AVG Technologies has agreed to acquire DroidSecurity to bring its mobile security capabilities in-house.
DroidSecurity is focused on protecting smartphones, tablets and other devices running on Google Android from malware. The acquisition enables AVG’s Mobile Solutions Team to extend its security offerings for its more than 110 million consumers and small businesses in 170 countries. In October, DroidSecurity’s mobile security application, Antivirus Free, passed the 4.5 million download mark, AVG said.
“The potential that exists within the mobile space is extraordinary, and we predict that devices like smartphones will overtake PCs in 2012,” J.R. Smith, CEO of AVG, said in a statement. “AVG acquired DroidSecurity to accelerate our delivery of sophisticated mobile security, and provide users around the world with the reliable and secure technology they need to confidently mitigate the risks associated with using mobile devices.”
In addition to Antivirus Free, DroidSecurity also makes an Android security product, called Antivirus Pro.
Meanwhile, the market for Android devices is soaring. According to Gartner, Android grabbed a 25.5 percent share of the worldwide market for smartphones in the third quarter-up from 3.5 percent during the same period last year.
“DroidSecurity and AVG share a common vision of securing consumers, small businesses and enterprises, and we believe there is a green field of opportunity when it comes to making sure mobile devices are protected,” Eran Pfeffer, CEO and co-founder of DroidSecurity, said in a statement. “Integrating our security technologies will allow mobile users to leverage the power of their mobile devices without compromising their personal security or that of their organizations.”
The companies did not disclose the cost of the acquisition. Upon completion of the deal, DroidSecurity will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AVG and be headquartered in Israel. Pfeffer will become the general manager of AVG’s Mobile Solutions Team, AVG said.