Baltimore: government computers crippled by attack as hackers demand bitcoin

Attack on city computers prevents employees from sending email and knocked out bill pay websites, as hackers demand $76,000

Hackers have seized control of government computers for the city of Baltimore, demanding ransom and leaving the city locked out of basic technology for more than two weeks.

The ransomware attack, discovered on 7 May, infected city computers, officials said, forcing the city to take down online services and systems to contain the extent of the damage. As of Wednesday, the city remains unable to send or receive email.