When it comes to online safety, independent testing matters. And in the latest AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test, McAfee earned the highest possible rating, ADVANCED+, with a 99.5% protection rate. It’s the kind of recognition that helps shoppers understand which tools truly hold up in real-life conditions, not just in controlled lab environments.

For anyone navigating today’s mix of emails, downloads, suspicious links, and AI-driven scams, independent results like these are a clear signal: strong protection still makes a real difference.

What Is the AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test?

The Real-World Protection Test is an independent evaluation run by AV-Comparatives, a trusted third-party security testing lab. The test measures how well antivirus and online protection tools block real threats that people encounter every day, including dangerous URLs, malicious downloads, phishing pages, and harmful files attempting to run on a device.

This type of testing is widely cited by major tech publications and review sites because it reflects actual user behavior rather than controlled lab simulations.

Why This Recognition Matters

According to AV-Comparatives, their Real-World Protection Test is designed to measure how security products perform in situations people face every day: clicking a link, opening a file, visiting a site for the first time.

It’s one of the most widely cited sources in tech journalism and consumer product reviews, and it often shapes how online shoppers evaluate cybersecurity tools.

Here’s why tests like these are used in tech reviews, buying guides, and search engine rankings:

• They compare multiple brands under the same conditions
• They use real-world threats, not theoretical malware
• They measure false positives, which impact everyday usability
• They influence third-party reviews and product roundups
• They help shoppers choose trustworthy protection without guesswork

McAfee has earned an ADVANCED+ rating in all tests since June 2022, demonstrating our consistency and reliability in the moments that matter most: when a threat appears disguised as something routine.

About the AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test

The latest evaluation included 19 consumer security products, each tested across the full attack chain, from the moment a malicious URL is accessed to the instant a dangerous file tries to execute.

Unlike benchmark tests that focus on one part of the process, this assessment mirrors real user behavior. AV-Comparatives notes that the methodology is meant to be “as realistic as possible,” and the results often reveal meaningful differences in both protection and false positives.

With this round of testing, McAfee maintains its cycle of highest ratings in every Real-World Protection Test, while several well-known competitors were downgraded due to high false-positive counts.

What This Means for Everyday Users

A high protection score matters most when you’re simply going about your day — shopping, banking, downloading a file, or clicking a link you think is safe. Independent recognition signals three core things:

1. Trustworthy Protection

Strong results indicate that advanced threats, misleading links, and malicious downloads are blocked before they can cause harm.

2. Fewer False Alarms

With only four false positives out of nearly 500 samples, McAfee flagged less than 1% of clean files incorrectly. For context: the industry average in this test was 10 false positives, and one competitor even misidentified 75, meaning it labeled nearly 16% of harmless activity as a threat.

The takeaway is simple: strong protection shouldn’t get in your way, and these results show it doesn’t.

3. Innovation That Keeps Pace With Scammers

Criminals now use AI to make fake emails, websites, and support messages look real. Testing that mirrors those real-world conditions helps consumers see which tools stay ahead of that curve.

A Note on McAfee Protection Tools

McAfee’s threat protection, the same technology validated in this test, is built into McAfee+ Premium, McAfee+ Advanced, McAfee+ Ultimate, McAfee Total Protection, and McAfee LiveSafe.

McAfee’s built-in Scam Detector, included in all core plans, automatically detects scams across text, email, and video, blocks dangerous links, and identifies deepfakes—stopping harm before it happens.

The post McAfee Named ADVANCED+ in Real-World Protection — What That Means for You appeared first on McAfee Blog.

The holidays are supposed to be about joy and generosity — but this year, they’re also peak season for AI-powered scams. New research from McAfee, a global leader in online protection, shows how fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to create more convincing lures — from deepfake endorsements to cloned delivery messages — as Americans head online to shop.

US – Holiday Shopping 2025 Fact Sheet 

The post Holiday Shopping 2025: US Fact Sheet  appeared first on McAfee Blog.

