COMBATING CYBERCRIME: CHALLENGES, MECHANISMS AND PROSPECTS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Cybercrime has emerged as one of the most dangerous forms of transnational crime in the modern era. This article explores the complexities involved in preventing, detecting, and investigating cybercrime, with particular attention to the challenges arising from transboundary offenses, lack of unified investigative approaches, and technological sophistication. The paper examines current methods of combating cybercrime in Uzbekistan's national legislation and highlights the importance of interagency and international cooperation. It also outlines criminological, criminal procedural, and legal approaches as the three main pillars of effective cybercrime prevention and emphasizes the need for a multi-tiered institutional cybersecurity framework to ensure legal protection and reduce cyber threats.