A majority of us assume that the hardware that runs our information resources and industrial processes is always perfect. As a result, when faults occur, as was the case of IEBC early this year, we rush to blame the software and the system developers. However it is now becoming obvious that counterfeit electronic industry is rapidly expanding and some faults in our communications, security and industrial systems may be as a result of counterfeit electronic parts. To make matters worse, we, in Kenya, have perfected the art of making last minute purchases of mission critical systems. “A 2010 U.S. Department of Commerce report on counterfeit electronics in the Department of Defense supply chain noted that between 2005 and 2008 the number of companies reporting incidents involving counterfeit chips more than doubled. In February 2012, market-intelligence firm IHS iSuppli stated that “reports of counterfeit parts have soared dramatically in the last two years,” with “1363 separate verified counterfeit-part incidents” reported worldwide in 2011.” Click here to read more ...http://spectrum.ieee.org/semiconductors/processors/the-hidden-dangers-of-chopshop-electronics/?utm_source=techalert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=100313 Regards Prof. James Kulubi, Reg. Eng (K), MIEEE