IT contractors working from home should be aware that they may not be getting the same level of online protection that they would get at their client's office.

Writing in a blog on Finextra.com, It security expert Robin Adams claims that companies go to great lengths to ensure that the office networks are protected from malware infiltrations.

However, it is rare that home workers accessing the same network get the benefit of the same data security controls, Mr Adams suggests.

He is therefore calling on IT directors to make a more concerted effort to run risk analysis on home working access, to protect both the firm and the individual.

"No single control will protect users from attacks. IT directors and individuals simply have to make it as difficult as possible for hackers to get through," the blog noted.

IT contractors working from their own home will have been pleased to hear recently that Virgin Media is soon to introduce 100Mbps broadband to homes.