Uncovering Weaknesses in the Data Protection Program at a Global Semiconductor Design Company

Client Background:
The client is a multinational leader in semiconductor chip design and testing, with operations spanning multiple continents. Their chip testing environment—powered by a large-scale computing farm—processes highly sensitive intellectual property, making data protection a top priority. With increasing internal concerns around potential data leakage risks, the client sought expert validation of their existing controls and infrastructure.

The Challenge:
While the client had a data protection program in place, they lacked clear visibility into how data moved within their complex chip testing environment. Concerns had emerged around inconsistent control enforcement and the possibility of unauthorized data access or leakage. Given the proprietary nature of chip designs and test results, even minor lapses in protection could have significant financial and reputational implications.

Scybers’ Approach:
Scybers was engaged to perform a focused assessment of the data flows and protection mechanisms within the client’s chip testing infrastructure. Over a two-month engagement, we collaborated with their engineering and IT teams to map the movement of sensitive data across systems, applications, and endpoints.

We took a methodical approach to catalog data sources, transmission paths, access points, and storage locations. Our goal was to identify where controls were either missing, improperly implemented, or failing silently.

Key Actions Taken:

• Mapped and documented end-to-end data flows across the high-performance chip testing farm.
• Conducted in-depth reviews of existing data protection controls, including access controls, encryption, and logging mechanisms.
• Identified gaps and weaknesses leading to potential data leakage risks, including improper segmentation, excessive access rights, and insufficient monitoring.
• Provided a detailed set of control enhancement recommendations, including updated policies, tool configurations, and suggested technology integrations.
• Delivered a prioritized roadmap to strengthen data protection, aligned with the client’s operational and regulatory priorities.

Ongoing Partnership:
Following the engagement, Scybers continues to advise the client’s global security team on the implementation of key controls and tools recommended in the assessment. We remain a trusted partner in their journey toward building a more secure and resilient chip design and testing environment.

Outcome:
‍The assessment helped the client gain much-needed visibility into data movement and highlighted critical gaps in their existing protection framework. With Scybers’ support, they are now on a clear path toward enhancing data security in one of their most sensitive operational areas—protecting intellectual property and maintaining customer trust.