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McAfee and Intel partner up to put anti-theft tech in Ultrabooks

Intel has long provided hardware-level anti-theft technology, primarily for its enterprise customers. But, as users become increasingly mobile, the need to extend those protections to average consumers has become more and more apparent. McAfee is teaming up with Chipzilla to create a consumer-friendly software package that will interact with the chip-level anti-theft tech that will be packed into every Ultrabook. Details about the software are pretty slim for the moment, but we know it'll feature remote lock, remote wipe and location tracking to help you recover you precious lappy and keep your personal data out of the hands of ne'er-do-wells. The suite will start shipping alongside the tiny notebooks next year, but while you wait, check out the PR after the break.

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McAfee to Provide Anti-Theft Solution for Ultrabooks

Built on Intel Anti-Theft Technology, McAfee to Offer Advanced Data and Device Protection
IDF 2011 San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM – McAfee today announced a collaborative effort with Intel to develop anti-theft software for Ultrabook devices. Ultrabook systems will marry the performance and capabilities of today's laptops with tablet-like features. The anti-theft software being developed will leverage unique, Intel chip-level technologies to provide device and data protection for consumers.

Users and their devices are increasingly mobile as evidenced by the rapidly growing number of laptops and other mobile computing devices being purchased. With increased mobility come unique risks such as theft or loss of devices and data. This new solution will deliver essential capabilities including device lock, data wipe and location tracking.

"McAfee has a strong legacy of delivering security solutions to consumers through our partner channel as well as an established partner eco-system," said Steve Petracca, senior vice president of Consumer Marketing at McAfee. "By making easy-to-use anti-theft software for Ultrabook systems available, our partners are able to leverage proven security deployment models to protect consumers. This also allows our partners to differentiate themselves from a crowded field of competitors."

OEMs, retailers, telecommunications providers, and others will benefit from this joint development by being able to offer a comprehensive anti-theft solution for connected mobile users. These companies will also benefit from the recently announced $300 million Intel Ultrabook Fund to help drive innovation in this new category of devices that is available from Intel Capital.

"Despite the fact that laptops and personal data are stolen each and every day around the world, people's computers often hold some of the most private and valuable information including bank statements, tax returns, pictures, and videos," said George Thangadurai, general manager, PC Client Services Division at Intel. "To address the pervasive nature of such threats, Intel and McAfee are collaborating to deliver scalable and innovative anti-theft solutions starting with Ultrabook systems that will help to provide more peace of mind to people."

Availability

The new software solution is scheduled to be publicly available as Ultrabook devices are shipped in volume from OEM companies in 2012.

About McAfee

McAfee, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation, is the world's largest dedicated security technology company. McAfee delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that help secure systems, networks, and mobile devices around the world, allowing users to safely connect to the Internet, browse and shop the Web more securely. Backed by its unrivaled Global Threat Intelligence, McAfee creates innovative products that empower home users, businesses, the public sector and service providers by enabling them to prove compliance with regulations, protect data, prevent disruptions, identify vulnerabilities, and continuously monitor and improve their security. McAfee is relentlessly focused on constantly finding new ways to keep our customers safe. http://www.mcafee.com

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