NitroSecurity

McAfee Corp.

Company type	Private
Industry	Cybersecurity software
Predecessor	McAfee Associates, Network Associates Inc., Intel Security Group
Founded	1987 (1987)
Founder	John McAfee
Headquarters	San Jose , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Craig Boundy (President and CEO)
Products	Cybersecurity software and services, including McAfee+ Premium, McAfee Total Protection, McAfee Safe Connect VPN, McAfee Deepfake Detector
Number of employees	1800+ (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 an American proprietary software firm that specializes in cybersecurity solutions and services globally, with its headquarters located in San Jose, California.

In February 2011, Intel acquired McAfee for $7.68 billion, integrating it into Intel Security. Subsequently, in 2017, Intel partnered with TPG Capital to create a joint venture that spun off McAfee as a standalone company, with Intel maintaining a 49% ownership and Thoma Bravo holding a minority share. McAfee went public on the NASDAQ in 2020 but returned to private ownership in 2022 following acquisition by a consortium led by Advent International Corporation and Permira.

McAfee’s business strategy centers on providing cybersecurity software and services worldwide, enhancing its market position through strategic alliances and acquisitions. Led by CEO Craig Boundy, the organization employs over 1,800 staff members (as of 2023) and reported revenues near $1.92 billion in 2021, despite experiencing a net loss that year. The company’s structure prioritizes innovation in digital security, addressing both consumer and enterprise markets to expand its presence and influence within the cybersecurity sector.

1987–1999

Established in 1987 as McAfee Associates by John McAfee, who departed from the company in 1994, the firm was officially incorporated in Delaware in 1992. Following John McAfee’s resignation as CEO in 1993, Bill Larson assumed the leadership role. In 1997, Network Associates was created through the merger of McAfee Associates with Network General, PGP Corporation, and Helix Software.

In 1996, McAfee broadened its security offerings by acquiring Calgary-based FSA Corporation, moving beyond antivirus to include network and desktop encryption technologies. The FSA team developed products such as firewalls, file encryption tools, and public key infrastructure systems. Despite these advancements, McAfee remained primarily recognized for its antivirus and anti-spam software.

During the Network Associates era, McAfee purchased Trusted Information Systems in 1998, acquiring firewall technology which was subsequently sold to Secure Computing Corporation. Additionally, the company supported open-source initiatives like Linux and FreeBSD via its research laboratories.

2000–2009

By the year 2000, McAfee/Network Associates had become a significant force against prominent cyber threats such as the ILOVEYOU virus. Nevertheless, financial setbacks prompted the departure of CEO Bill Larson, President Peter Watkins, and CFO Prabhat Goyal at the end of that year. George Samenuk was appointed CEO in 2001 after an interim period under Gene Hodges.

In July 2004, the company reinstated the McAfee brand to underscore its commitment to security solutions. It divested non-essential units including Magic Solutions and Sniffer Technologies to focus operations more tightly.

Leadership transitions persisted with Dale Fuller serving as interim CEO in 2006 amid controversies regarding stock options; David DeWalt took over as CEO in April 2007. That same year saw the launch of the Security Innovation Alliance by McAfee to encourage collaboration by integrating third-party technologies within its security products.

In March 2008, McAfee secured a major licensing contract with the US Department of Defense to supply Virus Scan Enterprise and Anti-Spyware Enterprise for use within Defense Information Systems Agency cybersecurity initiatives.

2010–2020

On April 21, 2010, McAfee issued a defective antivirus update (DAT 5958) that caused widespread disruption on millions of Windows computers.

Intel declared on August 19, 2010, its plan to acquire McAfee at $48 per share, valuing the transaction at $7.68 billion. By September 2016, Intel collaborated with TPG to spin off McAfee into an independent cybersecurity joint venture, a process completed on April 3, 2017.

Following CEO David DeWalt’s departure in 2011, Michael DeCesare and Todd Gebhart assumed roles as co-presidents. That same year, McAfee teamed up with SAIC to create cyber espionage solutions targeted at government and telecommunications clients.

On January 6, 2014, Brian Krzanich, Intel’s CEO, rebranded McAfee Security as Intel Security while maintaining the iconic red shield emblem and operating it as a subsidiary of Intel. Although John McAfee was no longer involved with the company, the McAfee brand continued to appear on products until 2016.

Intel divested its controlling interest in McAfee to TPG on September 7, 2016, forming a jointly owned independent cybersecurity entity under the McAfee name. Chris Young was appointed CEO following the spin-off on April 4, 2017.

In 2018, McAfee considered selling a majority stake to minority investor Thoma Bravo; however, negotiations did not result in a deal. The company also expanded its Security Innovation Alliance through partnerships with firms such as Atos and Fidelis Cybersecurity.

By July 2019, McAfee engaged investment bankers to prepare for an initial public offering potentially valued at $8 billion or more; nonetheless, no IPO materialized at that time. Toward the end of 2019, McAfee collaborated with Google Cloud to incorporate Mvision Cloud and endpoint security solutions into Google’s infrastructure.

