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Intel open to selling security software business

The chip giant could never make full use of the McAfee business, which it bought in 2010.

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Intel looks to refocus, potentially shedding its antivirus software company, Intel Security, along the way.

Ben Fox Rubin/CNET

Intel may be looking to offload its antivirus software business.

The mammoth chipmaker bought security technology company McAfee, since known as Intel Security, for $7.7 billion in 2010. Now it's thinking about selling the business, according to the Financial Times. Intel had originally planned to embed antivirus software into its chips but never completed the project. With the global rise of cyberattacks, venture capitalists are eager to buy up security companies and Intel Security might be next.

Intel didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

This is the latest bit of restructuring for Intel, as the company attempts to refocus on chips for networks of remote servers, or cloud computing, amid a continued decline in PC sales.