I know a tool can be used by someone for good or evil, but this usage of cryptocurrencies to pay for unlocking files or some similar extortion worries me.
We really don't need some burdensome regulation coming down the pike just because law makers are afraid of the damage these attempts cause.
There are so very few in government that really understand technology, so I'm wary that there will be a new push to either weaken the underlying crypto, or attack cryptocurrencies directly.
And the irony is that these kinds of attacks don't even yield that much.
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/south-korean-web-hosting-provider-pays-1-million-in-ransomware-demand/
If you don't keep backups and your entire business goes down, then it pays very well indeed. Strong crypto and poor infrastructure are the culprit here. Cryptocurrencies just allow for anonymous(ish) movements of money