Online security firm ‘Avira’ has launched ‘SafeThings’, a new approach to safeguard smart homes and the growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
The announcement was made on its blog. Avira has nearly a decade of experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The new gateway software solution for IoT devices provides security and privacy without additional infrastructure, nor added complexity for the users.
Avira SafeThings is a software application installed on routers that automatically secures the connected devices in the home, by using machine learning and artificial intelligence, in a friendly manner, with a compelling user interface. SafeThings is easily delivered via the router or the Internet service providers and doesn’t require end users to act as the information security officers for their home.
“We know that people don’t want to buy yet another device and they certainly don’t want the headache that comes with installation. With Avira SafeThings we are strengthening our core competency, best in class AI-based detection. We know that users just want to enjoy the experience of the smart appliances, without leaving the couch, and while being safe. They expect security and privacy protection to just work. Together with our partners, the internet service providers and router manufacturers, we work to deliver IoT security and privacy to consumers, via their routers, in a highly effective and friendly way, ” said Travis Witteveen, Chief Executive Officer of Avira.
Avira SafeThings transforms routers into home protectors, supporting your privacy and placing IoT devices beyond the reach of hackers. Since SafeThings sits where the home meets the Web, within the home router, by identifying what goes in and out – and then using artificial intelligence to dynamically analyse their behavior, it can quickly identify intrusive or hijacked IoT device activity and stop it.
Avira SafeThings fuses several functions together as it secures the smart home, via four basic actions:
Watches – A software agent tags each device in the smart home and collects basic information about messages going in and out through the gateway. This info is like the sending and return address on a letter.
Thinks – SafeThings uses AI – such as machine & swarm intelligence – techniques to dynamically classify each device, determine normal behavior, and develop the advanced logic needed set the rules for connected devices. It also learns and adapts to develop more accurate detection, by itself.
Acts – When SafeThings AI detects unusual device activity, it has the agent enforce the rules. This shuts down the suspect activity without disturbing the device’s usual functions.
Shares – The SafeThings user interface shows in a friendly manner what’s going on in the network. You get to know more about the data the smart devices are collecting and broadcasting, without requiring you to step into the process.