Almost all US networks can be hacked

The US is vulnerable to cyberattacks that could shut down financial services or destroy information that companies need for daily operations, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee has said.

Mike Rogers said 95 percent of private sector networks are vulnerable, and most have already been hit. What's being stolen? Personal identities, money from banks, blueprints for next-generation jobs. At risk are private companies and public agencies.

Some estimates put the value of information hacked at up to $US400 billion (AU$390 billion) every year. But many companies are reluctant to admit they've been attacked, to keep a competitive edge and avoid reactions from shareholders. Rogers said that hackers have stepped up attacks since last year, and pointed to China and Iran.