AVG Acquires DroidSecurity, Delves into Mobile Services
Global security software maker AVG Technologies today announced that it will acquire Android anti-malware application developer DroidSecurity. No other company exclusively tackles security of smartphones, tablets and other devices running on Google’s Android Operating system, making DroidSecurity one of the platform’s most popular security applications with 4.5 million downloads in October this year. DroidSecurity is based in Tel Aviv, Israel.
“The potential that exists within the mobile space is extraordinary, and we predict that devices like smart phones will overtake PCs in 2012,” said J.R. Smith, chief executive officer, AVG. “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.”
AVG’s Mobile Solutions Team (MST) brings mobile security services to it’s more than 110 million consumers worldwide in this acquisition, making DroidSecurity a wholly-owned subsidiary of AVG.
“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,” said Eran Pfeffer, CEO and co-founder, DroidSecurity. “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.”
Android is the world’s fastest-growing mobile platform today, ousting Apple’s OS for the #1 spot, according to research firm NPD Group. Contributing to its rapid popularity is the development of do-it-yourself programs like its newest App Inventor. This allows users to create simple programs regardless of experience. The Android Market currently has over a hundred thousand applications, and Droid Security is consistently one of its top 50 most popular apps.
Mobile security is a growing concern as PC functions shift to mobile devices, and mobile security startups and veterans alike are reveling in this booming industry. Juniper Networks, a cloud services company, also extends its product line to mobile security offerings, enabling clients to develop related services for their company or end users. They demonstrate the growing concern of malware in a survey, indicating a 250% increase in attacks this past year.
The investment in AVG demonstrates the demand for consumer and enterprise safety around mobile devices–it’s something to definitely pay attention to, as security will become an integral part of the services industry. With mobile devices, security has an opportunity to interface with various aspects of a person’s life, from home security to device protection. As that pattern develops, securities will also become a platform for the services industry.
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