McAfee joins identity theft watchdog

Security software maker McAfee announced Wednesday that it has joined the Trusted Electronic Communications Forum (TECF), a consortium of technology providers and other businesses focused on combating online identity theft. McAfee, which markets applications that can be used to protect against online fraud, said it will primarily involve itself with the organization's efforts to develop best practices aimed at fighting the problem.

Among the forms of online fraud directly targeted by the group are spoofing and phishing, schemes that use e-mail messages made to appear as if they're from trusted sources in order to dupe consumers into sharing personal data. McAfee executives said that by actively participating in TECF's committees and technology trials, the company also hopes to improve its own content management security technologies. Other companies involved in the effort include AT&T Wireless, Best Buy, Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investments, IBM, Royal Bank of Scotland and Siebel Systems.

McAfee on Tuesday announced plans to sell its research arm to Sparta.