Wow First TI Cable Modem division now MacAfee. Intel today surprised the tech world by acquiring antivirus developer McAfee for the equivalent of $7.68 billion in stock. This biggest acquisition in Intel’s history. The deal will open the door to tougher hardware security in processors themselves as well as tighter integration between chips and software in stopping security threats. Intel is most interested in security for mobile and embedded hardware, which often aren’t as secure as full-size computers. The acquisition reflects that security is now a fundamental component of online computing and elevates focus on security to be on par with energy-efficient performance and connectivity within Intel.
Both companies’ boards have approved the deal but have an unspecified wait ahead before they can finalize the merger. The agreement hinges both on McAfee shareholders greenlighting the deal as well as clearing regulatory hurdles.
An acquisition of McAfee promises to shake up the security landscape, where McAfee was the primary rival to Symantec in supplying security, primarily to Windows users. The takeover may raise concerns that Intel could have an unfair advantage by making the same processors McAfee’s software would protect.
