Intel seeks to change cybersecurity with $7.6B McAfee acquisition

By Tim Conneally | BetaNews.com Published August 19, 2010, 10:44 AM

Intel Corporation Thursday morning announced that it will acquire security software and management company McAfee Inc. for $7.68 billion in cash. Intel says the move reflects the changing security climate as more non-PC devices connect to the Internet, like cars, TVs, and medical equipment.

…”Frankly, the industry needed a paradigm shift — incremental improvements simply couldn’t bridge the opportunity gap. McAfee and Intel Corporation are joining forces to tackle this next generation cybersecurity issue which impacts everyone and anything connecting to the Internet.”

…While it sounds like the companies are planning a major change to the current security model, it is still unclear what it will mean to McAfee’s portfolio of intellectual property after it becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intel….