Tata Electronics, a key Indian supplier to Apple, has restricted internal access to sensitive systems as it investigates a leak of thousands of secret client files on the dark web. The company has also hired a global consultant to conduct a forensic audit and has reported the incident to the Indian government and its clients.
Data Breach Details
The breach is believed to have originated from a ransomware group called World Leaks, which has posted more than 200,000 files to the dark web, including purported component design papers from Apple and Tesla. Tata has said it had identified a “cybersecurity incident” and there was no impact on operations, without providing additional details.
The leak also contains at least 16 files and folders of purported documents from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) and 23 from Qualcomm, both of which make parts used in iPhones. Tata Electronics has hardened access to its sensitive internal systems, and the investigation is ongoing.
Apple’s Response
Apple’s security team is working closely with Tata on near- and long-term measures following the incident. The breach is also a setback for Apple’s supply chain, as Tata faces scrutiny over the alleged contamination of farmlands near one of its iPhone parts plants in India.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