We’re proud to share that McAfee has won “Best Use of AI in Cybersecurity” at The 2025 A.I. Awards for our groundbreaking work on McAfee’s Scam Detector, which automatically identifies risky texts and emails, and also includes the world’s first automated deepfake detection. 

Scams Are Growing 

Online scams have reached an all-time high, with 1 in 3 Americans reporting they’ve fallen victim, losing an average of $1,500 each. From fake job offers and text messages to AI-generated deepfakes, these threats are evolving faster than ever. 

Using Good AI to Fight Bad AI 

That’s where McAfee’s Scam Detector comes in. Using advanced artificial intelligence, it automatically detects scams across text, email, and video, blocks dangerous links, and identifies deepfakes, stopping harm before it happens. 

Scam Detector is also included with every core McAfee plan, and is available on PC, mobile, and web. In just its first few months, Scam Detector crossed the million-user milestone, underscoring the urgent need for smarter, faster protection in the AI-powered world. 

Industry Recognition 

As one of the judges, Rakesh Datta, noted: 

“McAfee’s Scam Detector is leading the fight against digital deception, harnessing advanced AI to identify scams, deepfakes, and fraud in real time. By combining exceptional accuracy with proactive protection, it restores confidence and redefines trust in the modern digital era. The A.I. Awards is proud to recognize McAfee’s innovation in safeguarding users worldwide.” 

This recognition highlights McAfee’s commitment to building responsible, consumer-first AI that empowers people to live safer, more confident lives on and offline. 

Looking Ahead 

We’re honored to be recognized alongside other global innovators, and we’re even more motivated to keep pushing forward, creating technology that helps people stay one step ahead of online threats. 

Check out all The 2025 A.I. Awards winners and learn more about McAfee Scam Detector. 

The post McAfee Wins “Best Use of AI in Cybersecurity” for Scam Detector appeared first on McAfee Blog.

McAfee Total Protection has once again been named a TOP PRODUCT by the independent test lab AV-TEST, earning perfect scores in all three categories for the July–August 2025 test cycle.

This marks the 31st consecutive TOP PRODUCT certification for McAfee since June 2020, proof that our consumer protection consistently meets the highest independent standards.

While many security tools can slow your computer or trigger false alarms, McAfee keeps impact minimal and alerts meaningful, giving you reliable protection without getting in your way.

What the Scores Mean for You

• Protection efficacy (100%): Stops the latest and most dangerous threats, including zero-day attacks and widespread malware, before they can infect your PC.
• Performance impact (below industry average): Runs quietly in the background so your computer stays fast while you work, stream, and game. Many of our competitors’ security tools can slow things down, but McAfee keeps impact minimal.
• Usability (no false positives): Alerts you only when it matters, avoiding annoying or confusing warnings about safe files and programs.

Together, these results mean you’re getting lab-verified security that beats industry averages and stays ahead of major competitors, without sacrificing speed or ease of use.

You can read the full AV-TEST report here.

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Was that spinning head a mistake—or the whole point?

When McAfee dropped a new digital ad showing a woman lounging on a beach, only to have her head rotate a full 360 degrees, the internet lit up. Some viewers thought it was a post-production error. Others assumed it was a weird deepfake gone wrong. And while a few sharp-eyed commentators caught the joke right away, most were left wondering: was this brilliant marketing or a complete fail?

Spoiler: it was on purpose.

AI on Purpose

You may have seen the ad—the calm beach scene, the casual vibe, and then, the fully rotating head. Reactions ranged from confused to amused, with a handful of keen observers nodding in understanding.

We didn’t mess up.

With the help of our creative agency VSA, we developed a series of digital ads using generative AI to blur the line between real and surreal. The goal? To make a bigger point: AI is now capable of mimicking reality in subtle, clever ways that are increasingly hard to detect. That’s exactly why tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector matter more than ever.

