According to a new report by Proofpoint, the number of China-linked cyberattacks on Taiwan's semiconductor sector surged between March and June 2023.
Increase in Attacks on Taiwanese Companies
Attacks, as reported by Proofpoint, are aimed at high-value targets within Taiwan's semiconductor industry. During the period from March to June 2023, at least three separate hacker clusters focused their activities on investment analysts and companies in this field.
Mechanisms of Hacker Groups' Attacks
Proofpoint experts noted various attack methods being employed. Some groups sent only one or two carefully crafted emails, while others sent up to 80 messages. One group impersonated prospective job applicants, hijacking email accounts from Taiwanese universities and sending PDF files containing malware.
Response and Support from Local Cybersecurity
Taiwanese cybersecurity company TeamT5 also observed an increase in phishing attacks, albeit describing this rise as limited. Experts emphasize that attacks on the semiconductor industry remain a persistent threat, attracting ongoing interest from advanced China-linked hacking outfits.
The increase in cyberattacks on Taiwanese companies highlights the importance of protecting the local semiconductor sector, especially amid rising tensions between the US and China.
