IT contractors should be aware that computer games consoles in the workplace are posing companies a growing security risk, claims a software company.

Many employers allow computer games consoles in break and rest areas of their offices, yet 39 per cent have no idea of what security risks are involved, according to a study from windows security supplier Sunbelt Software.

Gamers using network services such as PlayStation or X-Box Live risk exposing the company's IP address to hackers and viruses which can cripple the firm's network, Sunbelt Software claims.

While there are many benefits to allowing playing games consoles at work, business protection must come first, says Chris Boyd, senior threat researcher at Sunbelt Software.

"These benefits must be weighed against the business implications of a threat which can harm productivity significantly. The most practical option for an organisation is to use them for offline play only," said Mr Boyd.

However, according to Security Company CryptoCard, the most significant threats to data networks are employees using the same "weak" passwords on work computers that they use on social networking sites.