Malicious Computer Program

Abstract

This paper attempts to revise the traditional definition of the harmfulness of a computer program based on its ability to create such consequences as unauthorized destruction, blocking, modification or copying of information protected by law. The author points out that the prevailing interpretation of the harmfulness of a computer program does not make it possible to classify as spyware programs (Spyware), the purpose of which is not to harm information assets or infrastructure, but to gather information about the user's activity on the Internet, the program "Bad Jokes", virus constructors, as well as programs that are objectively adapted to commit crimes, but executed on the basis of legal software. The author justifies the conclusion that in the light of today's threats of a rapidly "virtualizing" society, the concept of a malicious program should be expanded by using a more general criterion - the purpose of the program for carrying out illegal activities in general.