Tata Electronics steps up security as data breach probe continues

NEW DELHI: Tata Electronics has tightened internal access to sensitive systems and launched a forensic investigation after a cyberattack allegedly exposed thousands of confidential client files on the dark web, according to a Reuters report.

The company has reportedly restricted remote access to critical internal tools, including purchase order systems, allowing only a select group of employees to access them from outside company facilities. The measures have been rolled out across Tata Electronics’ operations as the investigation continues.

According to Reuters, Tata Electronics has also appointed a global consultant to conduct a forensic audit and has informed both the Indian government and affected clients about the cybersecurity incident.

The development follows claims by ransomware group World Leaks, which allegedly published more than 200,000 files on the dark web, including purported confidential documents linked to clients such as Apple and Tesla. Reuters said it could not independently verify the authenticity of the leaked files.

The report also said the leaked data appeared to contain documents linked to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Qualcomm, both of which supply components used in iPhones.

While Tata Electronics has acknowledged a “cybersecurity incident” and stated that its operations remain unaffected, it has not disclosed further details about the breach or the scope of the investigation.

Apple’s security team is working closely with Tata Electronics on both immediate and long-term measures to strengthen cybersecurity following the incident. Among the reported changes are stricter controls governing employee access to the company’s internal network from outside its facilities.

The incident presents another challenge for Tata Electronics, which has become one of Apple’s most important manufacturing partners in India as the iPhone maker continues to diversify production beyond China. Established in 2020 under the Tata Group, the company has rapidly expanded its presence in electronics manufacturing and semiconductors under the leadership of CEO Randhir Thakur.

The reported breach also comes as Tata faces separate scrutiny over environmental concerns near one of its iPhone component plants and follows a cyberattack last year on Jaguar Land Rover, another Tata Group company, which disrupted production for several weeks.