Firms are under pressure to make corporate data networks more accessible to remote workers and other external users despite IT security fears over the issue, a new study shows.

The research, by AEP Networks found that 91 per cent of 381 UK and North American IT executives polled admitted that opening up networks in this manner increase the risk of unauthorised access to sensitive data.

IT security issues such as viruses were a concern for 89 per cent of respondents charged with widening network access and 85 per cent said it increased the risk of hacking.

Reginald Best, chief operating officer of AEP Networks, said: "On the one hand, IT is rightly under pressure to open the network door to partners, suppliers and customers to improve efficiency and enhance business processes.

"On the flip-side, they're sweating over how to prevent unauthorized access, protect company information and deflect malicious attacks."

Last month, Greg Day, security analyst for McAfee, said that online crime is now motivated by a desire by hackers to achieve the maximum amount of income.

More than half of small businesses (53%) believe that the most important benefit of outsourcing is guaranteed response times for IT support, London based Connect conducted the research in 2007.