That problem becomes a nightmare in companies where many employees work at home part of the time. That's because it's impossible for IT departments to make sure every home network is adequately protected. All-in-one security appliances aimed at consumers, such as D-Link's SecureSpot, solve that problem.

These appliances connect easily to a home network and provide strong firewall protection as well as protection against threats such as viruses, spam and spyware, not to mention parental controls over Internet content. Not only is all that protection all in one place, but the system automatically updates itself with the latest protection so IT managers don't have to depend on users to install -- and update -- separate software for each type of threat. And the price isn't high -- D-Link's appliance, for example, costs about $100 plus a yearly subscription of $80.

These appliances not only make the user's personal information safe, but they protect corporate networks. That surely is a win-win.