Skip to main content

McAfee’s antivirus software is coming pre-installed on the Samsung Galaxy S8

ip ratings explained
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Smartphones are often the target of hacking and malware, but if you’re careful and know what not to do, your device should largely remain safe. Samsung, however, wants to take an extra step of precaution and apparently is shipping versions of its phone with McAfee VirusScan software pre-installed.

The software is shipping on Galaxy S8 devices as part of a partnership between the two companies and there is some debate as to whether or not it is a good thing. Some argue that adding more bloatware to the Samsung Galaxy S8 only frustrates users and takes up extra storage. McAfee, however, might suggest that the extra software helps make your Galaxy S8 safer. Not only that, but the Galaxy S8 is not the only Samsung device to get the software– Samsung computers and smart TVs will also get the treatment.

“Protecting every connected device in your home is absolutely essential today,” John Giamatteo, executive vice president, consumer business group at McAfee, said in a statement. “That’s because if one device is attacked, it puts your entire home network at risk. While that level of protection might sound like a lot of effort, McAfee makes sure that it’s easy. We believe there is power in working with partners like Samsung to build world-class security into devices like smart TVs, PCs, and smartphones so that these devices are protected right out of the box.”

The move is the first McAfee has made since it became its own company. The company was bought out by Intel in 2011, however, Intel announced in April that McAfee would once again be a stand-alone business thanks to a deal it made with TPG Capital. Intel still owns 49 percent of McAfee.

According to McAfee, the software should be helpful for users. The company notes almost 44 percent of consumers are concerned about their financial information being stolen, while 38 percent of consumers are concerned about identity theft. Will the anti-virus software being installed on your phone help avoid those issues? Perhaps in some instances.

Editors' Recommendations

Christian de Looper
Christian’s interest in technology began as a child in Australia, when he stumbled upon a computer at a garage sale that he…
Have a Samsung Galaxy S23? Don’t update your phone to One UI 6.1
The pink Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus lying on a pillow.

Samsung started rolling out its One UI 6.1 update last week, bringing its Galaxy AI features to the Galaxy S23 series and other Galaxy phones and tablets. Unfortunately, it looks like the update is doing more harm than good.

Over the last couple of days, there have been seemingly endless reports of One UI 6.1 wreaking havoc for Galaxy S23 owners — including everything from unresponsive touchscreens, fingerprint sensors not working, and more.

Read more
A new version of the Samsung Galaxy S24 could be coming soon
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Mint Green color along with a coaster and leaf in the front.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Tushar Mehta / Digital Trends

Samsung could soon be adding a new phone to the flagship Galaxy S24 lineup. Following the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra from earlier this year, it looks like Samsung is getting ready to launch the Galaxy S24 FE.

Read more
5 things I want to see in the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and S Pen stylus on its screen.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is definitely one of the best smartphones on the market right now, no doubt about that. You get incredible performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, plenty of RAM and storage, a whopping 200MP camera, two telephoto lenses for 3x and 5x optical zoom, S Pen integration, and more. It’s certainly an impressive package.

But it’s not perfect. In fact, some weaknesses could be improved in the next version, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Here’s what I hope to see next year.
A new design
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (left) and Galaxy S23 Ultra Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Read more