Get All Access for $5/mo

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.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Marketing

5 SEO Hacks to Help You Rank Fast

Discover the best SEO hacks you can use to rank fast and avoid waiting for months to see results.

Starting a Business

Inside the Exclusive Private Club Devoted to Food, Wine and the Arts

Barrett Wissman breaks down the passions and partnerships behind his latest venture Domus Artium Reserve.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Collaboration

Watch Out for These 5 Consequences of Too Much Collaboration

Beware of the collaboration trap! Too much collaboration causes overload, and well-intentioned efforts to have broad collaboration can backfire.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.