McAfee

McAfee Corp.
	File:McAfee logo.svg Logo used since 2017
Company type	Private
Industry	Cybersecurity software
Predecessor	McAfee Associates, Network Associates Inc., Intel Security Group
Founded	1987; 39 years ago
Founder	John McAfee
Headquarters	San Jose, California, United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Craig Boundy (President and CEO)
Products	McAfee+ Premium, McAfee+ Advanced, McAfee+ Ultimate, McAfee Total Protection, McAfee LiveSafe, McAfee Business Protection, McAfee Safe Connect VPN, McAfee Mobile Security for Android, McAfee Mobile Security for iOS, McAfee Virus Removal Service, McAfee Safe Family, McAfee TrueKey, McAfee WebAdvisor, McAfee Deepfake Detector
Number of employees	1,800+ (2023)
Website	www.mcafee.com

McAfee Corp. (), previously known as McAfee Associates, Inc. (1987–1997, 2004–2014), Network Associates Inc. (1997–2004), and Intel Security Group (2014–2017), is a U.S.-based proprietary software firm specializing in cybersecurity products for consumers worldwide, with its headquarters located in San Jose, California.

In February 2011, Intel purchased McAfee and incorporated it into its Intel Security division. The McAfee brand was revived in 2017 when Intel collaborated with TPG Capital to establish a joint venture. At that time, Thoma Bravo acquired a minority interest, while Intel maintained a 49% share. The company went public on the NASDAQ stock exchange in 2020. Subsequently, in 2022, McAfee was taken private again by a consortium led by Advent International Corporation.

McAfee’s core business revolves around cybersecurity software and services aimed at a wide range of consumer and enterprise clients globally. As of 2023, the company employs over 1,800 people and continues to generate substantial revenue despite recent financial setbacks, reflecting ongoing investments in innovation and market growth under the strategic direction of CEO Craig Boundy.

1987–1999

Established in 1987 as McAfee Associates by founder John McAfee, who left the company in 1994, the firm was incorporated in Delaware by 1992. After John McAfee stepped down as CEO in 1993, Bill Larson assumed the role. In 1997, Network Associates was created through the merger of McAfee Associates with Network General, PGP Corporation, and Helix Software.

In 1996, McAfee expanded its offerings by acquiring Calgary-based FSA Corporation, broadening its portfolio beyond antivirus to include network and desktop encryption solutions. The FSA team was instrumental in developing critical security products such as firewalls, file encryption tools, and public key infrastructure systems. Despite these additions, McAfee remained predominantly recognized for its antivirus and anti-spam software.

During the Network Associates era, the company also acquired Trusted Information Systems in 1998, obtaining firewall technology that was later sold to Secure Computing Corporation. The brief ownership of TIS Labs/NAI Labs contributed to advancements in open-source projects affecting Linux, FreeBSD, Darwin OS, BIND name server software, and SNMP version 3.

2000–2009

By the year 2000, McAfee/Network Associates was at the forefront of combating significant cyber threats such as the ILOVEYOU virus. However, financial difficulties arose; CEO Bill Larson, President Peter Watkins, and CFO Prabhat Goyal resigned following losses. Gene Hodges served as interim CEO until George Samenuk was appointed to lead the company in 2001.

In July 2004, the company returned to the McAfee name and restructured by divesting non-core assets including Magic Solutions and Sniffer Technologies to concentrate on security-focused technologies. Leadership shifts continued with Dale Fuller acting as interim CEO in 2006 amid resignations linked to stock options controversies; David DeWalt took over as CEO in April 2007.

In 2007, McAfee introduced the Security Innovation Alliance (SIA) to foster collaborations integrating third-party technologies into its security product ecosystem. By March 2008, McAfee had secured a license agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to supply Virus Scan Enterprise and Anti-Spyware Enterprise for cyber defense within the Defense Information Systems Agency.

This era underscored McAfee's strategic emphasis on broadening its product and service portfolio while managing leadership changes to reinforce its position within the cybersecurity market.

2010–2020

On April 21, 2010, McAfee distributed a defective antivirus update that affected millions of Windows computers worldwide. Later that year, on August 19, Intel declared its acquisition of McAfee for $7.68 billion, purchasing shares at $48 each. By September 2016, Intel collaborated with TPG to spin off McAfee into a standalone cybersecurity joint venture, which was officially completed in April 2017.

