Recent attempt to hack the world's leading defense contractor Lockheed Martin's system has highlighted the fact that cyber criminals have focused their attention on potentially more sensitive information than credit cards data.

A number of information security experts are of the view that the string of security breaches on high-profile companies like Sony Corp. has buoyed up cyber criminals to make attempts to attack more sensitive information.

Speaking on the topic, Chief Technology Officer Josh Shaul from New York-based database security software maker Application Security, said, "2011 has really lit up the boards in terms of data breaches. The list of targets just grows and grows."

Last Saturday, Lockheed Martin revealed that hackers attacked its information systems, but it assured that no confidential information on its customers, program and employees was compromised.

The Bethesda, Maryland-based defense contractor claimed that it detected the May 21 attack almost immediately and took countermeasures.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has expressed concerns over the country's security system as recent attack on Lockheed Martin could force the defense contractor to delay the delivery of 20 F-35 fighter jets to Israel.