What is commonly demanded from victims in a ransomware attack?

In a ransomware attack, the attackers typically demand payment in the form of cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin being the most common choice. This preference for Bitcoin is primarily due to its decentralized nature, which provides a level of anonymity to the transaction. This anonymity makes it difficult for authorities to trace the payment back to the attackers, thereby increasing their chances of receiving the ransom without being caught. Additionally, using cryptocurrency allows attackers to make swift and untraceable transactions, further incentivizing them to use this method for ransom payments.

Other options, while they may seem relevant, do not align with the most common practices observed in ransomware incidents. For example, personal identification or social media account information may be exploited in other types of cyber crimes but are not standard demands in ransomware situations. Access to secure databases is usually the target of the attack rather than a demand from the victim. Thus, the focus of ransomware attacks is fundamentally on monetary gain, making payment in cryptocurrencies the most accurate answer.