McAfee Founder Elated That Intel Is Renaming Security Products, Says It's the 'Worst Software on the Planet' Intel will drop the McAfee name from its security products, hoping to distance itself from controversial founder John McAfee, who says the move has delighted him 'beyond words.'

By Benjamin Kabin

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

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.

Related: Intel Wants to Make Computers Think More Like Humans

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."

Related: What You Can Learn From Michael Bay's Embarrassing Presentation Mishap

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.

Benjamin Kabin

Journalist

Benjamin Kabin is a Brooklyn-based technology journalist who specializes in security, startups, venture capital and social media.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Business News

Most Major Retailers Are Open on Memorial Day, Except One. Here's What's Open and Closed This Monday.

From grocery stores to warehouse retailers, here's what to know about Memorial Day closures.

Starting a Business

I Had 'Too Much Experience' to Find a Job. So I Used Facebook to Start a Small Business That's Making About $500,000 a Year.

After Amber Starling moved to Manhattan, Kansas, a frustrating job search led to a life-changing business opportunity.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

New AI Model Will Likely Blackmail You If You Try to Shut It Down: 'Self-Preservation'

When given the choice between blackmail and being deactivated, Claude Opus 4 chose blackmail 84% of the time.

Growing a Business

This CEO Says the Secret to Growth Is Knowing Who You're Not For

Bryan Myers of [solidcore] shares how he scaled a cult fitness brand by staying true to its mission.