Intel’s $7.7bn Purchase of McAfee Reflects Fears over Net Security

Intel announced the $7.7bn acquisition of the US security software company—McAfee, in a move prompted via the rising threat from viruses as the internet spreads to mobile devices and appliances.
The purchase is set to turn the world’s largest chipmaker into one of the leaders in security, extending Intel’s reach into internet-connected devices from tablet computers to fridges.
However, the deal came after an antitrust settlement with US regulators. It raised fresh concerns about Intel’s capabilty to dominate part of the technology world via baking security into its chips, which are used in most personal computers.
The deal become the largest in the chipmaker’s history. It represents a risky bet by Intel following the failed attempts to diversify away from the PC market.