Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) CEO Brian Krzanich announced yesterday at CES in Las Vegas the vendor is to drop the McAfee brand name.
The re-branding to Intel Security will begin immediately, but the transition will take up to a year before it is complete, says the vendor.
It says McAfee will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary and its employees will continue to work alongside Intel employees under the Intel Security umbrella.
Krzanich said the firm will retain the familiar red shield.
Intel announced it was to acquire McAfee in August 2010 in a deal worth $7.68bn.
It has been suggested that Intel is distancing itself from controversial McAfee founder John McAfee, who despite not being associated with the company for 20 years, continues to hit the headlines.
Tongue firmly in cheek, security industry veteran Graham Cluley said: “It’s a complete and utter mystery why Intel would want to get rid of one of the most famous and familiar names in the world of anti-virus,” before posting this video of John McAfee.
Meanwhile, Krzanich announced that Intel plans to offer elements of McAfee’s security range for mobile devices for free. He said more details will be announced in the coming months.
Referring to the growth of BYOD, Krzanich added the firm will this year offer Intel Device Protection technology, which will help Intel-based Android mobile devices meet most security standards for use at home and work.
