Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) announced at this year’s CES convention that they are rebranding McAfee security services as Intel Security and will be making some changes to how the company structures its payment plans, including new free products.
Intel and McAfee’s turbulent relationship
McAfee was purchased by Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) in 2010 but after four years of operating the brand, only now has the company opted for a name change, perhaps in a bid to distance the name and reputation of the security from its notorious founder John McAfee, who has faced murder allegations.
The subsidiary will remain largely the same, maintaining the shield logo (as it “represents the core values of security and protection”) and still offering its usual services with the same employees, but the noteworthy change that will affect its customer is the readjusting of their pricing model.
Headed up by Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) CEO Brian Krzanich, Intel Security “plans to offer elements of McAfee mobile security products for free to help guard today’s most popular mobile devices” with plans to introduce Intel Device Protection technology later in 2014 for enterprise security on Android devices.
“The complexity of keeping digital identities safe grows as mobile applications and devices become a more important part of our daily lives,” commented Krzanich.
[drizzle]“Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)’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.”
Other security firms feeling pressure
Intel/McAfee aren’t the only online security firm feeling the pressure, as their chief competitors Symantec announced a restructuring of the company last year. Meanwhile, 2014 will be an important year for security companies addressing online privacy and hacking incidents that took place in 2013.
Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is making strides to diversify into more new technologies, having also announced plans for wearable tech such as biometric and fitness apps and smart earbuds. The company said that they will be working with Barneys New York, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and design house and curator Opening Ceremony for marketing these new products.
By Jonathan Keane
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