How much do hackers demand, and why in Bitcoin?

Ransomware often demands between 0.3 and 1 Bitcoins (£400 - 1,375), but can demand a payment denominated in dollars but made via Bitcoin.

The digital currency is popular among cybercriminals because it is decentralised, unregulated and practically impossible to trace.

Although it may seem like a small amount to charge, the ransomware attacks are often widely distributed, so the ransom payments can stack up.