After CEO David DeWalt resigned in 2011, Michael DeCesare and Todd Gebhart assumed roles as co-presidents. During the same year, McAfee teamed up with SAIC to create cybersecurity solutions aimed at preventing cyber espionage within government and telecommunications sectors.

In January 2014, Intel rebranded McAfee Security as Intel Security, maintaining the iconic red shield logo and operating it as a fully owned subsidiary. Despite this change, products continued to bear the McAfee name until 2016.

On September 7, 2016, Intel divested its controlling interest to TPG, forming an independent company jointly owned under the McAfee brand. Chris Young was appointed CEO when the company officially separated in April 2017.

In 2018, McAfee considered transferring majority ownership to minority stakeholder Thoma Bravo; however, those discussions did not result in an agreement. The company also broadened its Security Innovation Alliance by partnering with firms such as Atos and Fidelis Cybersecurity.

By mid-2019, McAfee engaged investment bankers to explore a potential initial public offering valued at $8 billion or higher, although no immediate IPO was announced. Later that year, it joined forces with Google Cloud to integrate Mvision Cloud and endpoint security solutions into Google's platform.

In October 2020, McAfee successfully completed its IPO, raising $740 million and reaching an $8.6 billion valuation on NASDAQ under the ticker MCFE, marking its return to public trading after nine years. CEO Chris Young departed during this period and was succeeded by Peter Leav.

However, in March 2022, a consortium led by Advent International and Permira—alongside CPP Investment Board, GIC Private Limited, and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority—took McAfee private once again.

2021–present

In July 2021, McAfee finalized the divestiture of its enterprise division to focus exclusively on consumer cybersecurity and accelerate its mission to lead in protecting individual users online.

Peter Leav stepped down as CEO in May 2022, with Greg Johnson appointed as his successor. Johnson resigned in 2023, and by July 2024, Craig Boundy was named president and CEO to spearhead innovation, transformation, and customer expansion efforts.

In October 2022, McAfee formed a partnership with Visa to enhance cybersecurity offerings for cardholders worldwide, strengthening its position within the consumer protection market. Early in 2024, the company launched an AI-powered threat detection platform designed to bolster real-time defenses against emerging cyber risks.

February 2024 saw McAfee expand its identity theft protection services by introducing advanced monitoring and fraud prevention capabilities. In August 2024, it unveiled a deepfake detection tool aimed at combating fraudulent activities.

By October 2024, McAfee collaborated with Yahoo News to embed its detection technology into content quality assurance systems for identifying AI-generated images requiring editorial review. In May 2025, the company introduced an AI-driven Scam Detector capable of recognizing scam attempts across text messages, emails, and videos on both mobile devices and PCs.

Also in May 2025, McAfee launched the Keep it Real campaign focused on raising awareness and educating consumers about scams. This initiative combines AI-enhanced advertising with survivor narratives to reduce stigma and empower users to identify online threats effectively.

Products

McAfee focuses on delivering consumer-oriented online security services, protecting users' digital identities, privacy, and devices across Windows, Mac, and mobile operating systems.

Among McAfee's principal products and brands are:

Current offerings

McAfee+ Premium
McAfee+ Advanced
McAfee+ Ultimate
McAfee Total Protection
McAfee LiveSafe
McAfee Business Protection
McAfee Safe Connect VPN
McAfee Mobile Security for Android
McAfee Mobile Security for iOS
McAfee Virus Removal Service
McAfee Safe Family
McAfee TrueKey
McAfee WebAdvisor
McAfee Deepfake Detector

These products exemplify McAfee's strategic approach to sustaining a competitive edge in cybersecurity by catering to varied market demands with all-encompassing protection solutions.

Rebranded products

McAfee WebAdvisor (previously known as SiteAdvisor)

Discontinued products

McAfee VirusScan Enterprise (formerly McAfee VirusScan)
McAfee Network Security Platform (previously IntruShield)
McAfee Application and Change Control (formerly McAfee Change Control)
McAfee E-Business Servers
McAfee Entercept

Dr Solomon's Group plc

On June 9, 1998, Network Associates completed the acquisition of Dr Solomon's Group plc, a prominent European antivirus software company, in a stock transaction valued at $642 million.

