ASML reported this week that one of its former employees based in China stole data on lithography tools from its product lifecycle management program. bloombergAlthough the information may violate current U.S. export regulations, it is not expected that the data breach would result in significant harm. It is unclear whether this information can be used by Chinese companies to build their own advanced lithography equipment.
“We experienced data misappropriation related to proprietary technology by a (current) ex-employee in China.” statement By ASML reading. We immediately launched a comprehensive internal review. Based on our initial findings, we do not believe abuse is material to our business. ”
data stolen from team center Software used for product lifecycle management (PLM) of ASML’s lithography tools. This program is used to automate and streamline product lifecycle processes by using digital twins and making information available to the right employees across the organization. For ASML, the repository software hosts all knowledge about ASML scanners. This is invaluable to the company’s engineers.
In theory, however, the information available in ASML’s PLM database is not supposed to be made available to Chinese companies under the latest export controls imposed by the US government in October.
“However, as a result of the security incident, we may have violated certain export control regulations,” the statement said. “As such, ASML has reported this incident to the relevant authorities and is implementing additional corrective actions in light of this incident.”
It is unclear whether China will be able to build its own advanced deep ultraviolet (DUV) or extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography scanners using the knowledge gained from ASML’s PLM software. Additionally, it is unclear whether the former employee provided the data obtained to Chinese government agencies or China-based lithography equipment manufacturers.
The United States, the Netherlands, and Japan in January signed a contract with a China-based company to block access to advanced semiconductor manufacturing technology, which could be used to bolster the nation’s military power. agreed to ban the sale of advanced wafer fabrication equipment. People’s Republic. It is not yet known which tools will be banned from exporting to China, but it is hoped that appropriate legislation will be enacted in 2023.
Meanwhile, the China Semiconductor Industry Association (CSIA) this week protested New export controls and restrictions on the country’s chip industry.
“If this move becomes a reality, it will not only cause serious damage to China’s semiconductor industry, harm the global economy, but also cause long-term damage to the interests of consumers around the world.” The CSIA statement said:
