"The scientists said it had probably used a technique called "chip slicing" which involves analysing a chip under a microscope and taking it to pieces and infer

"The scientists said it had probably used a technique called "chip slicing" which involves analysing a chip under a microscope and taking it to pieces and inferring the algorithm from the arrangement of the microscopic transistors on the chip itself – a process that costs around £50,000." £50,000?! Good Lord, that's a lot of money! All one needs is a microscope and a razor.