Tata Electronics confirms data breach after hacker forum leak

Tata Electronics, an Indian electronics and semiconductor manufacturer, has confirmed a data breach following reports of a massive data leak. A hacker forum listing claims to offer more than 630GB of data allegedly stolen from the company, comprising over 204,300 files. According to TechCrunch, a review of a sample of the files found what appear to be Apple supplier specifications and Tesla manufacturing documents. However, TechCrunch noted that the authenticity, provenance, and completeness of the data could not be independently verified. Cybersecurity researcher Rajshekhar Rajaharia reported that the advertised data included Outlook email conversations, SAP-related information, and documents purportedly linked to some of Tata Electronics’ customers, including Apple and Tesla.

A spokesperson for Tata Electronics asserted that the company identified a cybersecurity incident on some of its systems a few weeks ago and immediately activated its response protocols. The spokesperson stated that the incident had “no impact on our operations across businesses, which remain unaffected.” Despite the company’s assertion that operations are unaffected, Reuters reported that a ransom demand had been made to Tata Electronics. Reuters also reported that the company informed some employees at its iPhone assembly operations last week about the data breach, and that Apple is currently investigating the incident.

Founded in 2020, Tata Electronics has emerged as a key player in India’s efforts to expand electronics and semiconductor production. Per its parent company, Tata Group, the manufacturer now employs more than 75,000 people. Tata Electronics entered iPhone manufacturing in 2023 by acquiring the Indian operations of Wistron, a contract manufacturer. The company later expanded its footprint by acquiring a 60% stake in the Indian unit of Pegatron, another contract manufacturer. These moves, alongside a semiconductor supply deal signed with Tesla in 2024, highlight Tata’s growing role as global technology companies seek to diversify their supply chains beyond China. To support this expansion, Tata Electronics has also forged partnerships with other global technology firms, including ASML, Intel, and Qualcomm, as manufacturers increasingly turn to India as an alternative production hub.

Why it matters

Tata Electronics is a critical supplier to major tech companies like Apple and Tesla, and this breach highlights the risks associated with the global push to diversify supply chains into India.