Microchip Technology Inc., a leading American firm specializing in microchip and signal conductor manufacturing, has confirmed that some of its production servers were compromised in a recent cyber attack. While the company has not officially classified the attack as ransomware, the nature of the incident, as detailed in their statement on August 19, 2024, suggests that file-encrypting malware may be involved.
The attack, which occurred on August 17, 2024, has reportedly disrupted the production servers, affecting certain business operations and causing delays in chip manufacturing and supply chains. This incident follows closely on the heels of Microchip’s announcement regarding their Ethernet PHY Transceivers, which are set to be used in the upcoming High Performance Spaceflight Computer (HPSC) for NASA’s next critical mission.
Cyber attacks on semiconductor manufacturers are not unprecedented; companies like AMD, NVIDIA, Nexperia, and Intel have previously faced similar threats. However, the specific perpetrators behind this recent attack remain unidentified, with no clear indications of whether a ransomware group or a state-sponsored hacker is responsible. However, Prima Facie revealed the involvement of Play Ransomware Group.
Such cyber threats are often aimed at stealing valuable research and development data, creating counterfeit or competitive products, or, in some cases, insider threats may involve the illegal exchange of sensitive product information for financial gain or career advancement.
Microcontrollers, Serial EEPROM devices, Serial SRAM devices, embedded security devices, radio frequency components, thermal and power related automated devices, battery management analog devices and wired and wireless products.
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