“While the ads are clearly AI, the implication is that AI isn’t always so easy to spot,” said Anne-Marie Rosser, CEO of VSA. “It’s funny, and it creates empathy for the user since we’re all susceptible.”

And don’t worry—we didn’t hand everything over to the machines. McAfee and VSA’s full creative and design teams were instrumental in shaping every detail, from concept to execution. The AI was a tool. The vision came from real people.

These creative choices reflect our philosophy at McAfee: take cybersecurity seriously, but don’t always take yourself too seriously. Humor has the power to break through fear and shame—and ultimately, help people protect themselves better.

 

Scam Stories, Real People

Alongside these eye-catching ads, we’re launching Scam Stories, a social campaign built around real voices. From concert ticket scams to spoofed customer service texts, people across the country are sharing their experiences using #KeepItReal and #MyScamStory—and we’re listening.

Some of those individuals, like actor Chris Carmack (of Grey’s Anatomy and The O.C.), have joined our campaign to share their own moments of being duped. Others, like cyber student Henry or life coach Cory, are helping us educate others by turning personal pain into public empowerment.

Partnering for Impact

This campaign isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action. That’s why we’ve partnered with FightCybercrime.org, a nonprofit that helps people recognize, report, and recover from scams. We’re donating $50,000 worth of McAfee protection to people in FightCybercrime programs and to the volunteers who support them.

We’re also teaming up to expand education efforts through our Online Safety for Kids initiative—because building a safer internet starts early.

What’s Next

Scammers rely on silence, shame, and speed. But when we slow down, speak up, and share our stories, we take away their power.

The Keep It Real campaign is more than just a product launch. It’s a movement to stop the stigma around scams, help people protect their peace of mind, and remind you: if it can happen to Chris Carmack, it can happen to anyone.

So what’s your scam story? We’re listening.

The post Keep It Real: How McAfee Is Using AI to Fight AI—and End Scam Stigma appeared first on McAfee Blog.

When Grey’s Anatomy actor Chris Carmack and musician Erin Slaver tried to order custom patio cushions from what seemed like a trustworthy small business, they thought they were making a simple home upgrade.  

But after clicking and paying through a special link, the cushions never arrived. Delays turned into excuses, messages went unanswered, and the seller’s account eventually disappeared—along with their money. 

It was a scam. And like so many others, they were left frustrated, embarrassed, and unsure of what to do next. 

Now, Chris and Erin are sharing their story—not just to warn others, but to help launch Scam Stories, a McAfee-led movement to end the stigma around being scammed, remind people that it can happen to anyone, and help keep everyone safer online. 

Real People, Real Stories 

Scammers win when we stay silent. At McAfee, we believe speaking out about your experience is a brave way to support your community and help others stay safe from scams. 

Built-in partnership with FightCybercrime.org, the Scam Stories movement invites people to share their scam experiences, end the stigma around being scammed, and build a more informed, supportive community. 

And Chris and Erin aren’t the only ones speaking up. Our campaign features stories from everyday people who’ve been scammed—and are now helping others by sharing what happened. 

These scams happened fast—and could happen to anyone. Each one involved tactics that McAfee Scam Detector is designed to catch:

• Brittany, an elementary school teacher, lost Taylor Swift tickets after clicking a phishing email that looked like a ticket confirmation. Scam Detector could have flagged the email as suspicious and warned her before she engaged.
• Cory, a wellness coach, tapped a convincing text that appeared to be from his mobile provider. Almost instantly, scammers hijacked his number and shut him out of his accounts. Scam Detector’s text scanning could have alerted him to the malicious link before he clicked.
• Henry, a college student, was tricked by a fake concert ticket seller on social media. The message looked urgent and real—but Scam Detector could have flagged the text as suspicious due to common scam language and pressure for fast payment, before it reached him.
• Bradley, a sleep-deprived new dad, received a threatening call from someone posing as the IRS. When they followed up with a phishing email, he panicked—and sent nearly $1,000. Scam Detector could have flagged the impersonation and helped him pause before acting. 

