Qld business in bitcoin extortion attack

Queensland businesses should be on guard for cyber attacks after a Brisbane-based company was targeted by hackers demanding the online currency bitcoin.

The company's computer system was hacked earlier this year and sensitive information stolen.

Hackers demanded thousands of dollars worth of bitcoin to return it.

The business complied, only to be targeted again.

When it refused to hand over even more bitcoin funds, the hackers turned their attention to a senior staff member.

Police say they threatened his family, including a child, via online attacks.

Other Queensland businesses should strengthen their computer systems' defences to ensure they are not targeted too, police say.

"This is a very serious attack on an organisation and quite traumatic for the business, the victim and his family," the state's acting Assistant Commissioner, State Crime Command, Brian Hay said.

"But the one message that I cannot stress enough is to never comply with extortion demands."

They should also avoid paying ransom demands and screen company information posted on social media, he said.

Investigations to catch the responsible hackers are continuing.

Police say they cannot name the business targeted for privacy reasons.