Remote workers have been warned that they need to take information security more seriously if they want to ensure that their network systems are properly protected.

Indeed, Gary Clark from SafeNet asserts that as working from home becomes an increasingly common phenomenon companies can find themselves "sitting on a security time bomb".

He makes clear that with thousands of operatives potentially working outside the corporate firewall businesses need to consider implementing the most effective ways to protect against cyber threats.

"Organisations need to adapt their security measures along with their working practices, to include more flexible forms of working that allow authorised people in and keep unauthorised people out," said Deepak Prasad, vice president of global outsourcing at SafeNet.

"Mobile working and security do not have to be mutually exclusive or even a trade-off," he added.

In the UK, the Work Wise campaign aimed at promoting the benefits of home-based working has been backed by a range or organisations, including BT, Transport for London and Technology Means Business.