McAfee Founder Elated That Intel Is Renaming Security Products, Says It's the 'Worst Software on the Planet'

It's not typical for a company's founder to want his name cleared from the product he created. Then again, John McAfee isn't your typical founder.

Intel is dropping the McAfee name from its security software, hoping to distance itself from the software's controversial creator, who says the move has delighted him "beyond words."

The announcement came Monday at the 2014 nternational CES in Las Vegas where Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said the company's antivirus software will be rebranded "Intel Security." He said the transition would occur over the next year.

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Although the name is changing, the red shield logo, which Intel says signifies "the core values of security and protection," will not.

John McAfee, who has had no official association with the software for more than a decade, said he was overjoyed by Intel's decision.

"I am now everlastingly grateful to Intel for freeing me from this terrible association with the worst software on the planet," the ever-colorful McAfee told the BBC. "These are not my words, but the words of millions of irate users. My elation at Intel's decision is beyond words."

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In the past year and a half, McAfee has been involved in a series of bizarre incidents. He evaded police questioning in connection with the murder investigation of his neighbor in Belize only to be arrested in front of VICE's cameras in Guatemala. McAfee also starred in a YouTube video where he trashed the antivirus software surrounded by women in lingerie, weapons and drugs.

Intel acquired the computer security company in 2010 in a deal worth $7.7 million.