AV-Comparatives has received a nomination for the prestigious Euregio Innovation Award at the European Forum Alpbach (EFA), recognizing its groundbreaking work in the field of Internet of Things (IoT) security. The nomination highlights the organization’s commitment to enhancing security standards for smart home devices through innovative research and development.
Addressing IoT Security Challenges
As smart home devices become increasingly prevalent, concerns over their security continue to grow. AV-Comparatives’ research has revealed serious vulnerabilities in devices produced by two major vendors, underscoring the urgent need for improved IoT and operational technology (OT) security standards. Connected devices such as cameras, voice assistants, and lighting systems, while offering convenience, can also serve as gateways for cybercriminals if not properly secured.
These unsecured devices can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to personal data or even control home systems. Furthermore, compromised IoT devices can be harnessed for large-scale botnet attacks, posing risks to both individual users and critical infrastructure.
In partnership with MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, AV-Comparatives has developed an advanced automated testing system designed to evaluate and certify IoT devices. This system assesses how well devices protect user data and their resilience against cyberattacks. The full findings of this research are set to be published later this year.
Validation of Commitment to Security
“Our nomination for the Euregio Innovation Award is a strong validation of our mission: ensuring that connected technologies are tested to the highest standards,” said Jan Brilke, Chief Operating Officer of AV-Comparatives. He emphasized the increasing integration of smart home devices into daily life, stating that the risks associated with inadequate security measures are no longer theoretical.
The automated IoT testing system developed by AV-Comparatives aims to protect consumers while providing manufacturers with a clear pathway to deliver safer, more reliable products. Pascal Schöttle from MCI added, “The collaboration between MCI and AV-Comparatives shows how applied research and industry expertise can come together to solve pressing societal challenges.” Schöttle noted that with billions of IoT devices entering homes and businesses worldwide, rigorous testing and certification are essential for safeguarding users and infrastructures.
The Euregio Innovation Award is presented annually at the European Forum Alpbach to honor projects that exemplify research excellence, cross-border collaboration, and societal impact. This recognition not only highlights AV-Comparatives’ achievements but also emphasizes the critical need for enhanced security measures in the rapidly evolving IoT landscape.
In light of its ongoing research, AV-Comparatives invites IoT manufacturers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to engage with its upcoming research and certification framework. The organization aims to ensure that innovations in smart home technology align with consumer safety and data protection. Interested manufacturers can reach out to AV-Comparatives for a complimentary basic assessment of their products by contacting them at [email protected].
About AV-Comparatives and MCI
AV-Comparatives is a globally recognized independent testing laboratory that systematically evaluates security software, including antivirus solutions for PC and Mac. Founded in Innsbruck, Austria, the organization is a trusted authority in IT security evaluation.
MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® uniquely combines academia, business, and consulting, bridging the gaps between theory and practice, and between science and industry. As one of Austria’s leading universities of applied sciences, MCI has a proven track record in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives.
