Hackers have targeted about 50 organisations, including chemical and defence companies, in a global wave of cyber-attacks that has been traced to China, security provider Symantec said in a report.
The report indicates that the attacks began in late July and lasted until mid-September.
The hacked computers were infected with malicious software known as 'PoisonIvy', which was used to steal information including design documents, formulas and details on manufacturing processes, the report continues.
Some of the affected companies are based in the US, the UK, and Denmark.
US-based Dow Chemicals said it had been the target of "unusual emails" received during the summer.
