The upcoming Snapdragon 820 processor from Qualcomm for mobile devices will feature the company's new "Smart Protect" technology that will enable better defense against mobile malware.

Fairly recently, the spread of mobile malware has been on the rise and software mechanisms have proven inefficient. This is largely due to the manufacturer's inability to provide timely updates for its OS.

Qualcomm's Smart Protect is a hardware-based technology that uses the cognitive learning capabilities of the Snapdragon 820 to protect devices. Smart Protect is integrated into the processor and optimized in such a way that it doesn't hamper the performance or battery life of the device.

Qualcomm has revealed that various anti-virus companies such as Avast, AVG and Lookout will be developing software to make use of Smart Protect once it launches in the first half of 2016. Although, the Snapdragon 820 will be the first chip to take advantage of this solution, it is likely that Qualcomm will expand support to most of its products in the future.

Source: Qualcomm | Image via Qualcomm