In a significant move highlighting its commitment to user security, Samsung Electronics announced on the 26th that its line of artificial intelligence (AI) refrigerators and robotic vacuum cleaners has successfully obtained a coveted Internet of Things (IoT) security certification from the globally-respected German testing and certification institute, TÜV Nord.
Achieving a Global Standard in Security
The certification distinguishes several of Samsung’s flagship smart home products. These include the 2025 model ‘Bespoke AI Hybrid’ refrigerator, which features a 9-inch ‘AI Home’ touchscreen, as well as the 2024 and 2025 models of the ‘Bespoke AI Family Hub’ refrigerator, equipped with a large 32-inch screen. The 2024 ‘Bespoke AI Steam’ robot vacuum and its upcoming 2025 successor have also been recognized for their robust security measures.
TÜV Nord, a leading cybersecurity certification body headquartered in Germany, conducts a rigorous and independent verification process based on the European Telecommunications Standards Institute’s (ETSI) international cybersecurity standard, ‘ETSI EN 303 645’. This standard comprehensively evaluates a product’s security and privacy protection levels, from its initial design and development to its distribution and operation. Samsung’s appliances received high marks across key assessment categories, including data encryption, authentication and access control, secure software updates, and vulnerability management.
Powered by Samsung Knox Technology
At the core of this security is Samsung’s proprietary platform, Samsung Knox, which is integrated into its Bespoke AI appliances. Knox is designed to shield devices from external malware and threats, ensuring user data is protected by encrypting commands and any monitoring footage captured by the devices. This information can only be decrypted in designated, secure environments.
Further enhancing this protection, the screen-equipped refrigerators and the new 2025 robot vacuum feature Knox Matrix, a blockchain-based security solution. This technology allows connected devices on the network to mutually monitor one another, effectively blocking external attacks. If a security threat is detected on any device, the system immediately notifies the user for swift action. For the most sensitive information, these devices also incorporate Knox Vault, a dedicated hardware security chip that stores personal data in complete isolation, offering an exceptional level of protection.
“Samsung is committed to providing powerful security performance in our Bespoke AI appliances,” said Moon Jong-seung, Vice President of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “This certification globally validates our formidable security technology, and we will continue to strengthen our efforts to safeguard our customers’ data.”
Setting the Stage for IFA 2025
This security achievement comes just as the global electronics industry gears up for IFA 2025, the world’s largest consumer electronics exhibition, set to take place in Berlin from September 5th to 9th. The event is shaping up to be a key battleground, particularly between South Korean tech giants and their rapidly expanding Chinese competitors.
Chinese appliance manufacturers, including Roborock, Ecovacs, and Dreame, are reportedly planning to unveil a wave of new products and significantly expand their portfolios. Roborock, the global leader in the robot vacuum market, will hold a keynote to celebrate its 11th anniversary, where it is expected to announce new products and enter entirely new categories. Ecovacs plans to showcase its advancements in robotics, expanding beyond floor and window cleaners to include new devices like lawnmowers. Similarly, Dreame will introduce its latest generation of powerful robot vacuums and lawnmowers, while also venturing into a new premium category of audio-visual products, including TVs, soundbars, monitors, and projectors.
Korea’s Focus on the AI Experience
In response, Samsung and LG Electronics are concentrating on differentiating their offerings through advanced, AI-driven user experiences. Samsung’s exhibition will be centered on the theme ‘AI Home, Bringing the Future to Life Today’. The company will introduce its vision for ‘Ambient AI’, a system where devices intelligently understand their surroundings and context to provide necessary services automatically, without requiring explicit user commands.
Meanwhile, LG Electronics will present its ‘Orchestra of LG AI Appliances’, aiming to demonstrate a more tangible and integrated ‘AI Home Solution’ that can be applied to customers’ daily lives. Their showcase will allow visitors to experience how AI appliances within the home can seamlessly connect with various external platforms. Both companies are set to prove that the future of home technology lies not just in the number of products, but in the intelligence and security that power them.
