Intel Corpre-brands McAfee to Intel Security

To offer elements of McAfee security solutions for iOS, Android devices for free

Chip maker Intel Corporation has decided to re-brand the products of anti-virus software maker McAfee, which it had acquired in 2011 for $7 billion, as Intel Security. It will, however, retain the iconic ‘red shield’ logo of McAfee.

Delivering a pre-show keynote address for the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show at Las Vegas on Wednesday, Intel Corporation’s CEO Brian 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.”

Krzanich said Intel plans to offer elements of McAfee's security solutions for mobile devices for free.

Even as corporates’ bring-your-own-device programmes have grown in popularity, many firms have prohibited Android-based devices not compatible with their security requirements, Intel said in a statement.

This year, Intel Security will offer Intel Device Protection technology, which will help Intel-based Android mobile devices meet most security standards for use at home and work, the statement noted.

In his keynote address, Krzanich said Intel is actively pursuing a range of products and initiatives, with the goal of accelerating wearable device innovation. “Intel’s approach to next-evolution in computing is to imagine and create reference design devices and platforms ready for use by customers in developing wearable products.”

In a step towards wearable computing, Krzanich also unveiled Intel Edison, a computer which is of the size of an SD (secure digital) memory card with built-in wireless capabilities and which supports multiple operating systems. Edison is expected to be available this summer.

“Wearables are not everywhere today because they aren’t yet solving real problems and they aren’t yet integrated with our lifestyles. We are focused on addressing this engineering innovation challenge. Our goal is, if something computes and connects, it does it best with Intel inside,” said Krzanich.