These stories are powerful reminders that scam prevention starts with awareness. And when people share what happened, it helps others recognize red flags and feel less alone. 

Why We Partnered With FightCybercrime.org 

FightCybercrime.org is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people recognize, report, and recover from cybercrime. Their tools, educational materials, and survivor support network make them an ideal partner in our mission. 

Together with FightCybercrime.org, we’ll be expanding online safety education —and helping more people recover from scams with real support.  

As part of our collaboration, McAfee is donating $50,000 worth of protection products to individuals going through FightCybercrime.org’s recovery programs and to the staff and volunteers who support them every day. 

Let’s End the Stigma, Together 

At McAfee, we believe that scam protection isn’t just about tools—it’s about empowering people with knowledge and support. And that starts by ending the stigma. 

Scam Stories is here to change the narrative—from shame to strength. With help from public figures like Chris and Erin, and brave individuals across the country, we’re turning painful moments into teachable ones—and helping everyone stay safer online. 

How to Get Involved 

McAfee is collecting scam stories and encouraging people to share their experiences on social media using #MyScamStory and #KeepItReal.  

• Visit our Scam Stories hub to share your scam story 

• Use #MyScamStory and #KeepItReal on social media 

• Follow along as we amplify survivor voices and help others stay safer 

Learn more and join the movement at www.mcafee.com/en-us/scam-stories. 

No one should feel alone or ashamed after being scammed. And the more we talk about scams, the harder it is for scammers to succeed. 

Scam Stories is here to change the narrative—from shame to strength.

The post Introducing Scam Stories: A McAfee Campaign to End Scam Stigma appeared first on McAfee Blog.

In today’s online world, scams are everywhere—and they’re harder to spot than ever. From sophisticated phishing texts and deepfake videos to emails that look just like messages from your bank or delivery provider, scammers are constantly evolving. And so are we. 

Introducing McAfee’s Scam Detector: advanced scam detection technology built to spot and stop scams across text messages, emails, and videos. It’s included at no extra cost in all core McAfee plans for customers in the U.S., UK, and Australia—helping millions stay safer online without having to upgrade. 

Why We Built Scam Detector 

Scam messages are getting smarter and more frequent. McAfee Labs saw scam text volumes nearly quadruple between February and March 2025. Nearly half used cloaked links to disguise malicious intent. Scams mimicked toll charges, deliveries, payment services, and even messages from loved ones. 

Scammers use urgency and fear to push people into quick decisions—and it’s working. That’s why Scam Detector was designed with AI-powered detection, educational guidance, and coverage that works across multiple platforms and devices. 

McAfee’s Scam Detector flags ~1.5% of text messages analyzed as potential scams and ~1.8% of email messages analyzed as potential scams. The text scam detection model included in the initial release achieves greater than 99% accuracy.

What McAfee’s Scam Detector Can Do

1) Smarter text scam detection

• Detects suspicious messages across apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and others. 

• On Android: Messages are scanned as they arrive and flagged before you open them. 

• On iPhone: Suspicious texts are filtered into a separate folder, with manual scam check available. 

2) AI-based scam analysis for email

• Flags phishing and other suspicious emails across Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo. 

• Adds a “McAfee Alert” label and explains why an email was flagged, helping you learn as you go. 

• Supports up to 10 email addresses per account. 

3) Deepfake detection for video

• Detects AI-generated or manipulated audio in videos on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. 

• Works in seconds, using on-device processing to protect your privacy. 

• Requires just six seconds of audio to analyze authenticity. 

4) On-demand Scam Check

• Unsure about a message? Upload a screenshot, message, or link for instant analysis. 

• Scam Detector offers context so you understand the “why” behind each result. 

