Intel to phase out McAfee brand

It’s the end of an era for the security software industry as Intel proceeds with plans to phase out the long-lasting McAfee brand.

McAfee’s red shield logo will be retained, but the name itself will be progressively replaced with a new brand - Intel Security.

Intel acquired McAfee in 2010 for around $8.64 billion (US$7.68 billion). McAfee retained the name of its founder, John McAfee, even though he left the company in 1994 and has consistently criticised McAfee Antivirus software since then.

Announcing the rebrand at CES on Monday, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said the company plans to offer elements of McAfee security products for mobile devices including Android and iOS smartphones for free.

The revamp forms part of a wider plan to branch out beyond the traditional PC and into mobile and wearable devices.

Intel has been working on reference designs for wearables including smart earbuds with biometric and fitness capabilities, and a smart headset capable of integrating with other personal assistant technologies.

The company has also partnered with luxury brand Barneys New York, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and design house Opening Ceremony to develop and launch more wearable devices.

Finally, Krzanich asserted the company had achieved its goal of ensuring that all the minerals used to develop its microprocessors are “conflict free” - not funding human atrocities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He called for the entire electronics industry to do the same.

Pictured: Intel CEO Brian Krzanich at CES.