Often, the investigator can turn the hacker's tools around by following the trail of computer logs left behind at each jeopardised system. Because following the trail when it reaches across borders is more difficult, the RCMP has formed close relationships with other international agencies to allow the sharing of information or evidence. Such assumptions would have to include surveillance, wire taps, call tracing and sifting through possibly thousands of computer files for evidence. Yes, there are some technological tricks of the trade, but they're not telling. If hackers are to elude investigators, they will have to get their house in order, and their egos in check.
Law enforcement has a different problem.
Avoiding public scrutiny over security breaches, many companies attempt to deal with computer crime on their own. Unreported offenses make it impossible to determine the cost of computer crime on society, or even whether computer crime is a threat at all. Of the cases that are reported, the conviction rate is high, and based on what is usually solid documentary evidence, most criminals plead guilty. Predicting a strong advance in computer skills for investigators, Davis believes computer crime detection will cease to be an investigative specialty for the RCMP within ten years. All investigators will have the same abilities.