Freelancer IT contractors are likely to see a spike in the number of people trying to exploit vulnerabilities online.

The increased availability of attack kits are making it easier for would-be criminals to make the move into cybercrime, according to Symantec.

Worryingly, these kits enable users with very little experience or technical expertise to jump on the cybercrime bandwagon.

The computer security firm said that it expects this growing pool of potential cybercriminals to prompt a rise in the number of attacks.

Symantec noted: "Symantec believes that attack kits play a significant role in the continuing evolution of cybercrime into a self-sustaining, profitable, and increasingly organised economic model worth millions of dollars."

Earlier this month, Symantec indicated that many small businesses are not prepared to deal with internet security threats, warning that many do not take action until it's too late.

The security firm indicates that many small firms still do not recognise the "tremendous impact" such a disaster can have on their business.