How Hackers Could Break Into Chip Fabs—and How to Stop Them
Semiconductor fabs sit at the heart of global technology supply chain. But as these facilities rise to the level of critical infrastructure, they're also becoming prime targets for cyber threats. The situation is getting more complex as modern chips — and the fabs that produce them — move to the center of geopolitical competition, particularly between the U.S. and China.
For chipmakers, the stakes for cybersecurity are high. Even a relatively small breach could force the fab to halt operations. In a large facility, downtime can cost millions of dollars per hour, and even brief disruptions can send ripples throughout the global supply chain. Beside the financial impacts and supply chain risks, a successful hack could also expose some of the chip industry’s most valuable and closely guarded intellectual property.
To address the risks, the semiconductor industry at large is rethinking how fabs are secured. In this series, Jim Montgomery and Steven Hsu from TXOne Networks examine the evolving threat landscape. They also outline strategies on how to stop attackers from infiltrating equipment in the fab and using it to break into other systems, and how to protect un-patchable legacy tools that are uniquely vulnerable to today's cyber threats.
Articles in This Series
About the Author
Jim Montgomery
Director Industrial Cybersecurity Solutions, TXOne Networks
Jim Montgomery is a 30-year cybersecurity veteran working in all aspects of solution design, deployment, and implementation. During this time, he has helped several Fortune 100 companies implement complex strategies for operational efficiency and secure processing. Jim is currently focused on OT/ICS architecture design and implementation for semiconductor and supply chain, emphasizing targeted semiconductor specific approaches to solve the industries unique functional goals while keeping the environments operational.
Steven Hsu
Vice President, Evangelism, TXOne Networks
Steven Hsu has over 27 years of experience at the intersection of cybersecurity, software development, and quality management. His career includes leadership roles in engineering, product planning, and global business development, most notably as Senior Director at Trend Micro. Today, he focuses on cybersecurity management frameworks and strategic planning, helping organizations implement practical approaches to security.
James Morra
Senior Editor
James Morra is the senior editor for Electronic Design, covering the semiconductor industry and new technology trends, with a focus on power electronics and power management. He also reports on the business behind electrical engineering, including the electronics supply chain. He joined Electronic Design in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.