ASML has denied claims that its systems were hacked. The Dutch chip equipment giant said the allegations are false.
The company issued the statement after posts on social media and dark web forums claimed a major data leak.
The claims appeared on BreachForums on January 6, 2026. They quickly spread online and caused concern in the tech industry. ASML said it acted fast and ran a full investigation.
ASML Data Breach: Fake Breach Claims Linked to Serial Scammer
The breach claim came from a user named “1011.” The user said they leaked 154 databases linked to ASML. The post claimed the data included user records, software files, and disk encryption keys.
Cybersecurity researchers reviewed the files. They found no link to ASML.
What researchers found:
- Data came from an unrelated server
- No ASML systems were involved
- No encryption keys were present
- Only one default admin user appeared
- Files looked like test or dummy data
ASML confirmed these findings. The company said no internal data was exposed. It also said no customer or employee data was affected.
Researchers linked “1011” to earlier fake claims. The same user recently claimed to breach NordVPN. That claim was also denied. NordVPN said the data came from a third-party trial account.
Experts noted a lack of moderation on BreachForums. This allows scammers to post false breach claims without quick action.
Also read about: Ledger Data Breach Linked to Global-e, Customer Info Exposed
Why Scammers Post Fake Breaches
Security experts say the goal is forum credits. These credits act as currency on dark web forums. Scammers use them to buy real stolen data later.
How the scam works:
- Post fake breach data
- Attract attention and users
- Sell access using forum credits
- Use credits to buy real leaks
ASML is a high-value target. The company makes critical machines used to build advanced chips. It is the only supplier of EUV lithography systems.
ASML key facts:
- Based in the Netherlands
- Revenue over $33 billion last year
- Supplies TSMC, Samsung, and Intel
Why this matters
False breach claims can damage trust and stock value. They also waste security teams’ time. This case shows why users should verify breach news before sharing.
The ASML data breach claim is false. ASML systems remain secure.
More News To Read: