The dissertation applies the routine-activity theory and the social disorganization theory to explore the conceived challenges created by the development of an information technology confronting the traditional social-control system. It advocates a definition in a broad sense, in which it identifies characteristics of cybercrime and their negative influence on the probability of detection and effectiveness of deterrence. The key understanding is that, in order for the information society to be protected and the effectiveness of legal deterrence to be guaranteed, it is imperative to eliminate legal and jurisdictional gaps between countries, and between meat space and cyberspace.