Called 'SafeZone', the new feature in version 6.0 claims it can combat keyloggers and spyware by running a Chromium-based browser from inside a virtualised session. The effect is to stop outside applications - including malware - from accessing any of the data from within the session thereby protecting password and username entry on websites.

The feature is really designed for specific uses such as banking and would not be convenient for general-purpose web browsing. Technologies such as flash do appear to be supported but plugins used in a non-virtualised browser are not present.

The company is confident the feature will work even if the machine has been infected prior to installation.

"SafeZone is about creating a new secure, private space - without users having to worry about the technical specifics, and one that is not dependent on an already clean machine," said Avast's CTO, Ondrej Vlcek.

"This is really a 180 degree change in philosophy as we've long focused on keeping malware from getting in. Now we can also keep malware from taking any information out," he said.