Intel has upgraded its desktop PC security platform, unveiling the newest generation of its vPro processor technology for protection against hacking, viruses and other threats.

The vPro platform packs a Core 2 Duo processor, Q35 Express chipset and several technology innovations offering security and management capabilities for desktop PCs.

Security features included in Intel's vPro processor technology, formerly codenamed Weybridge, are designed to protect against software-based attacks and to filter and defend against viruses and other threats.

"This generation of Intel vPro processor technology arrives with new security and management capabilities along with support from every leading PC manufacturer and software solution vendor in the world," said Robert Crooke, vice president and general manager of Intel's Business Client Group.

Trusted Execution Technology is designed to protect data within virtualised computing environments to ensure that virtual machine monitors are less vulnerable to attacks that cannot be detected by conventional software security solutions.

By isolating assigned memory through this hardware-based protection, it keeps data in each virtual partition protected from unauthorised access from software in another partition.

A number of major computer makers and channel resellers around the world are now selling desktop PCs with Intel vPro processor technology embedded.