Avira and Labwise Partner to Protect Smart TVs and Set Top Boxes from Malware

TETTNANG, Germany & TAMPERE, Finland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Security expert Avira and digital television specialist Labwise announced today an agreement in which Labwise will implement Avira’s Protection Suite software into third-party smart TVs and set top boxes in order to protect these devices and digital IP (Internet Protocol) networks from malware and virus attacks.

“We already protect over 100 million users using Microsoft, Mac OS, Android or Linux devices in the world, and we are honored to be working now with Labwise to secure TV devices and entertainment networks as well.”

“As televisions and set-top boxes are becoming more interactive -- using IP networks and IP technologies with open software and application platforms -- we expect that these smart TV devices will quickly become vulnerable to virus attacks in a similar fashion as what has happened in the computer and smart phone industries,” said Pasi Toiva, Managing Director of Labwise Ltd. “So we are working with Avira to integrate their state of the art virus protection to prevent these attacks from happening in the TV device industry.”

Labwise is an independent digital TV testing and verification company that works with the world’s leading manufacturers of televisions and electronics devices. Avira is an award-winning maker of security software that detects and blocks viruses, Trojans, keyloggers, spyware, worms and other digital threats.

“Avira takes its role seriously to protect not only devices, but also the networks and people who use them,” said Travis Witteveen, COO of Avira. “We already protect over 100 million users using Microsoft, Mac OS, Android or Linux devices in the world, and we are honored to be working now with Labwise to secure TV devices and entertainment networks as well.”

About Labwise Ltd

Labwise Ltd is a professional digital television specialist offering services and support in the fields of device testing, device specifications and standards, product implementation, product management and product sourcing for TV device manufacturers, system providers, operators and distributors. Labwise is headquartered in the city of Tampere, Finland. Visit www.labwise.fi for more information.

About Avira

Avira wants its customers to ‘live free’ from spyware, phishing, viruses and other internet-based threats. The company was founded 25 years ago on Tjark Auerbach's promise to "make software that does good things for my friends and family." More than 100 million consumers and small businesses now depend upon Avira’s security expertise and award-winning antivirus software, making the company the number-two market share leader globally. Avira provides IT-security protection to computers, smartphones, servers and networks, delivered as both software and cloud-based services.

In addition to protecting the online world, Avira's CEO promotes well-being in the offline world through the Auerbach Foundation, which supports charitable and social projects. The philosophy of the foundation is to help people to help themselves.

For more information, please visit www.avira.com or join the community at www.facebook.com/avira.