IT contractors may be required to help firms combat security issues relating to the use of tablets and netbooks.

Businesses need to do more to adapt their security policies as use of portable devices such as these continues to escalate, according to the enterprise practice director at ABI Research Dan Shey.

Ultra-mobile devices used for business purposes will be loaded with company-specific applications, which could seriously compromise data security if they were to fall into the wrong hands, Mr Shey explains.

"Because UMDs are a mobile device and can be taken outside the premises of the business, businesses will need to be more cognisant of the information or data contained in these devices and the potential security threats," he added.

The latest study from ABI Research finds that enterprise adoption of UMDs is expected to reach $12.5 billion (£8.6 billion) by 2015, fuelled by the introduction of the ipad, which is being prepared for business use.