Employers have been warned that staff using their own laptops or tablets to transfer and store confidential business information could potentially compromise their business.

Academic computer networks are often exceptionally large and diverse, and are notoriously challenging to secure and monitor, which can make them prime targets for attackers, according to comments made by one security firm in the wake of a data breach at the Australian National University.

The Australian National University in Canberra has suffered a massive data breach with personal details of staff, students and visitors over the past 19 years exposed.