Infrastructure facing serious attacks online, survey finds

Hackers are trying to tamper with critical infrastructure with cyberattacks designed to delete files, manipulate equipment and shut down networks, according to a new international survey.

Groups that manage critical infrastructure in North and South America reported that they field cyberattacks that are intended to be destructive, as well as to those meant to steal data.

{mosads}The finding challenges the notion that most cyberattackers around the world are more interested in gleaning information than sabotaging target computer systems. Security experts warn of the possibility of a major infrastructure outage connected with nation states’ growing access to U.S. systems.

While critical infrastructure is frequently under attack, however, breaches are rarely disclosed to the public. 

The survey, conducted by the Organization of American States, found that hackers have sought to shut down computer networks, delete files and manipulate equipment within 40, 44 and 54 percent of the respondent groups.

Another 60 percent have fielded attempts to steal data, according to Reuters, which reported the findings prior to their official release on Tuesday. 

Respondents include companies in the communications, security and finance industries. Close to one-third were public entities, Reuters reported.

One security expert predicted that 2015 will be the year that the Western hemisphere suffers a “catastrophe” related to a cyberattack on its infrastructure.

“We are facing a clear and present danger where we have non-state actors willing to destroy things,” said Tom Kellerman, vice president with security firm Trend Micro, which compiled the survey.