TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China-linked hackers have intensified their attacks against Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and investment analysts, according to the cybersecurity firm Proofpoint. 

A post earlier this week from the company described coordinated campaigns that targeted about 15 to 20 organizations. These establishments ranged from small businesses to major global enterprises and at least one US-based international bank, between March and June.

At least three distinct hacking groups aligned with China carried out the operations, according to Proofpoint. They were named as: UNK_FistBump, UNK_DropPitch, and UNK_SparkyCarp. They used mostly spear-phishing to gain access and collect intelligence.

“Targets of these campaigns ranged from organizations involved in the manufacturing, design, and testing of semiconductors and integrated circuits, wider equipment and services supply chain entities within this sector, as well as financial investment analysts specializing in the Taiwanese semiconductor market,” Proofpoint commented.

The post added the hacking efforts appeared to be part of China’s long-term strategy to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency by gathering proprietary information from Taiwanese firms and financial analysts.

The attacks coincide with increased US restrictions on exports of US-designed chips to China, most of which are manufactured in Taiwan. China has responded by building its own supply of advanced US electronic components. 

Proofpoint said: “This activity likely reflects China's strategic priority to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency and decrease reliance on international supply chains and technologies."  

A Chinese embassy spokesperson in Washington was quoted as saying that China opposes all forms of cyberattacks and cybercrime.