I login to my Facebook profile to find the first step toward their downfall. While apparently they want to provide their users “better security through software“, this is nothing more than a marketing stunt for Facebook to monetize their large user base. Facebook is in partnership with McAfee to offer a free 6 month subscription of McAfee Internet Security to all Facebook users.
While a few years ago, during the times when McAfee dominated the security software industry, and McAfee was almost synonymous with security software, this move might have been a lot smarter. Today though, McAfee conveniently leeches a good sum of your processing power to keep you ‘protected’ which would mean several frustrated Facebook and McAfee users. While it appears to be a gracious gesture on Facebook’s part, it provides McAfee access to a potential 350 million new customers. (probably a lot less, because fortunately there are people on Facebook who have some sense).
Also to make use of this offer you need to become a ‘fan’ of McAfee on their Facebook page and enter your credit card details, your card would be billed at the end of the six months unless canceled. Just a good gesture? I think not.
On a more positive note, malware and online security has been a serious issue this past year, and with all the privacy concerns with Facebook lately, having an internet security tool installed can provide some sort of assurance in terms of online security. McAfee Internet Security won’t be the best solution though with better free tools available.
In Facebook’s perspective, this could be the beginning of a wave of ‘giveaways’ from software tools to maybe even physical products pushed to users to make a few millions on the side (speculation of course). Comments are welcome, as always.
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I’m sure a lot of people are going to fall for this ploy and thus would give McAfee and facebook thousands of dollars. It’s perfect. Give everyone 6 months free protection. After six months, 99% of these people would have effectively forgotten about it and thus also forget to cancel the service. Automatic billing is great!
James Moralde´s last blog ..AmplusnetPrivacyTools.exe Eating Up CPU Resources
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I am not sure how many people will accept Facebook’s offer of security. I was completely unaware of this and I would imagine that there are many others too.
If people wanted to hack your Facebook profile having McAfee protection will not stop them.
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