Despite the frequent hollow assurances that such devices were incapable of either hosting or being infected by various forms of malware, smartphones have rapidly become a major target.

With this in mind, AVG saw a need to extend its reach beyond the typical PC platforms and has chosen to acquire Tel Aviv-based DroidSecurity from its founders and investors.

According to AVG, DroidSecurity is "the only company of its scale exclusively focused on protecting smartphones, tablets and other devices running on the Google's Androidâ„¢ operating system."

Founded in 2009 by Dror Shalev, Omri Sigelman and Eran Pfeffer, DroidSecurity offers a cloud-based solution utilizing the Dalvik Virtual Machine technology.  Their Internet Security Suite gives protection against viruses, malware and SMS/text spam.  It also enables users to track lost smartphones and remotely wipe data, should that be necessary.  In October this year, their mobile security app Antivirus Free passed 4.5 million downloads.

"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 organisations."

The deal will be closed as soon as regulatory approvals have been gained.