Avast Teams with Qualcomm to Offer Kernel-Level Mobile Security

With more and more mobile devices being used to access business data and applications, mobile security is becoming more critical than ever. To make these devices more secure, mobile and PC security software provider Avast Software (AVST) is teaming up with Qualcomm Technologies (QCOM) to deliver mobile security at the kernel level.

Avast plans to integrate Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Smart Protect on-device, machine-learning technology into its security software to address zero-day attacks and allow devices to tell the difference between clean and malicious software applications, according to a press release.

Snapdragon is a kernel-level mobile security solution that can detect and classify zero-day and transformed malware in real time at the processor level, according to Avast. The technology uses machine learning-based behavioral analysis to bolster privacy protection and device security.

This differs from typical security software, which can only scan and monitor software behavior at the application and framework layer level, according to Avast. The new technology benefits consumers with better protection, while OEMs and mobile operators can use it to reduce the risk of data breaches and malware attacks for their users, the company said.

“With threats increasing every day, OEMs and mobile operators need to protect their users in real time,” said Vince Steckler, chief executive officer of Avast, in the release. “Snapdragon Smart Protect will provide hardware-based security at the processor level, which is designed to help improve consumer safety from rogue applications, zero-day attacks and ransomware.”

Snapdragon Smart Protect is expected to be available in consumer devices in 2016 in conjunction with the Snapdragon 820 processor.

Avast is best known for it consumer security software, but the company recently made the leap into the enterprise space with its purchase of Remotium. Remotium’s Virtual Mobile Platform enables enterprises to securely extend access to business-critical applications in a bring-your-own-device environment.

It was Avast’s experience and leadership in mobile security that made them “an obvious choice for this integration,” said Asaf Ashkenazi, director, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, in the release.

“Thanks to Avast’s advanced AV technology and mobile security solutions, customers will have access to a more comprehensive level of security and privacy protection,” he said.