Security firm SentryBay has thrown down the gauntlet to virus writers and hackers by claiming to have developed a platform that is impervious to key-logger software.

EntryProtect aims to prevent corporate data theft and unauthorised access to enterprise applications by preventing the logging of user names, passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers and all other personal identifiers.

The company claims that EntryProtect is unique because it is application-specific and is integrated to protect all users of that application from key-logging spyware.

"Software companies today want high security, but they cannot control the security environment of their users," said SentryBay chief executive Dave Waterson.

"The information entered is being stolen as it is typed. Moreover, log-in details are uplifted, meaning that the gate is open for cyber-criminals to enter the application and all information accessed via that application.

"EntryProtect is integrated with the software application to protect all sensitive data entry within that application, thwarting all software-based keystroke loggers."

The software uses eight separate techniques operating at all levels of the operating system and application, claiming to stop all types of software key-loggers from attacks at the kernel level through to text grabbing and screen grabbing attacks.