Furthermore, statistics on computer crime are by no means representative and probably massively understate the problem. Computers are fast, compact and have huge capabilities that make it incredibly difficult to detect crime. Consequently many are oblivious to the fact that they are a victim of crime until after the event. Law enforcement agencies generally do not have the appropriate skills and knowledge to deal with this area of criminal activity. Victims do not generally know what to do if they are a victim of the crime, do not realise that they may have a security problem, and are reluctant to report such crimes to the necessary authorities.
Many larger companies fear bad publicity or trade secrets becoming public knowledge.
The dangers of attacks are bound to grow in tandem with the increase of computer use and the growth of the Internet. Cybercrime has a tendency to be cyclical. Crimes are committed using computers, which leads to an increase in security and surveillance, which leads to a temporary levelling off in attacks. This is until new methods are devised to counteract the protection, which leads to an increase in crime, and an increase in protection, and so the process continues. Problems Cybercrime is very similar to Carbon Monoxide, it is both difficult to detect, and its effects are often not felt until it is too late.