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Cyber-criminals can access free kits to aid them in launching phishing attacks, an online security resource has discovered.

The kits, discovered by PandaLabs, could allow the thieves to send out mass fraudulent emails mimicking bank web pages, online pay platforms and email accounts in order to trick people into handing over financial and personal data.

From the kit a criminal can access two files. One file allows the creation of spoof emails made to look like they have come from official sources and the other allows criminals to create mock-ups of genuine web pages.

The phishing attack takes place when the criminal spams internet users with the email, with a link to the fake web page. Users who follow the link will be asked to enter their personal data. Lists of email addresses can also be purchased from the internet.

Technical director of PandaLabs Luis Corrons said that the amazing thing was that the kits were free.

“Due to the simplicity of the tools, the number of phishing attacks increases, causing companies and consumers large losses,” said Mr Corrons.

Last week spam celebrated its 30th anniversary.

An independent advisory body for SMEs has said that running a business from home can provide significant cost savings.

The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA) has said that developments in the internet have released some of the financial strain business owners face in getting their companies off the ground.

Statistics by Flexibility found that the number of employees working from home had risen by 11 per cent in 2005.

NFEA chief executive George Derbyshire said: ‘The NFEA network of enterprise agencies is now seeing a larger number of new business start-ups operating their businesses without the use of a traditional office.’

He added: ‘Of course, many of today’s business operations can be run with a mobile or by email.’

Mr Derbyshire said that as the businesses grow they may have to move to larger premises but that for the early stages it was an economically sensible decision for SMEs to make.

However, he added that it was still important to run a professional operation.