China-linked hackers target Taiwan's chip industry with increasing attacks

A growing threat from China-linked hackers is targeting the Taiwanese semiconductor industry, as well as investment analysts, in a series of sustained cyberespionage campaigns. According to researchers at cybersecurity firm Proofpoint, this marks an increase in such activities, which have been ongoing for years but are now becoming more frequent and sophisticated.

"We've seen entities that we hadn't ever seen being targeted in the past being targeted," said Mark Kelly, a threat researcher focused on Chinese-related threats at Proofpoint. "This is not just about stealing data or information about the industry; it's about gaining access to sensitive information that can be used to disrupt the global supply chain."

The previously unreported hacking campaigns were carried out by at least three distinct Chinese-linked groups, primarily between March and June of this year. Some activity may still be ongoing, according to Proofpoint.

These attacks come amid rising restrictions by Washington on exports to China of U.S.-designed chips that are often manufactured in Taiwan. China's chip industry has been working to replace its dwindling supply of sophisticated U.S. chips, especially those used in artificial intelligence.

The researchers declined to identify the specific hacking targets but said that approximately 15 to 20 organizations faced attacks, ranging from small businesses to large global enterprises and even analysts employed by a U.S.-headquartered international bank.

"The scope of these attacks is much broader than what we typically see in terms of espionage campaigns," said Kelly. "It's not just about stealing intellectual property; it's about disrupting the flow of information that can impact national security."

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