The world of technology is facing a major issue in 2021 due to the global chip supply shortage. It is affecting from smartphones to video games. As time passes it may lead to price hikes in various departments. According to analysts, it will be until at least 2022 that some sort of normalcy around the world may be restored. Now, a new report indicates that there is a major threat on the desk. As per a report from ZDNet the chipsets shortage crisis may cause brands to place orders with vendors who may not have otherwise passed the quality check. This will create a big security problem since this may bring a rise in fake chipsets.
The report cites Diganta Das, a counterfeit electronics researcher with the Centre for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE). It brings data from reputable industry-wide counterfeit supplier databases such as the ERAI. It uses this expertise to offer this projection.
“If next week, you need to get 5,000 parts or your line will shut down, you will be in a situation of distress purchase and you will put your guard down. You won’t keep to your rules of verifying the vendor or going through test processes. This is likely to become a big problem,” Das told ZDNet.
Having face chipset companies isn’t a big surprise. However, the situation is much more problematic right now. After all, cybercriminals are ready to operate amidst this whole chaos. The biggest threat that face chips represent besides the dubious performance is the cybersecurity aspect. Not only can this offer an entry point for cybercriminals to steal data, but being used in sectors such as smart homes and automobiles can actually put lives at risk.
This may not be a big concern when you’re picking products from reputed companies. After all, consumer brands typically have a set selection of tests and validation procedures to ensure that their vendors are genuine. However, this may not be the case for smaller companies that will prioritize the money that can be generated in this crisis rather than the quality they will be able to offer.
The report states that we will hear more about fake component suppliers for chips very soon. The biggest issue is that companies already facing delays in their production lines due to the chipsets shortage. For that reason, they may no longer have the same window and bandwidth for checking the genuineness of components.
