Comment on ASML and TSMC Can Remotely Disable Chip Machines If China Invades Taiwan
drwho@beehaw.org 5 months agoIt’s probably something easier to set up, like a couple of fuses in the package that, when a signal is applied to a particular set of pins, will blow and disable the chip.
CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.org 5 months ago
It could be, that would certainly be safer. I don’t think that sounds easier to set up than an explosive charge, though.
If it’s not based on physical destruction, I’d guess it’s some variant of a killer poke (so the thing is set to burn itself out or actuate parts into damaging configurations), combined with a thorough wipe of all software.
drwho@beehaw.org 5 months ago
It would be far easier for the manufacturer to set up fuses that a killer poke could blow than to jump through all of the (legal) hoops to get hold of an explosive of some kind. And get Legal ready for it, because nothing like this ever affects only the intended group you don’t like. To put it another way, one USian gets hurt because it went off at the wrong time and they’re in a world of shit.
CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.org 5 months ago
In this specific case, a spook from the US government would be in the room with them when they discussed it, so procurement isn’t a problem. Safety would be a real concern, though, you’re right.