Cybersecurity expert Allan Liska joins host Jamie Tarabay for a live Q&A. They discuss McAfee's approach to cybersecurity, challenges of reporting on shady characters, the rise and fall of McAfee, and key takeaways from the series.
McAfee's fear-based marketing tactics and cult of personality have had a lasting impact on the cybersecurity industry.
Reporting on McAfee's life was challenging due to the difficulty in distinguishing fact from fiction and the presence of unreliable narrators.
Deep dives
McAfee's Impact on Cybersecurity
McAfee's antivirus program, launched 40 years ago, set the model for security in the industry. However, the prevalence of numerous security tools and consoles in organizations today has made it more challenging to maintain a secure environment. McAfee's influence is seen in the cult of personality and fear-based marketing tactics employed by some companies in the cybersecurity industry.
McAfee's Personality and Its Influence
McAfee's ego and narcissism were prominent characteristics that shaped his approach to business and his interactions with others. These traits were also present in other controversial figures in the tech industry, such as Elon Musk. McAfee's ability to manipulate and captivate the public with fear contributed to his success, although some believed he would have excelled in Hollywood instead. He left a lasting impact due to his exceptional marketing skills and his understanding of people's emotions and desires.
Challenges in Reporting on McAfee
One of the main challenges in reporting on McAfee was distinguishing fact from fiction. Verifying his employment history and various work experiences, especially those dating back to the pre-internet era, was particularly difficult. Many individuals who were close to McAfee had conflicting memories of him, initially praising his intelligence and charm, only to later reveal negative experiences of betrayal and harm. Unreliable narrators further complicated the reporting process, making it challenging to present a clear and accurate account of McAfee's life.
A live Q&A with this season’s host, Jamie Tarabay, and a cybersecurity expert featured in the series, Allan Liska. This bonus episode was recorded following a live production of “Foundering: The John McAfee Story” in San Francisco at the RSA Conference in April 2023. The conversation, moderated by Foundering’s editor Mark Milian, explores the reporting process for the show and McAfee’s lasting impact on the digital security industry.