📊Executive Summary

The global chip shortage is leading to an increase in counterfeit semiconductors, posing significant risks to manufacturers, especially smaller companies and those in critical sectors like automotive and healthcare. As demand for electronic devices surges, legitimate semiconductor production cannot keep pace, creating opportunities for fraudsters. Experts warn that companies may compromise on vendor verification due to urgent needs, increasing the likelihood of acquiring counterfeit components. Gartner estimates that the semiconductor shortage will persist into 2022, with lead times potentially extending up to 12 months for wafer orders. This situation necessitates heightened vigilance in procurement practices to avoid counterfeit risks....