The spying case in which HP investigators obtained confidential information from journalists, board members and employees was the result of a lack of corporate oversight and lack of proper reporting on the techniques used by investigators.

HP chief executive Mark Hurd admitted in a press conference at the company's corporate headquarters that he failed properly to monitor the investigation.

Hurd said that he received a copy of the report which disclosed that 'pretexting' techniques had been used, but said that he did not read it.

"I understand that there was also a written report into the investigation addressed at me as well as others, but I did not read it. I could have and I should have," he said.

"Some of the findings that [law firm] Morgan Lewis have uncovered are very disturbing to me. On behalf of HP I extend my sincere apologies to those journalists who were investigated and to everyone who was impacted."

The vendor said earlier this month that it had used 'pretexting' techniques to trace the source of a confidential information leak from its board of directors to members of the media.

Private investigators hired by the company obtained phone records for reporters and board members by posing as the account holder or relatives.

"The intent of the investigation was absolutely proper and appropriate. The fact that we had leaks on the board had to be resolved. But the inappropriate techniques that were applied do not reflect the values of HP," said Hurd.