IntruVert Networks

McAfee acquired IntruVert Networks on April 2, 2003, for $100 million. IntruVert specialized in intrusion-prevention technologies that not only detected but also blocked cyber threats. Their solutions functioned both as passive intrusion-detection systems and as active threat prevention tools, enhancing McAfee’s cybersecurity portfolio.

Foundstone

In August 2004, McAfee broadened its security services by purchasing Foundstone for $86 million. Foundstone offered consulting, training, and vulnerability management software, bolstering McAfee’s enterprise security capabilities.

SiteAdvisor

On April 5, 2006, McAfee acquired SiteAdvisor for approximately $70 million. SiteAdvisor provided users with warnings about potential malware or spam risks when downloading software or submitting online forms, complementing McAfee’s emphasis on web security and e-commerce protection.

Preventsys

McAfee completed the acquisition of Preventsys on June 6, 2006, for less than $10 million. This California-based firm delivered security risk management solutions that expanded McAfee’s comprehensive risk mitigation offerings.

Onigma Ltd

On October 16, 2006, Israel-based Onigma Ltd was acquired by McAfee for $20 million. Onigma specialized in host-based data leakage prevention software designed to protect sensitive information from both intentional and accidental internal breaches, strengthening McAfee’s data protection portfolio.

SafeBoot Holding B.V.

On October 8, 2007, McAfee announced plans to acquire SafeBoot Holding B.V. for $350 million. SafeBoot developed mobile data security technologies that safeguard data, devices, and networks against loss, theft, and unauthorized access. This acquisition established McAfee as the sole provider offering integrated endpoint, network, web, email, and data security alongside risk management and compliance solutions. Gerhard Watzinger, former CEO of SafeBoot, joined McAfee to lead the Data Protection product division. The transaction was finalized on November 19, 2007.

ScanAlert

McAfee revealed on October 30, 2007, its intention to purchase ScanAlert for $51 million. This acquisition merged ScanAlert's Hacker Safe service with McAfee's SiteAdvisor platform to improve website protection. It represented the industry's inaugural service aimed at safeguarding consumers during online browsing and shopping. The transaction was finalized on February 7, 2008.

Reconnex

On July 31, 2008, McAfee declared its plan to acquire Reconnex, a company specializing in data protection appliances and software focused on preventing data loss (DLP) by stopping sensitive information from exiting corporate networks. Valued at $46 million, this purchase broadened McAfee's content awareness capabilities within its data security suite. The deal was completed on August 12, 2008.

Secure Computing

McAfee announced on September 22, 2008, the acquisition of Secure Computing, a provider of network security hardware, services, and software. This $497 million agreement, concluded on November 19, 2008, enhanced McAfee’s offerings in network and cloud security, strengthening its market presence with an expanded product lineup.

Endeavor

In January 2009, McAfee intended to acquire Endeavor Security, a private company specializing in IPS/IDS technology. The acquisition closed in February 2009 for $3.2 million, reinforcing McAfee’s intrusion prevention capabilities within its security solutions.

Solidcore Systems

On May 15, 2009, McAfee announced it would acquire Solidcore Systems for $33 million. Solidcore was known for whitelisting software that protected ATMs and other specialized devices. Incorporating Solidcore’s compliance enforcement technology enhanced McAfee’s product portfolio. The acquisition was finalized on June 1, 2009.

MX Logic

McAfee revealed plans on July 30, 2009, to acquire MX Logic, a managed email and web security provider. This $140 million deal was completed on September 1, 2009, expanding McAfee’s SaaS offerings with cloud-based intelligence as well as web and email security, endpoint protection, and vulnerability assessment services. MX Logic’s team became part of McAfee’s SaaS division.

Trust Digital

On May 25, 2010, McAfee announced an agreement to acquire Trust Digital, a privately held firm specializing in mobile device security. This acquisition allowed McAfee to extend beyond traditional endpoint security into the expanding mobile security sector. The transaction closed on June 3, 2010; however, the purchase amount was not publicly disclosed.

TenCube

McAfee agreed on July 29, 2010, to acquire tenCube, a private enterprise concentrating on anti-theft and data protection for mobile devices. This acquisition completed McAfee's expansion into mobile security and supported its strategy to build the next generation of mobile platforms. The deal was finalized on August 25, 2010.

