ransomware locks up computer files, and hackers demand payment to release the files. >> cryptocurrency payments. these are some techniques that were just described to you. show a increase in ransom payments over the prior year. >> reporter: ransomware attacks have impacted everything from the gas pipeline operated by colonial that led to gas shortages all along the east coast. to meat-production plants being shut down. and even individual healthcare networks, whose computer systems have been shut down sporadically across the country and the world. >> before long, we are worried some people will get hurt. especially, when we consider all these incidents that are affecting healthcare. ireland's healthcare system went down. >> reporter: the department of justice signaling, this week, it plans to coordinate its cyberinvestigations, the same way it treats terrorism cases. by sharing information and interagency coordination.