Ransomware hackers demanded $390,000 to release Knoxville data

The cybercriminals who attacked and hampered the city of Knoxville’s computer systems last month demanded 42.5 bitcoin, roughly $393,137 based on the market values at the time of the attack, city leaders told Knox News on Thursday.

This is the first time the city has revealed the amount, and they maintain they do not intend to pay the ransom.

In a ransomware attack, cybercriminals gain access to computer files, lock them down and demand payment to restore access. City officials maintain that the threat has been isolated and the city is operating as normal outside of a few inconveniences.