The Office of the Privacy Commissioner is investigating the ransomware attack on information technology company Mercury IT.
It's potentially compromising sensitive data for clients including Business NZ, the Nurses Organisation and the Ministry of Justice.
AUT computer expert Kenneth Johnson told Mike Hosking data is being compiled throughout the world about the motivation of these attacks, who is doing them and why.
He says they hope this provides more information about how these attackers behave, which will aid people in defending against them.
LISTEN ABOVE

Richard Arnold: US correspondent on Bill Gates warning that AI growth can't keep 'going unchecked'
05:18

Vicky Pryce: business correspondent on Andy Burnham's bid to fix the cost of living amid rising energy prices
02:58

Katherine Rich: BusinessNZ CEO on the impact NZ First's proposed tax cut for small and medium businesses could have
09:03