Eindhoven University of Technology, a critical talent pipeline for chip equipment manufacturer ASML Holding NV, has disabled its IT systems following a cyberattack.
Lectures and educational activities will remain suspended at least until January 14. The university described the network shutdown as “a necessary measure to avert more severe consequences.”
Experts are currently investigating the nature and scope of the breach. According to university representatives, suspicious server activity was detected on the evening of January 11. However, there has been no contact with the hackers, and their identities remain unknown. It is still unclear whether any data has been compromised.
The university has previously garnered attention due to escalating tensions in the semiconductor industry between the United States and China. The U.S. seeks to restrict China’s access to chip manufacturing technologies, heightening the university’s strategic importance and its partnership with ASML.
ASML, the sole global producer of advanced lithographic machines essential for manufacturing cutting-edge chips used in electronics and defense industries, has heavily invested in its collaboration with the university. In May, the company allocated €80 million for PhD training programs and the modernization of cleanroom facilities required for research. These laboratories are equipped with ASML technology to facilitate scientific experimentation.
