Tata cyberattack allegedly exposes confidential Apple documents

Tata Electronics confirmed today that it was recently targeted by a cyberattack, with hackers claiming to have stolen and leaked confidential documents from Apple and Tesla. Here are the details.

Tata hit with cyberattack and ransom demand

The past few weeks have been challenging for Tata, one of Apple’s key manufacturing partners in India.

In addition to facing scrutiny over alleged environmental issues, the company has now confirmed that it was hit by a cyberattack after a group known as World Leaks “posted purported component design and specification papers of Apple and Tesla, both customers of the Indian group.”

As Reuters reported:

“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,” Tata Electronics told Reuters in a statement.

And

The World Leaks website says the Tata Electronics data comprises more than 200,000 files totalling over 630 gigabytes. A database on its ​website shows several purported Apple files and folders, some titled “com.apple.factorydata”, and documents referring to “material specification”.

And

Among the files was a 52-page document bearing Apple’s proprietary markings purportedly detailing quality inspection standards ⁠for iPhone circuit ​board components. There were also 33 files and folders for search term “Hosur” – the location of Tata’s main ​iPhone assembly plant in Tamil Nadu state.

Reuters says it wasn’t able to independently verify the authenticity of the documents shared online. Still, according to Indian cybersecurity researcher Rajshekhar Rajaharia, who reviewed the files, “they also ‌contain emails, event ⁠logs spanning several years and passport copies of employees including foreign nationals.”

According to Reuters, a second security researcher says that the data dump has “been accessible on the dark web since at least June 10.”

The report also notes that although Apple did not respond to requests for comment, the company is conducting “a full analysis” of what happened, and that Tata Electronics has received a ransom demand.

To read Reuters’ full report, follow this link.

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