Intel will drop its McAfee Security brand in the coming year as it
looks to push through its own Intel Security products. Speaking at CES,
Intel chief executive Brian Krzanich announced that his company would
also be offering McAfee mobile security products free of charge.
While McAfee will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of
Intel, it will be renamed Intel Security, ending the company's
connection to controversial founder John McAfee. Speaking to the BBC, McAfee claimed he was "elated" that Intel had chosen to remove his name from the company.
"I am now everlastingly grateful to Intel for freeing me from this
terrible association with the worst software on the planet," he said.
"These are not my words, but the words of millions of irate users. My
elation at Intel's decision is beyond words."
Despite McAfee's glee, Intel confirmed that the iconic "red shield" would remain part of the Intel Security logo.
Apple devices including the iPad and iPhone, as well as all Android
smartphones and tablets will have access to McAfee's mobile security
apps for free. Perhaps more importantly for businesses, Android devices
running on Intel chips will soon have access to new Intel Device
Protection technology. The company said this move was intended to make
Android a more viable and secure option for firms implementing BYOD
policies.
Krzanich said: "The complexity of keeping digital identities safe
grows as mobile applications and devices become a more important part of
our daily lives. Intel's intent is to intensify our efforts dedicated
to making the digital world more secure, and staying ahead of threats to
private information on mobile and wearable devices."
While Intel chips are not often found inside Android devices, there
are an increasing number of hybrid Windows 8/Android tablets marketed
for businesses that contain Intel chips. For particularly
security-conscious IT managers, Intel Device Security for Android will
present a significant step forward in security.
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