VMware has unveiled a security technology that protects applications running in virtual machines in ways previously not possible in physical environments.

The company's VMsafe APIs allow vendors to develop advanced security products that combat the latest generation of malware, according to VMware.

The technology integrates directly into the VMware hypervisor and can prevent threats such as viruses, Trojans and key-loggers from reaching a virtual machine.

Around 20 security vendors have signed up to VMsafe and are building products that will further enhance the security of virtual machines.

"VMware already has the most trusted virtualisation platform for running applications, and we are now raising the bar on security in ways that physical systems simply cannot match," said Raghu Raghuram, vice president of data centre products and solutions at VMware.

"The industry has come out in full force to support VMsafe with plans for a whole new class of security products that offer new advantages to running applications in virtual machines."

VMsafe integrates at the hypervisor layer of virtualisation to provide a new way to detect and eliminate the latest malware, including rootkits, Trojans and viruses, which are undetectable on physical machines.

It also provides transparency into the memory, CPU, disk and I/O systems of the virtual machine, according to VMware, and monitors every aspect of the execution of the system.

"As businesses continue to broaden the way they use their network, having the most efficient security while maintaining visibility and control has become a necessity," said Michael Rogers, vice president of North America alliances, channels and OEM at security firm Sophos.