The matter was reported to police on Tuesday, with the matter now in the hands of Swan Hill Criminal Investigation Unit.
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A COHUNA man lost thousands of dollars after his laptop was hacked.
The matter was reported to police on Tuesday, with the matter now in the hands of Swan Hill Criminal Investigation Unit.
Investigators have been told the first the man knew of it was when he tried to open a document and it was locked with a message asking for cash to release it, which is called ransomware.
The next day, internet banking passwords were reset and a purchase of nearly $6000 was made.
Sergeant Andrew Rigg of Cohuna police said the victim had been diligent and recognised the issue immediately, limiting his losses.
"It is a timely reminder that all information stored on electronic devices that access the internet are subject to the possibility of such attacks," he said.
"It is important to remember that you take every step available to you to protect your online information and data, through virus protection, regularly updating your passwords and if a request, or email, or website looks suspect, it probably is."