Sentrigo

On March 23, 2011, McAfee declared its plan to acquire Sentrigo, a leading provider of database security solutions including vulnerability management, activity monitoring, auditing, and virtual patching technologies. This purchase broadened McAfee’s database security offerings without compromising system performance or availability. The acquisition was completed on April 6, 2011.

NitroSecurity

On October 4, 2011, McAfee revealed its acquisition of NitroSecurity, a privately held company specializing in high-performance security information and event management (SIEM) solutions aimed at safeguarding vital data and infrastructure. NitroSecurity's innovations improve risk mitigation and network uptime by addressing scalability and performance challenges in security information management. The transaction was finalized on November 30, 2011.

ValidEdge

McAfee expanded its malware defense capabilities by acquiring ValidEdge's sandboxing technology on February 26, 2013.

Stonesoft

McAfee completed a $389 million cash tender offer for Finnish network firewall firm Stonesoft Oyj on July 8, 2013, paying approximately $6.09 per share. This acquisition incorporated advanced next-generation firewall products into McAfee’s offerings; however, the division was sold to Forcepoint in January 2016.

PasswordBox

On December 1, 2014, Intel Security acquired PasswordBox, a Montreal-based provider of digital identity management solutions. The financial details of the deal were not publicly disclosed.

Skyhigh Networks

In November 2017, McAfee purchased Skyhigh Networks, a cloud access security broker (CASB) company, with the acquisition closing on January 3, 2018. Symphony Technology Group (STG) subsequently acquired McAfee Enterprise, including Skyhigh Networks, in March 2021. By January 2022, STG rebranded McAfee Enterprise’s security service edge (SSE) operations as Skyhigh Security, merging the capabilities of McAfee Enterprise and Skyhigh Networks.

TunnelBear

McAfee broadened its product range by acquiring TunnelBear, a Canadian virtual private network (VPN) provider, in March 2018.

Uplevel Security

In July 2019, McAfee enhanced its cybersecurity analytics by acquiring Uplevel Security, a firm utilizing graph theory and machine learning to improve data-driven security solutions.

NanoSec

To strengthen its cloud security portfolio within the expanding container security market, McAfee acquired NanoSec, a container security specialist, in August 2019.

Channel stuffing lawsuit

On January 4, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit against McAfee for artificially inflating net revenues from 1998 to 2000 by $622 million through channel stuffing practices. McAfee resolved the case without admitting guilt by paying a $50 million fine and implementing revised accounting procedures to rebuild investor trust.

SEC investigation into share options

In 2006, McAfee underwent an SEC probe regarding share option backdating that led to the termination of President Kevin Weiss and the resignation of CEO George Samaneuk. Subsequent arbitration cleared Weiss and General Counsel Kent Roberts of wrongdoing, and both were acquitted in related legal proceedings—highlighting governance challenges faced during that period.

DAT 5958 update

A McAfee virus definition update released on April 21, 2010 (DAT file 5958), mistakenly flagged the Windows system file svchost.exe as malicious on millions of Windows XP SP3 computers. This error caused removal of the essential file, triggering network outages, reboot loops, and system failures. McAfee promptly issued an emergency replacement update (version 5959) and provided remediation guidance through its consumer support resources.

The disruption affected major institutions such as the University of Michigan Medical School where approximately 8,000 out of 25,000 devices crashed. Law enforcement reverted to manual reporting procedures; correctional facilities canceled visitations; hospitals delayed elective surgeries; and Australian supermarket chain Coles experienced outages on about 10% of its point-of-sale systems resulting in store closures across several regions.

Following this event, McAfee reinforced its quality control measures for critical system file updates and enhanced its Artemis detection technology by introducing a whitelist for essential system files to minimize false positives. This incident highlighted the critical need for rigorous testing and risk mitigation in cybersecurity software deployment.

DAT 6807-6808 Incident

In August 2012, an update to McAfee antivirus software, affecting both individual and corporate users, unintentionally deactivated antivirus defenses and frequently interrupted Internet connectivity. The organization was criticized for its delayed reaction, which disrupted network functionality and necessitated significant troubleshooting efforts.

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