AVG and Livewire Mobile are joining forces to give Android users more peace of mind.

Livewire Mobile will provide Android app stores for mobile network operators and handset manufacturers that are security checked by AVG.

Livewire Mobile will host and manage the new app stores on its Daius platform. Every app being offered to consumers will be pre-screened by AVG’s technology and every app update similarly screened on the device following the initial download.

AVG’s Mobilation® for Android security solution will be made available free of charge to every user of the secure app store to complete the security clearance process.

AVG CEO JR Smith explains the need to protect smartphone users: “The growing use of mobile devices to connect to social networks and entertainment services has made it a preferred method for cyber criminals to spread malware.”

JR points out that our recent AVG Q1 2012 Community Powered Threat Report reported a major increase in the use of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter to target Android users by tricking users to install malicious apps on their devices.

He adds: “In 2011 alone, Google removed more than 100 malicious apps from the official Android market, Google Play. This joint offering with Livewire Mobile will help give Android users peace of mind to use their phone apps to interact with their favorite social networks and entertainment services safely.”

Livewire Mobile COO Dave Moreau believes that while Google has made great advances in providing security for Google Play, malware, viruses and privacy are all significant issues for smartphone owners.

“The solution we have put together with AVG provides an innovative “clean” service for consumers and helps MNOs and handset manufacturers deliver on their duty of care to their customers.”