In response to rapidly changing national directions, much of the content of McAfee Research’s efforts has transitioned from historically unclassified research to classified R&D activities, the firm said.

This would make it harder for the company to benefit from trickle-down knowledge and commercialization of its research. McAfee CEO George Samenuk said the deal will help the firm reach its target of a 25% pro-forma operating margin by June.

The unit has previously worked with government agencies such as DARPA and the NSA on projects including technologies such as forensics, intrusion prevention and malicious code defense.

The company will keep its McAfee AVERT, the antivirus emergency response team, which is responsible for discovering and analyzing new viral threats. The deal is expected to close within 90 days.