It seems like everyone's trying to get on the Android bandwagon, and anti-virus and security companies are no exception. Security company AVG, makers of the well known antivirus program by the same name, has recently acquired DroidSecurity, the minds behind the Android app “Antivirus”, currently available in the Android Market. And, as of now, the Antivirus apps (paid and free) have been updated to include the AVG name.
The biggest competition to the new partnership on the Android boat will be Symantec, who recently incoporated their popular “Symantec” brand to the Android Market as well with their app, Norton Mobile Security. With more and more information being moved to mobile devices, it's only a matter of time until we see a true flood of antivirus apps in the Market, but companies like AVG and Symantec will probably – and should – stay on top for while to come.
What do you think? Be sure to let us know in the comments, and hit the break for the full press release. All apps mentioned, including the new versions of Antivirus, can be found at our app database here.
AVG Technologies to Acquire DroidSecurity
World’s Leading Provider of Free Consumer Security Software Expands Solutions to Mobile Devices, Establishes Leadership Position in Delivering Mobile Security Software
AMSTERDAM, Nov. 9, 2010 —AVG Technologies, the world’s leading provider of free Consumer security solutions, today announced the acquisition of Tel Aviv-based DroidSecurity, a pioneer in cloud-based mobile security, from its founders and investors. DroidSecurity is the only company of its scale exclusively focused on protecting smartphones, tablets and other devices running on the Google’s (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android™ operating system.
The acquisition enables AVG’s Mobile Solutions Team (MST) to extend its security offerings for its more than 110 million consumers and small businesses in 170 countries to include the rapidly expanding mobile security arena. In October 2010, DroidSecurity’s mobile security app, antivirus free, surpassed the 4.5 million download milestone, making it one the most popular security applications on the Android platform. This milestone reflects important trends taking place in the mobile security arena, including the security consciousness of Android users, the explosive growth of the Android marketplace, and an exceptionally strong user demand for mobile security.
“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.”
“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 smartphone devices and applications continue to proliferate at an astonishing pace, making it the world’s fastest-growing mobile platform. According to one recent study by research firm NPD Group, the Android operating system continued to shake up the U.S. mobile phone market during the first quarter of 2010, edging out Apple’s (NASDAQ: APPL) OS for the #1 spot. The number of applications on the Android market is also expected to see massive growth as Google facilitates the development of mobile programs for the platform with do-it-yourself programs such as its recently-launched App Inventor, which make it simple for users of any experience level to create programs.
This strong momentum for Android is being witnessed directly by DroidSecurity and is evidenced in the company’s user stats. Of the 100,000+ apps currently available on the Android market, DroidSecurity antivirus free consistently ranks in the top 50 of most popular apps. According to company estimates, over 4.5 million Android mobile devices have downloaded DroidSecurity, making DroidSecurity among the largest and fastest growing providers of anti-virus apps for the Android market and among the fastest growing apps today.
Upon completion of the transaction, DroidSecurity will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of AVG and will continue to be headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. CEO and co-founder, Eran Pfeffer, will become the general manager of AVG’s Mobile Solutions Team (MST).
The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
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About DroidSecurity
DroidSecurity™, makers of the first full-featured Android anti-malware application DroidSecurity mobile Security Suite, was founded in 2009 by Dror Shalev, Omri Sigelman and Eran Pfeffer, and is based in Tel Aviv, Israel. DroidSecurity Internet Security Suite is the first Android application to leverage the Dalvik Virtual Machine technology. This cloud-based antivirus solution is automatically updated and can be downloaded directly from the Android Market, or at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antivirus. This powerful application provides a wide-range of protection against viruses/malware and SMS/text spam, plus enables users to track lost smartphones and remotely wipe data for enhanced security and control. More information is available at www.droidsecurity.com.
About AVG Technologies
AVG is a global security software maker protecting more than 110 million consumers and small businesses in 170 countries from the ever-growing incidence of web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free, downloadable software allows novice users to have basic anti-virus protection and then easily upgrade to greater levels of safety and defense when they are ready. AVG has nearly 6,000 resellers, partners and distributors globally including Amazon.com, CNET, Cisco, Ingram Micro, Play.com, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo!. To learn more about AVG, visit www.AVG.com
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With Android’s growing popularity – and deservedly so – the need for AV software will become more and more important. It nice to see the top AV software companies stepping in to provide top-level AV apps for Android. I’d like to see them offer packages that include individual licenses and group/family licenses across platforms. For instance, I’d like to be able to purchase a license for my laptop, my Captivate, my wife’s laptop, her Captivate, etc. and only have to deal with one registration code/one renewal, etc. The company that comes to the table with that will get my business if the app is worthy.