The problem of cybercrime in Russia: current state and prospects for solution

The article is devoted to the study of the current state of the problem of cybercrime in Russia. A qualitative sociological study was conducted: a survey of experts involved in the study of the problem of cybercrime. The study was aimed at obtaining an expert assessment of the current state of cybercrime in Russia; identifying the reasons for the deterioration of the situation in the country with the problem of cybercrime; determining the most effective strategies for solving this problem. Among the most dangerous features of cybercrime, experts noted its latent nature; increasing scale and relevance of the problem, its transition to a threat on a national scale; low efficiency of investigation of cybercrimes by law enforcement agencies; increased economic and social damage from cybercrime; lowering the threshold for entry and joining the cybercriminal community; establishing cybercrime as a full-fledged industry. The measures proposed by experts to solve the problem can be combined into the following key areas: larger, deeper and more systematic work with the population to increase awareness, digital literacy and education; modernization of law enforcement agencies, which were not ready for the rapid transition of crime to the digital sector; closer international cooperation, the need for which arises from the cross-border nature of cybercrime; solving the problem of shortage of highly qualified personnel for the entire Russian IT industry; providing additional funding for projects to combat cybercrime; effective and prompt interaction between law enforcement agencies, banks and telecom operators to block fraudulent resources and numbers; improvement of Russian legislation in the field of information technology; deeper support for Russian startups and initiatives in the field of information security and public education.