CES 2014: Intel drops McAfee brand for its security suite

Intel chief executive Brian Krzanich has announced the company will phase out use of the McAfee brand, in favour of Intel Security, during a keynote speech at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas.

The move has been seen by some as an attempt to distance the company from colourful tech entrepreneur, psychedelic drug advocate, low-altitude aircraft pilot and former yoga retreat mogul John McAfee.

McAfee gained international attention in late 2012 after fleeing the Central American nation of Belize after local authorities accused McAfee of the murder of 52-year-old former Florida resident Gregory Faull. The one-time anti-virus king denies the allegations.

In a statement, Intel says the rebranding will coincide with a forthcoming line of new products aimed at Apple iOS and Android devices.

“The complexity of keeping digital identities safe grows as mobile applications and devices become a more important part of our daily lives,” Krzanich says.

In an interview with the BBC, McAfee said he was overjoyed by the news.

“I am now everlastingly grateful to Intel for freeing me from this terrible association with the worst software on the planet. These are not my words, but the words of millions of irate users.

“My elation at Intel’s decision is beyond words.”

Aside from the security products rebranding, Intel also announced Edison, a small computer that fits inside an SD card as part of its move into the wearable computing field.

The tech giant also announced that it has verified the supply chains for its microchips do not use conflict minerals from Democratic Republic of the Congo.