"China-Linked Hackers Launch Cyberattacks Targeting Taiwanese Semiconductor Companies"

Hackers linked to China have launched cyberattacks targeting Taiwanese semiconductor companies. These attacks are believed to have been attempts to steal information from the semiconductor industry.

According to major foreign media outlets on July 16 (local time), U.S. cybersecurity firm Proofpoint released a report stating that more than three hacking groups believed to be connected to the Chinese government attempted cyberattacks against Taiwanese semiconductor companies and investment analysts between March and June of this year.

While Proofpoint did not disclose the specific targets, it is known that approximately 15 to 20 organizations?including small businesses, analysts at global banks headquartered in the United States, and large corporations?were attacked. However, major Taiwanese semiconductor companies such as TSMC, MediaTek, UMC, Nanya Technology, and Realtek did not respond to inquiries about whether they had been targeted by these attacks.

Hackers linked to China stole university email accounts in Taiwan and disguised themselves as job seekers, sending emails containing malicious files to organizations involved in semiconductor design, manufacturing, and supply chains. In addition, they approached Taiwanese semiconductor industry analysts by posing as representatives of fake investment firms and expressing interest in collaboration.

Proofpoint pointed out that the activities of hacker groups linked to China are increasing. The company also noted that some targets that had not previously been targeted were attacked. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington stated, "Cyberattacks are a common threat faced by all countries, including China," and added, "China firmly opposes and fights against all forms of cyberattacks and cybercrime."