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US Spies Uncover Hidden Server Chips
9 Jun
Summary
- Thousands of servers sent data to China via hidden code.
- FBI investigated Supermicro workers from 2012.
- Hidden chips found in servers, affecting US networks.
For years, U.S. investigators identified tampering in products made by Super Micro Computer Inc., with details kept secret. In 2010, the Department of Defense found thousands of servers sending military network data to China due to hidden code.
In 2015, the FBI warned companies about Chinese operatives concealing extra chips with backdoor code in servers. An FBI counterintelligence investigation reportedly started around 2012, using FISA warrants to monitor Supermicro workers.
This demonstrates the pervasive risk in global supply chains, with Supermicro serving as a prime example of potential tampering. The Chinese Foreign Ministry denied these claims, calling them an attempt to discredit China.
U.S. spymasters discovered these manipulations but kept them secret to counter each incident and understand China's capabilities. Despite secrecy, the FBI enlisted private-sector help as recently as 2018 to analyze Supermicro equipment containing added chips.
