KEMET Electronics Corporation: A Target for Ransomware Attacks

KEMET Electronics Corporation, a leading electronics manufacturer, has recently become a target of the ransomware group Alphv. The attack was disclosed on the group's dark web leak site. KEMET is renowned for its production of capacitors, inductors, sensors, and other electronic components, which are integral to a wide range of applications from medical devices like defibrillators to household appliances and even spacecraft.

Since its inception in 1919, KEMET has expanded significantly, now employing over 10,000 individuals across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company's substantial size and global footprint render it an appealing target for ransomware groups. In the year 2022 alone, the semiconductor industry, which KEMET is a part of, witnessed eight ransomware attacks from notorious groups including LockBit, Cuba, LV, Lapsus$, RansomHouse, among others. These incidents typically involve the deployment of malware to encrypt data, followed by extortion threats and the unauthorized release of source code and proprietary information.

While specific vulnerabilities that led to KEMET being targeted have not been detailed, the company's extensive operational scale and international presence imply a potentially large attack surface. This makes it a lucrative target for ransomware operatives. Furthermore, the semiconductor industry is recognized as a critical infrastructure sector, underlining its strategic significance and the broad implications of any disruptions on the wider manufacturing landscape.

In response to the cyberattack, KEMET has initiated measures to fortify its computer systems and has enlisted the expertise of a third-party cybersecurity firm to conduct an exhaustive investigation. The company is also in the process of notifying affected individuals and is providing credit monitoring services as a precautionary measure.

The ransomware attack on KEMET Electronics Corporation by Alphv underscores the persistent cyber threat landscape within the manufacturing sector, with the semiconductor industry being particularly vulnerable. It is imperative for companies within this sector to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard their data and operational integrity against such threats.

Sources

• KEMET - A YAGEO Company
• Semiconductor industry faced 8 attacks from ransomware groups, extortion gangs in 2022
• KEMET Electronics Corporation Data Breach Investigation
• Notice of Data Security Incident - KEMET