The malware, which most likely originated from either Russia or Ukraine, gained access to the department‘s computer servers after someone clicked on a cloned email made to look like it was sent from a department email address, Barlag said. Messages generated by the computer virus demanded $4,000 worth of internet currency known as Bitcoin as ransom for the return of the files, he said. After consulting with the FBI‘s Cyber Division, Barlag said the department decided not to pay the ransom demand, which was made electronically and involved no human interaction with any hackers.