McAfee, Inc. deletes 'Low' from Global Threat Condition barometer

CEO's blog declares 'Elevated' is the new 'Low'

SANTA CLARA, Calif., August 18, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — McAfee, Inc. (NYSE: MFE) today announced it has deleted "Low" from its Global Threat Condition barometer.

Company CEO Dave DeWalt, writing in his personal security blog, noted the fact that "McAfee has not seen a 'Low' threat to the Internet since the terror attacks of September 11th, 2001." He expressed the stoic observation that "everything changed on 9-11. Computer terrorism is everywhere you look now. Security companies like ours uncover horrifying new threats and devastating new attacks, every day. Computer terrorism is so big now that it has become a vital plot line for blockbuster movies like Die Hard and Transformers."

Mr. DeWalt acknowledged that "our company was a bit naïve when [then-president] Gene Hodges worked here. We, as a company, actually thought the Internet might experience a brief period when 'there is no direct threat to systems that have been patched' and when 'no new significant malware activity has been reported.' But those were the good ol' days, folks. Rampant computer terrorism has made 'Elevated' our new baseline. 'Low' is unachievable."

In related news, McAfee, Inc. today announced it has added 'Intense' to its Global Threat Condition barometer, for situations above & beyond 'Critical.' The company will declare an 'Intense' threat condition whenever more than 75% of McAfee-protected PCs have been infected by a virus or worm despite having the latest antivirus signature updates, and/or when new malware has permanently destroyed the Internet.

NOTE: Mr. DeWalt's personal security blog is strictly unofficial and does not represent the corporate views of McAfee, Inc. in any way.

About McAfee, Inc.

McAfee Inc., the leading dedicated security technology company, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that secure systems and networks around the world. With its unmatched security expertise and commitment to innovation, McAfee empowers home users, businesses, the public sector, and service providers with the ability to block attacks, prevent disruptions, and continuously track and improve their security.

NOTE: McAfee, VirusScan, AntiSpyware, ePolicy Orchestrator, ePO, and SiteAdvisor are registered trademarks or trademarks of McAfee, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. McAfee Red in connection with security is distinctive of McAfee brand products. All other registered and unregistered trademarks herein are the sole property of their respective owners.