Hacker extortionist asks for payment in bitcoins

'Pay ransom but in bitcoins', was the message received by a diagnostic centre in North Delhi whose computer server was hacked into from outside India.

The CBI's cyber cell recently registered a case against unknown people after being approached by the diagnostic centre with a complaint and a ransom note from the hacker demanding $1300 (Rs 88,000 approximately) but in bitcoins. The case has been registered under 384 (extortion) of IPC and various sections of Information Technology act.

The servers of the diagnostic centre have been hacked and all the files encrypted by the hackers who left a message 'your data is encrypted'. Subsequently the diagnostic centre received emails from the hacker demanding ransom.

Bitcoin is a virtual currency which can be generated through complex computer software systems with solutions shared on a network, although the process is complex and such 'mining' can be done only on very powerful servers.

RBI is yet to come out with a clear regulatory framework for bitcoins, which have gained currency across the world in recent times. However, for the time being the central back has issued an advisory cautioning general public against use of bitcoins and other virtual currencies.