Chipmaker Nexperia hit by ransomware attack

Nexperia, a Netherlands based chipmaker building components in telephones and automobiles, has probably been targeted in a ransomware attack. Nexperia, acquired by Chinese firm Wingtech Technology in 2019, is a player in the global electronics market, producing over 100 billion chips annually for a variety of common electronic devices.

Hackers claim to have stolen hundreds of gigabytes of sensitive data from the company, including trade secrets and customer data from high-profile clients such as SpaceX, Apple, and Huawei. They have threatened to release this data unless a ransom is paid. Some of this data has already been leaked on the dark web, which reporters from RTL Nieuws have verified.

The stolen data reportedly includes critical information about the company's manufacturing processes rather than the chips themselves. The technology and methods used in these processes are considered highly confidential and vital to the company's competitive edge.

The company has confirmed the breach but has not disclosed further details, citing an ongoing investigation.

Update - On 10th of April the site 'Dunghill Leak' claimed responsibility for the breach of Nexperia, claiming to have stolen 1 TB of confidential data and leaked a sample of the allegedly stolen files.
The hackers published sample images of microscope scans of electronic components, employee passports, non-disclosure agreements. Dunghill claims that they plan to leak the data if a ransom demand is not paid:

• Design and product data, including QC, NDAs, trade secrets, technical specifications, confidential schematics, and production instructions.
• Engineering data, including internal studies and manufacturing technologies.
• Commercial and marketing data, including pricing and marketing analysis.
• Corporate data, including HR, employee personal details, passports, NDAs, etc.
• Client and user data, including brands such as SpaceX, IBM, Apple, and Huawei.
• Various files and miscellaneous data, including email storage files.