# John McAfee

> British-American programmer and businessman (1945–2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q45864](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45864)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McAfee)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-mcafee

## Summary
John McAfee was a British-American programmer and businessman best known as the founder of the cybersecurity company McAfee, LLC in 1987. He worked in various technology roles throughout his career before developing one of the first widely adopted commercial antivirus software products.

## Biography
- Born: September 18, 1945, in Cinderford
- Nationality: United States and United Kingdom
- Education: Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Roanoke College (1967)
- Known for: Founder of McAfee, LLC (1987), developer of antivirus software
- Employer(s): Goddard Institute for Space Studies (1968-1970), UNIVAC, Xerox, Computer Sciences Corporation (from 1978), Lockheed Corporation (until 1989), Booz Allen Hamilton (1980-1982), McAfee, LLC (from 1987)
- Field(s): programming, software development, cybersecurity, business

## Contributions
John McAfee's most significant contribution was founding McAfee, LLC in 1987, which developed one of the first widely adopted commercial antivirus software products to protect personal computers from viruses. Before his entrepreneurial venture, he served as a software developer at numerous technology organizations including NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, UNIVAC, Xerox, Computer Sciences Corporation, and Lockheed Corporation. His antivirus software played a pioneering role in establishing the cybersecurity industry during the formative years of personal computing, helping to protect users against the growing threat of computer viruses. Beyond his technical contributions, McAfee maintained a substantial social media presence with over a million followers across platforms like Twitter and Facebook, engaging in discussions about technology, privacy, and digital freedom.

## FAQs
### Q: What was John McAfee's most famous achievement?
A: John McAfee is most famous for founding McAfee, LLC in 1987, which developed one of the first widely adopted commercial antivirus software products that helped establish the cybersecurity industry.

### Q: Was John McAfee involved in politics?
A: Yes, John McAfee was a member of the Libertarian Party since December 2015 and ran for political office as a Libertarian Party candidate.

### Q: Where did John McAfee work before founding his own company?
A: Before founding McAfee, LLC, John McAfee worked at several technology organizations including NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, UNIVAC, Xerox, Computer Sciences Corporation, Lockheed Corporation, and Booz Allen Hamilton.

### Q: How did John McAfee die?
A: John McAfee died by suicide on June 23, 2021, in Centre Penitenciari Brians 2 prison in Spain, where he was awaiting extradition to the United States.

### Q: What educational background did John McAfee have?
A: John McAfee earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Roanoke College in 1967.

## Why They Matter
John McAfee's lasting impact comes from his pioneering work in establishing the cybersecurity industry with his company's early antivirus software. In the 1980s and 1990s, as personal computers became ubiquitous, his software helped protect users against the emerging threat of computer viruses, laying the foundation for modern cybersecurity practices. Beyond his technical contributions, McAfee became a prominent public figure with significant social media influence, using his platforms to advocate for digital freedom and privacy. His entrepreneurial journey and outspoken nature made him one of the recognizable faces in both the technology and cybersecurity sectors, even as the company he founded continued to evolve under different ownership.

## Notable For
- Founder of McAfee, LLC (1987), which developed one of the first widely adopted commercial antivirus software products
- Member of the Libertarian Party since December 2015
- Maintained verified social media accounts with over a million followers combined across platforms
- Served as software developer for multiple prominent technology organizations including NASA, Xerox, and Lockheed Corporation
- Earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Roanoke College in 1967

## Body
### Early Life and Education
John McAfee was born on September 18, 1945, in Cinderford, United Kingdom. He held dual citizenship in the United States and United Kingdom. McAfee pursued higher education at Roanoke College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics in 1967.

### Technology Career
McAfee's professional career began with employment at various technology organizations:
- NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (1968-1970)
- UNIVAC (software developer)
- Xerox (software developer)
- Computer Sciences Corporation (from 1978)
- Lockheed Corporation (until 1989)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (1980-1982)

### Entrepreneurial Achievement
In 1987, McAfee founded McAfee, LLC, becoming his most notable professional achievement. The company developed one of the first widely adopted commercial antivirus software products, playing a significant role in establishing the cybersecurity industry during the early years of personal computing.

### Political Involvement
McAfee was an active member of the Libertarian Party since December 24, 2015. He ran for political office as a Libertarian Party candidate and was known for his libertarian political views and public commentary on technology and privacy issues.

### Digital Presence
McAfee maintained a substantial social media presence with verified accounts on:
- Twitter (@officialmcafee)
- Facebook (officialmcafee)
- Instagram (officialjohnmcafee)
- YouTube (officialjohnmcafee)

At various times, he had over a million followers on these platforms.

### Final Days
On June 23, 2021, John McAfee died by suicide in Centre Penitenciari Brians 2 prison in Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Spain, where he was being held pending extradition to the United States. His death was officially confirmed as hanging, with authorities determining it was likely a suicide.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.naciodigital.cat/noticia/221687/john-mcafee-suicida)
2. [Source](https://www.eldiario.es/catalunya/encuentran-john-mcafee-muerto-prision-catalana-despues-aprobara-extradicion_1_8069355.html)
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](https://www.eldiario.es/catalunya/justicia-confirma-suicidio-john-mcafee-abre-puerta-repatriacion-cadaver_1_10555164.html)
6. [tweet](https://twitter.com/officialmcafee/status/929860551034929154)
7. [tweet](https://twitter.com/officialmcafee/status/870750351259033601)
8. GeneaStar
9. [Source](https://alphapress24.com/86632/)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. [Source](https://www.wsj.com/articles/john-mcafees-death-was-likely-suicide-spanish-authorities-say-11624537038)
12. [Source](https://www.eldiario.es/catalunya/justicia-confirma-suicidio-john-mcafee-abre-puerta-repatriacion-cadaver_1_10555164.html#:~:text=El%20auto%20confirma%20que%20McAfee,aprobado%20su%20extradici%C3%B3n%20a%20EE.)
13. IdRef
14. [FEC FORM 2](http://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/254/201509089001618254/201509089001618254.pdf)
15. Golden
16. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/john-mcafee-107Zzr3G0T/appearances)
17. The Movie Database