Intel's $7.7bn bid for security software maker McAfee could help the chipmaker make a dent in the high-volume mobile security market, according to analysts.

The Santa Clara, California-based chip giant on Thursday announced the takeover plans, saying it will pay $48 for each McAfee share - a 60 per cent premium over Wednesday's closing price.

The acquisition will give Intel access to better security software for its microchips. It would now be able to integrate McAfee's security products with its chips, giving it the much-needed edge to push its Atom processor - the de-facto chip for low-cost netbooks - into more smartphones.

The deal comes as wireless Internet access creates new security threats for users. Data tracker IDC had forecast that mobile-security license revenue worldwide would more than double to $2.7bn by 2014, in March.

Intel earlier owned an antivirus business, but sold it to Symantec in 1998. Analysts say the acquisition makes sense as security enablement is becoming essential in the face of mobile threats, which have become a growing issue in recent months.

The boards of both companies have unanimously approved the deal, although it still requires shareholder approval from McAfee's investors and US regulatory clearances.

Shares in McAfee surged 57 per cent to $46.99 yesterday, while Intel's shares slipped 3.2 per cent to $18.96.