Think Your PC Is Safe? Think Again, Experts Warn

Despite constant advances in security technology, cybercrime remains a looming threat for U.S. consumers and businesses, according to experts from the FBI and the Department of Justice.

"It's pretty scary," said Austin Berglas, cybercrime coordinator for the FBI's New York office, speaking at a Manhattan event sponsored by software firm Symantec(SYMC Quote). "I really don't think that there will ever be a day when law enforcement and government are ahead of cybercriminals."

From viruses and worms to foreign-based online fraud, Washington clearly has its hands full dealing with cybercrime.

However, the government is closing the gap with the bad guys, according to Berglas, who has high hopes for President Obama's recently-announced cyber-security strategy.

"I think that it will only get better with Obama's appointment of a cyberczar -- I think that that is a benchmark in the fight against cybercrime," he added, during a panel discussion.

Key elements of Obama's plan include appointing a top official to oversee U.S. cybersecurity efforts, forging closer ties between the federal government and the private sector, and responding more effectively to cyberattacks.

Washington's cybersecurity offensive has already been welcomed by the likes of McAfee(MFE Quote), and could also spell good news for companies such as Microsoft(MSFT Quote), Check Point(CHKP Quote) and Symantec.

Officials at the New York event painted a worrying picture of cybercrime.

"Is the problem growing? That's pretty safe to say," explained Michael Stawasz, senior counsel of the DoJ's Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section. "You don't have to be that technically sophisticated to be a cybercriminal now. You can buy automatic scanners that look for vulnerabilities and exploit code."