Tata Electronics hit by cyber breach as hackers claim Apple, Tesla data

NEW DELHI: A cyber storm appears to have hit one of India’s fastest-growing electronics manufacturers. Tata Electronics has confirmed a cybersecurity incident after reports emerged that hackers had allegedly published company data that may include documents linked to customers such as Apple and Tesla.

According to a report by Reuters, ransomware group World Leaks posted more than 200,000 files on the dark web. Security researchers told Reuters that the material included purported component design and specification papers relating to Apple and Tesla, both customers of Tata Electronics.

Separately, TechCrunch reported that a hacker forum listing claimed to offer more than 630GB of data allegedly stolen from Tata Electronics, comprising over 204,300 files. TechCrunch said its review of a sample of the files appeared to show Apple supplier specifications and Tesla manufacturing documents, although the publication noted that the authenticity, provenance and completeness of the data could not be independently verified.

According to Reuters, Tata Electronics said it had identified a cybersecurity incident on some of its systems a few weeks ago and immediately activated its response protocols.

The company stated: “A few weeks ago, Tata Electronics identified a cybersecurity incident on some of our systems. Our response protocols were deployed immediately, and the incident has had no impact on our operations across businesses, which remain unaffected.”

Apple is investigating the breach and conducting a full analysis of the situation, the news agency reported. Citing a source familiar with the matter, Reuters said Tata Electronics had received a ransom demand related to the incident. Apple did not respond to requests for comment, while Tata Electronics declined to comment on the reported ransom demand. Reuters further reported that Tata Electronics informed some employees involved in its iPhone assembly operations about the breach last week. The incident adds to the challenges facing Apple’s expanding manufacturing footprint in India, where Tata has become one of the company’s most significant partners outside China.

Founded in 2020, Tata Electronics has rapidly established itself as a major force in India’s electronics and semiconductor ambitions. The company employs more than 75,000 people and operates facilities across the country. It has developed partnerships with global technology companies including Apple, Tesla, ASML, Intel and Qualcomm.

The company’s role in Apple’s supply chain has grown considerably over the past three years. In 2023, Tata entered iPhone manufacturing through the acquisition of the India operations of Wistron, a long-time Apple supplier. It later acquired a 60 per cent stake in the Indian unit of Pegatron, further strengthening its position in the iPhone production ecosystem.

Tata’s relationship with Tesla has also expanded. In 2024, the company signed a semiconductor supply agreement with the electric vehicle maker, highlighting its growing influence within global technology supply chains.

The breach comes at a crucial moment for India’s manufacturing ambitions under the leadership of Narendra Modi, as the country seeks to attract more global electronics production. While Tata Electronics insists its operations remain unaffected, the incident serves as a reminder that as supply chains become more connected and data-driven, cybersecurity is becoming just as important as production capacity.

For now, investigations are continuing, with customers, cybersecurity experts and industry observers closely watching the extent of the breach and any potential impact on sensitive commercial information.