Banks have begun to buy bitcoin to pay the ransom demanded by cyber - criminals to prevent an increasing number of ransomware attacks . The number of malicious software attacks targeting banks is believed to be increasing in number and sophistication ; the ransomware infects banks and leaves users locked out until a ransom has been paid , usually in the - criminals ' currency of choice , bitcoin .
Banks have begun to buy bitcoin to pay the ransom demanded by cyber-criminals to unlock an increasing number of ransomware attacks. The number of malicious software programmes targeting banks is said to be increasing in number and sophistication; the ransomware infects computers and leaves users locked out until a ransom has been paid, usually in cyber-criminals' currency of choice, bitcoin.