In October 2020, McAfee conducted an IPO on NASDAQ (ticker: MCFE), raising $740 million and assigning a valuation near $8.6 billion. This event marked McAfee’s return to public markets after nearly a decade. CEO Chris Young resigned in 2020 and was succeeded by Peter Leav.

McAfee was removed from NASDAQ and privatized again in March 2022 by a global investor consortium led by Advent International alongside Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, GIC Private Limited, and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

2021–present

McAfee finalized the divestiture of its enterprise division in July 2021 to sharpen focus on its consumer business, aiming to lead in consumer online security.

Peter Leav was succeeded by Greg Johnson as CEO in May 2022. Johnson stepped down in 2023, and in July 2024, Craig Boundy was named president and CEO with a mandate to drive transformation, innovation, and customer expansion.

In October 2022, McAfee joined forces with Visa to broaden cybersecurity offerings for cardholders worldwide, strengthening its position in consumer protection markets.

Early in 2024, the company introduced an AI-powered threat detection platform enhancing real-time defenses against sophisticated cyber threats. By February 2024, McAfee expanded its identity theft protection capabilities with advanced monitoring and fraud prevention features.

August 2024 saw the launch of McAfee’s deepfake detection tool designed to counteract fraudulent activities. Subsequently in October 2024, McAfee partnered with Yahoo News to embed this detection technology within content quality systems for identifying AI-generated images requiring editorial scrutiny.

In May 2025, McAfee unveiled its AI-driven Scam Detector aimed at recognizing scam attempts across text messages, emails, and videos on mobile and Windows devices. Simultaneously, the company initiated the Keep it Real campaign focused on raising awareness and supporting victims of scams through storytelling and educational initiatives.

Products

McAfee concentrates on delivering consumer-focused online security solutions that protect users' digital identities, privacy, and devices across Windows, Mac, and mobile operating systems.

The company's range of offerings includes:

Current 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

Renamed 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 firm, for $642 million in stock.

IntruVert Networks

McAfee acquired IntruVert Networks on April 2, 2003, for $100 million. IntruVert specialized in intrusion-prevention systems that could both detect and actively block cyber attacks. Their technology was capable of operating in passive mode for detection or active mode to prevent threats.

Foundstone

In August 2004, McAfee broadened its security offerings by purchasing Foundstone for $86 million. Foundstone delivered security consulting services, training, and vulnerability management software, thereby enhancing McAfee's service portfolio.

SiteAdvisor

On April 5, 2006, McAfee acquired SiteAdvisor for around $70 million. SiteAdvisor’s technology alerted users to potentially dangerous websites to help avoid malware and spam, reinforcing McAfee’s web security capabilities amid competition with Symantec.

Preventsys

McAfee acquired Preventsys, a California-based security risk management company, on June 6, 2006, for less than $10 million. This purchase strengthened McAfee’s risk evaluation expertise.

Onigma Ltd

On October 16, 2006, McAfee purchased Israel-based Onigma Ltd for $20 million. Onigma specialized in host-based data leakage prevention software designed to prevent both intentional and accidental data loss caused by internal users.

SafeBoot Holding B.V.

McAfee announced the acquisition of SafeBoot Holding B.V. on October 8, 2007, for $350 million. SafeBoot provided mobile data security solutions that safeguard data, devices, and networks from theft, loss, and unauthorized access. This acquisition made McAfee the only vendor offering integrated endpoint, network, web, email, and data security alongside risk and compliance solutions. Gerhard Watzinger, SafeBoot’s CEO, joined McAfee to lead the Data Protection product division. The transaction was finalized on November 19, 2007.

ScanAlert

On October 30, 2007, McAfee declared its intention to acquire ScanAlert for $51 million. This acquisition merged ScanAlert's Hacker Safe service with McAfee's SiteAdvisor platform to improve website security. The combined service became the industry’s first designed to protect consumers during online browsing and shopping experiences. The deal closed on February 7, 2008.

Reconnex

On July 31, 2008, McAfee declared its intention to acquire Reconnex, a company focused on data protection appliances and software aimed at preventing sensitive data from exiting corporate networks. Valued at $46 million, this acquisition broadened McAfee's data security capabilities by adding content awareness features. The transaction was finalized on August 12, 2008.

Secure Computing

McAfee revealed on September 22, 2008, its plan to purchase Secure Computing, a provider of network security hardware, services, and software. This $497 million acquisition, completed on November 19, 2008, enhanced McAfee's offerings in network and cloud security while expanding its market presence and product portfolio.

Endeavor

In January 2009, McAfee announced its intent to acquire Endeavor Security, a private firm specializing in IPS/IDS technology. The $3.2 million deal concluded in February 2009, reinforcing McAfee’s capabilities in intrusion prevention.

Solidcore Systems

On May 15, 2009, McAfee disclosed the $33 million acquisition of Solidcore Systems, a company known for whitelisting software that secures ATMs and specialized computing devices. Finalized on June 1, 2009, this acquisition incorporated compliance enforcement into McAfee’s product suite, supporting growth in endpoint security solutions.

