INTERNATIONAL criminals have this week targeted a Warwick business with a computer virus that hijacked its files and demanded a ransom for their release.

The owner of the long-standing family business was stripped of her entire computing history and back-up files on Monday.

The hackers have since contacted her to demand $4000 in exchange for the release of the files.

The emerging digital extortion scheme known as ransomware hit Australian shores a few months ago, targeting other businesses for similar amounts of money.

When the Warwick businesswoman realised she had become the latest target, she contacted police but said they could offer no help.

"The federal police didn't want to know about it. They didn't want to see my files, my encrypted files - nothing," she said.

"I feel really let down. All they said was do everything in your power not to pay them but it's not illegal for us to pay if we have to."

The woman believes the hackers had been "spying" on her business for at least a couple of months.

"We don't know what they have seen and that's what is scary. It's just such an invasion of privacy," she said.

The past few days have been "an emotional rollercoaster" for the woman but she said she had faith she would get her files back upon payment.

More than anything, she wants others to realise the dangers.

"Call your IT guy straight away and spend a bit of money to make everything secure - it's just not worth it not to," she said.

"We already had good processes in place but we will be taking steps to make things more secure now."

The businesswoman predicts the entire ordeal will cost her about $10,000.

While the attack has also taken an emotional toll on the woman, she said she was just focused on recovering her files and was prepared to pay the ransom in order to do that.

"I feel helpless and I don't have any other option than to pay," she said.

"Us Aussies think 'she'll be right, it won't happen to me' but it can happen and that is why I wanted to share my story."

Jay Gees PCs owner Jay Clark said this was not just another virus and had the potential to cause substantial pain for both business and personal computer users.

"I have been in business since 1998 and this is the first time I have come across something this nasty," he said.

He said it was important for all computer users to ensure they only accessed reputable websites, their virus protection was up to date and their firewall was secure.

A spokeswoman for the AFP said cyber attacks on small businesses were the responsibility of state police.

"The AFP Cybercrime Operations area's role includes identifying, investigating and prosecuting individuals or groups for offences against information systems of national significance," she said.

Report it

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by this or another scam should phone SCAMwatch on 1300 795 995 or go to scamwatch.gov.au.