Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML said on Sunday
that it was investigating an unauthorised intrusion into its IT systems,
but it had found no evidence that valuable files were accessed.
ASML,
the world's largest maker of tools for etching out the powerful
microchips at the heart of latest-generation smartphones and computer
servers, underpins much of the world's technology infrastructure.
The company did not say when the breach had taken place, but said ASML staff discovered the break-in soon after it occurred.
Many
of the world's largest technology companies, with valuable intellectual
property, are seen as ripe targets for industrial espionnage, including
by foreign governments keen to match those companies' technologies.
ASML's clients include all of the world's largest chipmakers, including Intel and Samsung.
"ASML
recently discovered unauthorized access to a limited portion of its IT
systems," the company said in a statement, adding that it was
investigating the intrusion.
"At this time it appears that only a
limited amount of data has been accessed. ASML has not found any
evidence that valuable files, either from ASML or our customers and
suppliers, have been compromised," it added.
On Friday, Dutch
technology website tweakers.nl reported that a break-in had taken place
and quoted anonymous sources blaming the Chinese government for the
attack.
ASML said it could not be certain about the identity of
the hackers, adding that it was subject to cybersecurity attacks, "like
any other leading organization."
The company said it would provide no further details unless there were significant developments.
© Thomson Reuters 2015
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