AVG buys DroidSecurity for $4.1 million

Antivirus software developer moves into mobile with Android security acquisition

Antivirus software developer AVG announced Wednesday that it has acquired DroidSecurity, creator of antivirus software for Android devices, for a reported $4.1 million with the possibility of an extra $5.3 million, if certain milestones are achieved. Once the transaction is completed, the Israeli-based startup will be a wholly owned subsidiary of AVG but will retain its headquarters in Tel Aviv.

DroidSecurity CEO and co-founder Eran Pfeffer will become the general manager of AVG's Mobile Solutions Team (MST).

As much as everyone recognizes the exploding rise of smartphone usage, the parallel and inevitable rise of security vulnerabilities and exploitation of mobile devices does not seem to receive so much attention. Every website worth anything, we’re told, should display correctly on a mobile browser, yet users are hardly encouraged to download security software.

Granted, on a more gated platform like the iPhone, where Apple obsessively scrutinizes every entrant to the App Store, the chance of something happening are slim. The thing doesn’t even support Flash. On Android and other devices with more open browsers, however, security could be a hot issue in the near future.

At least AVG thinks so, today’s investment in mobile security demonstrates.

DroidSecurity offers both a free and paid version of its antivirus software. Both versions can scan for, identify and remove viruses on a timed schedule and check for malware automatically from downloaded apps, websites, emails and SMS. Taking things a bit further than just antivius control, both versions of DroidSecurity also provide theft protection like the ability to find a lost device on GPS or to wipe the device remotely.

The ad-free $9.99 paid version also includes SMS security and premium support.

DroidSecurity lives up to its namesake and only works on mobile devices running Android OS. The free version recently passed the 4.5 million member mark.

AVG will leverage its audience of 110 million consumers and small businesses in 170 countries to bring the mobile security app to more users.