Characterization of computer information and high technology as an object of crime

The purpose of this study was to study the problems and mechanisms of the legal characteristics of crimes in the field of computer information and high technologies. Research objectives: the analysis of modern criminal legislation and scientific literature was carried out, which allowed us to highlight a number of features that distinguish these crimes from others: first, this type of crime does not require physical rapprochement between the victim and the subject of the crime at the time of the crime; secondly, they are «automated»; thirdly, the subject of this crime is not subject to the restrictions that exist in the real physical world; fourthly, science is not yet capable of establishing models for the dissemination of various types of these crimes geographically and demographically; fifth, the complexity of establishing the crime scene. Conclusions: computer information, due to its real or potential economic value, is today the object of criminal encroachments. Moreover, this happens most often on purpose and for the most part personal data, commercial, state and military secrets are «lost». In this situation, the task of the state and law enforcement agencies is to ensure information security. This type of crime is now a separate type of business. Data theft is carried out by unauthorized extraction of information from its storage sites by hacking network resources of government agencies, large and small companies, individuals, etc. At the same time, these crimes continue to develop dynamically and gain momentum, turning into a source of serious threat to state security and human rights.