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New findings from cybersecurity researchers point to a rise in targeted cyber espionage campaigns focused on Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem, with attackers linked to China aiming at both industrial firms and financial analysts monitoring the sector.
According to a recent analysis by Proofpoint, at least three China-aligned threat groups have been active between March and June of this year, with some operations still ongoing. While cyber activity targeting chipmakers is not new, the scope and persistence of recent campaigns suggest a shift in tactics and intensity.
These phishing campaigns are occurring against the backdrop of escalating US-China tech tensions, particularly around advanced semiconductor technologies. With Washington tightening export restrictions on US-designed chips—many of which are fabricated in Taiwan—Chinese threat actors appear to be intensifying efforts to acquire proprietary data, intellectual property, and supply chain intelligence.
While the specific targets have not been named, researchers said around 15 to 20 organizations were impacted, according to Proofpoint’s statement to Reuters. These include a mix of multinational firms, smaller companies, and financial analysts.
The tactics varied by group. One campaign used email accounts from Taiwanese universities to impersonate job applicants, sending PDF resumes embedded with links to malware-laden files. These were directed at organizations involved in chip design, fabrication, and logistics.
Another operation took aim at investment professionals focused on Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. Attackers posed as a fictional investment firm offering collaboration.
This pattern reflects a long-standing strategic interest by China-linked actors in Taiwan’s high-tech infrastructure. While researchers have not confirmed whether any breaches were successful, the consistent targeting of both core and supporting sectors underscores the geopolitical significance of the semiconductor supply chain.
Taiwan’s major chip manufacturers have not commented publicly on the findings. The FBI and other involved agencies also declined to respond, according to Reuters.
