Chinese Threat Actors Target Taiwan's Chip Industry

Proofpoint researchers discovered four previously unknown Chinese hacking groups attacking Taiwan's semiconductor industry since last fall, marking a sharp increase in cyber espionage. The attackers used phishing emails disguised as job-seeking students, investment firms, and Microsoft security notices to breach chip manufacturers and investment banks analyzing the sector. One group even targeted legal personnel at semiconductor companies.

The campaigns deployed custom malware including Cobalt Strike, Voldemort backdoor, and SparkRAT. Taiwan's chip industry is globally critical, making it a prime target as China seeks to undermine the island's economic strength and national defense capabilities.

Source: Dark Reading