Semiconductor firms are attractive targets because of their high intellectual property (IP) value, sensitive manufacturing processes, and their critical role in global supply chains. The complexity and precision involved in manufacturing chips means that any disruption – be it data theft, ransomware, or system compromise – can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the firms themselves but the industries that depend on their products.
“If cyber threats to semiconductor companies continue, they could lead to secondary disruptions for semiconductors depending on which vendor is affected and its exposure to different industries,” added Shah. “This requires investing in more robust processes and systems, including consistent auditing, software certification, and systems to prevent such sophisticated attacks.”
In recent years, several high-profile cyber attacks have highlighted the vulnerability of the semiconductor industry. In 2022, Nvidia suffered a ransomware attack that exposed sensitive employee data and proprietary information. This year, TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, also fell victim to a ransomware attack that temporarily disrupted its operations. Similarly, Nexperia and AMD reported breaches, further underscoring the industry’s growing cyber threat.
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