Businesses fail to secure networks: DiData

73 per cent of networking devices, from 152 of DiData's Secure Network Infrastructure Assessments last year, had flaws.

Rich Schofield, global business development manager of network integration at DiData said this could leave organisations vulnerable to known threats.

"These results are astounding," he said.

"The most basic protection measures against threats which could harm an organisation, such as access and password configurations, are simply not in place.

"It's the functional equivalent to leaving the doors and windows unlocked when you leave home."

60 per cent of businesses that took part in the survey had 500 users or more; 29 per cent had 500-2499 and 10 per cent had 100-499. 22 per cent of respondents were from Australia.

Darren O'Loughlin, general manager for security at DiData Australia claimed most organisations don't have a secure standard environment for network infrastructure and this survey has proven the point.

He said the report found that businesses had mis-configuration, management ports that were open allowing inappropriate access, and with the IOS not up to date.

"In today's competitive market, the cost to reputation and the inherent logistical and financial implications could prove extremely detrimental, and that's not all," he said.

"For many sectors, non-compliance can result in considerable penalties."