MX Logic

McAfee announced on July 30, 2009, its plan to acquire MX Logic, a managed service provider specializing in email and web security. The $140 million deal closed on September 1, 2009, strengthening McAfee’s SaaS portfolio with cloud-based intelligence along with web and email protection, endpoint defense, and vulnerability assessment services. MX Logic’s personnel were integrated into McAfee’s SaaS division to enhance global operations.

Trust Digital

On May 25, 2010, McAfee declared an agreement to acquire Trust Digital, a private company specializing in mobile device security within the online security sector. This acquisition extended McAfee’s reach beyond traditional endpoint protection into mobile security markets. The transaction was completed on June 3, 2010; the financial terms were not made public.

TenCube

McAfee announced on July 29, 2010, its decision to acquire tenCube, a private entity focused on anti-theft and data protection for mobile devices. This purchase finalized McAfee’s expansion into mobile security and supported the development of an advanced mobile platform. The acquisition was completed on August 25, 2010.

Sentrigo

On March 23, 2011, McAfee revealed plans to acquire Sentrigo, a provider of database security solutions including vulnerability management and database activity monitoring tools. This acquisition enhanced McAfee’s database security offerings without compromising system performance or availability. The deal closed on April 6, 2011.

NitroSecurity

McAfee announced on October 4, 2011, the acquisition of NitroSecurity, a privately held company developing high-performance SIEM (security information and event management) solutions designed to protect critical information and infrastructure. NitroSecurity’s technology improves risk management and ensures network availability by addressing scalability and performance challenges inherent in security information management systems. The acquisition was finalized on November 30, 2011.

ValidEdge

On February 26, 2013, McAfee enhanced its malware defense by acquiring the sandbox technology developed by ValidEdge.

Stonesoft

McAfee finalized a $389 million cash tender offer on July 8, 2013, to purchase Finnish network security firm Stonesoft Oyj, obtaining its Next Generation Firewall division. This business segment was subsequently sold to Forcepoint in January 2016.

PasswordBox

Intel Security acquired PasswordBox, a digital identity management company based in Montreal, on December 1, 2014. The financial details of the transaction were not made public.

Skyhigh Networks

In November 2017, McAfee agreed to acquire Skyhigh Networks, a cloud access security broker (CASB) firm, with the transaction closing on January 3, 2018. Symphony Technology Group (STG) later acquired McAfee Enterprise, including Skyhigh Networks, in March 2021. By January 2022, STG rebranded the security service edge (SSE) division of McAfee Enterprise as Skyhigh Security, integrating resources from both entities.

TunnelBear

McAfee broadened its cybersecurity offerings in March 2018 by purchasing TunnelBear, a Canadian provider of VPN services.

Uplevel Security

In July 2019, McAfee added Uplevel Security to its portfolio, a company focused on data analytics utilizing graph theory and machine learning techniques.

NanoSec

August 2019 saw McAfee strengthen its cloud security capabilities through the acquisition of NanoSec, a container security specialist concentrating on operating system-level virtualization.

Channel stuffing lawsuit

On January 4, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission accused McAfee of inflating net revenue by $622 million between 1998 and 2000 via channel stuffing. McAfee resolved the matter without admitting fault by paying a $50 million fine and committing to modify its accounting procedures.

SEC investigation into share options

In 2006, McAfee underwent an SEC inquiry concerning backdating of share options. This led to the termination of President Kevin Weiss and the resignations of CEO George Samaneuk and General Counsel Kent Roberts. Subsequently, the board adjusted option grant prices for Weiss and Samaneuk. Arbitration in 2009 cleared Weiss and Roberts of any misconduct.

DAT 5958 Incident

On April 21, 2010, an erroneous McAfee virus definition update (DAT file 5958) triggered the unintended removal of the essential system file svchost.exe on millions of Windows XP SP3 machines. This malfunction resulted in widespread network outages, continuous reboot cycles, and system crashes. McAfee promptly issued a corrective DAT update (version 5959) and disseminated solutions through their consumer support portal. The disruption had significant global impact: at the University of Michigan Medical School, 8,000 out of 25,000 computers failed; police departments in Lexington, Kentucky, reverted to manual report filing; certain correctional facilities canceled visitations; hospitals in Rhode Island delayed surgical procedures; and Australian retailer Coles closed some locations due to a 10% failure rate in their point-of-sale systems.

Following this event, McAfee improved its quality control protocols for updates that interact with critical system components and enhanced its Artemis protection technology by integrating a whitelist mechanism aimed at minimizing false detections. This episode highlighted the critical need for comprehensive testing in cybersecurity software releases and demonstrated McAfee’s dedication to refining operational practices and preserving customer confidence through rapid corrective action and strengthened preventive measures.

DAT 6807-6808 Incident

In August 2012, an update distributed by McAfee for both consumer and enterprise antivirus solutions caused deactivation of antivirus defenses and frequently obstructed Internet connectivity. The company was criticized for its delayed response, which led to extensive troubleshooting efforts by network administrators.

See also

• Internet Security
• Comparison of antivirus software