally, meticulous testing and certification are vital for protecting both users and essential services."

The Euregio Innovation Award is an annual event that honors groundbreaking projects melding research excellence with cross-border cooperation and societal benefits. AV-Comparatives encourages IoT manufacturers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to engage with its forthcoming research and certification frameworks. Collaboration is key to ensuring that innovation within smart home technology aligns with consumer safety and data integrity.

Manufacturers considering the certification of their products can initiate contact with AV-Comparatives to undergo a complimentary preliminary assessment. For further details regarding the certification program, interested parties can reach out via email.

About AV-Comparatives

AV-Comparatives is a globally recognized independent testing laboratory, renowned for systematic evaluations of security software, including antivirus products for both PC and Mac. Established in Innsbruck, Austria, the organization has earned a reputation as a trusted authority in IT security assessments.

About MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®

MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® effectively integrates academic research with business and consulting practices, promoting a unique framework that merges theory with real-world application. Renowned as one of Austria's top applied sciences universities, MCI is proficient in fostering innovative and entrepreneurial endeavors.