Data manipulation: When altering data is more dangerous than stealing data

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 5, 2021

Hackers have become good at infiltrating systems and wreaking havoc through subtle data manipulation. In the long term, data manipulation attacks are predicted to increase in frequency and sophistication, with implications ranging from economic instability and erosion of trust to skewed policies, compromised emerging technologies, and heightened demand for cybersecurity professionals. It is crucial to prioritize cybersecurity measures and foster a proactive approach to mitigate these risks and protect against the disruptive impact of data manipulation.

Data manipulation context

Hackers have become adept at infiltrating systems and wreaking havoc by making subtle changes that often go unnoticed until it's too late. One notable incident that exemplifies this threat occurred in 2019, when the Asics sports shop in Auckland, New Zealand, fell victim to a cyber attack. For nearly 9 hours, the shop's large TV screens displayed adult content, causing significant embarrassment and reputational damage. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of businesses lacking adequate cybersecurity measures.

However, the consequences of such attacks can extend far beyond mere embarrassment. Consider the case of a car manufacturing factory where a hacker introduces a new code to alter how the steering wheel is attached. This seemingly minor change could result in the production of unsafe automobiles, requiring costly recalls and inflicting substantial financial and reputational losses on the company. Such incidents underscore the potential for hackers to directly impact public safety through their malicious actions.

Moreover, the healthcare sector is not immune to these threats. Manipulating patient testing data is a potential avenue for hackers seeking to disrupt pharmaceutical companies. By tampering with research results, hackers could lead a company to prematurely abandon the development of a promising new drug or, worse yet, cause the production of a drug with harmful side effects. The implications of such actions extend beyond financial losses, as they can jeopardize the well-being and trust of patients relying on these medications.

Disruptive impact

Cybersecurity experts predict that data manipulation attacks will not only increase in frequency but also become more sophisticated, leading to graver and longer-lasting consequences than outright data theft. In e-commerce, hackers could exploit vulnerabilities in online vendor checkout systems by adding small service fees to transactions, resulting in higher charges for customers. The discovery of manipulated data would force companies to invest significant time and resources into correcting customer information discrepancies, while also attempting to regain the trust of their clients and stakeholders.

Furthermore, the financial sector remains a potential target for data manipulation attacks, particularly in international wire transfers and banking accounts. Hackers can exploit their position as "middlemen" in these transactions, intercepting the funds and redirecting them to incorrect recipients or even altering the amounts being sent. The consequences of such attacks extend beyond immediate financial losses, as they erode trust in the banking system and create a sense of vulnerability among clients.

To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to exercise caution when making online purchases, regularly monitor financial transactions, and remain vigilant for any suspicious activity. Companies need to prioritize data integrity by implementing robust cybersecurity measures, conducting regular audits, and investing in technologies that detect and prevent data manipulation attempts. Governments play a critical role in establishing and enforcing cybersecurity regulations, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, and promoting cybersecurity education and awareness initiatives to empower individuals and organizations.

Implications of data manipulation

Wider implications of data manipulation may include:

• Patients’ data in healthcare systems altered to change diagnosis and even prescription dosages.


• Client account information changed in a company’s Tier 1 client list, resulting in a loss of money and trust.  


• Hackers intercepting user logins and credentials when people access legitimate public accounts such as government pension sites.


• Increased skepticism and erosion of trust in digital platforms and online interactions, leading to a shift in societal behaviors and a heightened emphasis on personal privacy and data protection.


• Disruption of supply chains and financial systems due to manipulated data in transactions, resulting in economic instability, reduced investor confidence, and slower business growth.


• Manipulated data influencing public opinion and electoral processes, potentially leading to the distortion of democratic systems, undermining trust in governance, and exacerbating social divisions.


• Impacted demographic data leading to skewed policies and resource allocation, limiting accurate understanding of population dynamics, and potentially perpetuating inequalities and inadequate social services.


• Compromised emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), blocking their full potential and hindering progress in autonomous vehicles and smart cities.


• Increased demand for cybersecurity professionals and experts to combat data manipulation threats, leading to a higher demand for digital skills.


• Manipulated data affecting environmental monitoring systems and climate models, hindering accurate assessment of environmental risks and leading to inadequate policies and responses to climate change and ecological threats.

Questions to consider

• How else do you think data manipulation could affect customers such as yourself?


• What do you think companies should do to better protect consumer information?