5) Custom Sensitivity Settings

Choose the level of detection that works for you: 

• High: Maximum caution, more alerts 

• Balanced (default): Strong protection, fewer interruptions 

• Low: Flags only the most obvious threats 

6) Safe Browsing Layer

• If you do click a suspicious link, McAfee Safe Browsing can help block dangerous sites before they load. 

Privacy Comes First 

Scam Detector uses on-device AI wherever possible. That means your messages and data aren’t sent to the cloud for analysis. And because scam protection is now included in all core McAfee plans, there’s no need for additional purchases. 

Included at No Extra Cost 

Scam Detector is now included in all core plans: 

• McAfee+ 

• McAfee Total Protection 

• McAfee LiveSafe 

Available for customers in the U.S., UK, and Australia, this new feature rolls out automatically in the McAfee app. No upgrade required. 

Learn More About Scam Detector 

McAfee’s Scam Detector is designed to help people stay safer by identifying scams, explaining why they were flagged, and giving users more confidence in their digital decisions. 

In a time when scams are harder to detect than ever, it’s one more way McAfee is protecting people—not just devices. 

Learn more at https://www.mcafee.com/en-us/scam-detector.

The post Introducing McAfee’s Scam Detector – Now Included in All Core Plans appeared first on McAfee Blog.

We’re thrilled to share that McAfee has earned two prestigious AV-TEST Awards: Best Advanced Protection and Best Performance for Consumer Users. 

“We are honored to receive both the Best Advanced Protection and the Best PC Performance awards,” said McAfee’s Chief Technology Officer, Steve Grobman. “AV-TEST is a renowned institute with an excellent reputation for independent analysis and quality assurance, and this recognition reinforces our leadership in online protection. As our digital world continues to evolve, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. With McAfee’s AI-powered threat protection, we can stay one step ahead and keep our customers safe from scams without compromising PC performance.”

These awards recognize our commitment to delivering powerful protection from malware, data stealers, and other threats—without slowing down your devices. Throughout 2024, McAfee consistently excelled in AV-TEST’s rigorous evaluations, standing out for both threat detection and system efficiency. 

As the only vendor to top both categories in 2024, McAfee is proud to provide trusted protection that enhances—not hinders—your PC’s performance. 

What’s Included in McAfee Total Protection?

McAfee Total Protection isn’t just antivirus software—it’s an all-in-one digital safety solution designed to keep your identity, devices, and privacy protected across unlimited devices. Here’s a breakdown of what’s inside:

AI-Powered Security on All Your Devices

With McAfee Total Protection, you get real-time defense powered by artificial intelligence to block viruses, malware, and phishing scams before they can reach you. It works across all your compatible devices—Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android—so you’re covered wherever you go.

Privacy Protection at Home and On the Go

Our Secure VPN uses bank-grade encryption to shield your personal info and browsing activity, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Easy-to-Use Password Management

Keep your online accounts secure with our built-in password manager, which stores, generates, and auto-fills strong passwords across devices. That means one less thing to remember—and a lot more peace of mind.

Find Out Why We’re #1

Protect yourself and your loved ones with the award-winning solution that topped both protection and performance rankings in 2024. Start your free trial of McAfee Total Protection today.

The post McAfee Wins AV-TEST Awards for Best Advanced Protection and Best Performance appeared first on McAfee Blog.

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—McAfee has been recognized on Forbes’ prestigious list of America’s Best Midsize Employers for 2025! This recognition is a testament to our incredible employees, whose passion and commitment make McAfee not just an industry leader, but also a truly exceptional place to work. 

Forbes and Statista, a global data and business intelligence firm, compiled this list based on feedback from over 217,000 employees across various industries in the U.S. The ranking considers both direct feedback from McAfee team members and public perceptions of our workplace culture, with personal employee experiences carrying the most weight. 

What This Means for McAfee 

At McAfee, we believe that a great workplace isn’t just about the work—it’s about the people. This recognition underscores our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired. Whether it’s through innovative projects, professional growth opportunities, or a strong sense of community, we strive to make McAfee a place where talent thrives. 

