Keeping up to date with the latest Windows security patches on every PC in a network is vital for businesses using Microsoft operating systems if they are to minimise the risk of attacks.

That is according to Graham Cluley, a senior technology consultant at security firm Sophos, who elaborated to website Vnunet.com the importance of installing the latest patches.

"Whether it is an employee's desktop PC or a customer's laptop, an unpatched machine represents a possible avenue for a cyber-attack.

"All organisations should rollout these patches as a matter of urgency, as some of them could enable hackers to access data on a vulnerable PC or run malicious code."

The Sophos expert warned that businesses could still be at risk if they allowed guests, businesses or customers to bring unpatched machines onto the network, but explained that a network access control system could prevent problems by allowing the company to choose who is connected.

According to communications firm Cisco, concerns about the reliability of wireless security solutions have led companies to increase their security spend by an average of 20 per cent.

According to recent survey by Connect, the two biggest IT headaches for businesses were 'everyday hassles with IT' (37 per cent) and 'security concerns' (32 per cent) .