Our spot within the top 300 of 500 companies, shows that our collective dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration is making an impact. 

A Big Thank You to Our Team 

This achievement wouldn’t be possible without our amazing employees who bring their best every day. Your contributions drive our success, and this recognition is as much yours as it is McAfee’s. 

As we continue to push boundaries in cybersecurity, we remain committed to ensuring McAfee is a company where talent grows, ideas flourish, and people love coming to work. 

Join us at McAfee   

It’s an exciting time to be part of Team McAfee! As we continue to grow and innovate, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to help create a safer online world.  

If you’re looking for a workplace where your ideas matter, your contributions are valued, and you can thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, we’d love to have you on board. Explore opportunities to join us today!  

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McAfee has been named the top brand in the Antivirus and Security Software category in TIME and Statista’s 2024 World’s Best Brands list, ranking above all major industry competitors.

World’s Best Brands of 2024

The list, which surveyed over 22,000 U.S. consumers, ranks brands based on trust, awareness, and customer satisfaction across 66 industries.  

TIME’s World’s Best Brands of 2024 rankings highlight consumer preferences across industries, from tech to retail. The inclusion of cybersecurity in the list speaks to a broader trend: digital safety is no longer just a concern for businesses and IT professionals—it’s a household necessity. 

Recent data supports this shift. A global McAfee study found that 59% of people have fallen victim to an online scam or know someone who has, with 87% of those affected losing money—an average loss of $1,366 USD. As the financial and personal stakes of online security continue to rise, consumers are looking for trusted brands that offer comprehensive, easy-to-use protection. 

For those looking to strengthen their digital defenses, McAfee+ provides award-winning security that protects against malware, scams, and online fraud—allowing consumers to browse, shop, and connect with confidence. 

 

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McAfee Total Protection users can feel even more secure online knowing that AV-Comparatives has named it the best in 2024 for both real-world protection and overall speed.

The two awards – the 2024 Real-World Protection Gold Award and the Best Overall Speed Gold Award – underscore McAfee’s commitment to providing powerful security without compromising PC performance, a critical combination at a time when 59% of people globally report falling victim to an online scam or knowing someone who has, with 87% of these individuals losing money—an astounding average loss of $1,366 USD.

“We are honored to receive both the Best Real-World Protection and the Best PC Performance awards,” said McAfee Chief Technology Officer Steve Grobman. “AV-Comparatives is a renowned institute with a reputation for analysis and quality assurance that stands tall, and this recognition further reinforces our leadership in online protection. With our AI-powered threat protection, we remain committed to staying one step ahead of cybercriminals while having the lowest impact on PC performance, so that people can enjoy their online lives with confidence.”

Why McAfee Stands Out

Each year, AV-Comparatives rigorously tests leading consumer security products to evaluate their effectiveness in real-world scenarios as well as their impact on system performance. McAfee’s standout results reflect the strength of its:

• Real-World Protection: AV-Comparatives’ Real-World Protection Test measures a product’s ability to combat malware under everyday conditions. Winners of this test, such as McAfee, provide high levels of protection with minimal false alarms, sparing users the stress and burden of identifying whether something is harmful.
• Performance: The PC Performance Test evaluates the impact of a security product on system performance. McAfee ranked with the lowest impact on PC performance throughout 2024, ensuring users can stay secure online without their devices losing speed and slowing down.

Learn More About Our Award-Winning Protection

Protect yourself and your family today with McAfee Total Protection, which includes the award-winning anti-malware technology, scam protection, identity monitoring, Secure VPN, password management, and safe browsing capabilities for all-in-one security.

Get started with a free trial of McAfee Total Protection here. McAfee’s award-winning technology is also available in McAfee+ Premium, McAfee+ Advanced, and McAfee+ Ultimate.

Read the full report on AV-Comparatives’ awards here.

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