Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd has disclosed a cybersecurity incident after a ransomware-linked group allegedly published thousands of confidential files on the dark web, including documents purportedly linked to Apple and Tesla,
according to a report by Reuters.
The news agency reported that security researchers reviewing the leaked material said the ransomware group known as 'World Leaks' had posted more than 200,000 files allegedly stolen from Tata Electronics' systems. The files reportedly include component designs, manufacturing specifications, internal communications and other sensitive corporate information linked to some of Tata Electronics' global customers.
Tata Electronics, a key supplier in Apple's growing manufacturing operations in India, confirmed that it had recently detected a cybersecurity incident but said its business operations remained unaffected.
"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," the company said in a statement to Reuters.
Apple Investigating, Ransom Demand Reported
According to Reuters, Apple has launched an investigation into the incident.
A source familiar with the matter told the news agency that a detailed analysis of the breach was under way and that Tata Electronics had received a ransom demand related to the cyberattack.
Tata Electronics declined to comment on the alleged ransom demand, while Apple did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
The report comes at a time when Tata Electronics is playing an increasingly important role in Apple's strategy to diversify manufacturing beyond China. The company currently accounts for about one-third of Apple's iPhone production in India, with Taiwan-based Foxconn manufacturing the remainder.
Hackers Claim To Have Published 200,000 Files
Reuters reported that World Leaks, a ransomware group that has previously claimed responsibility for cyberattacks on major companies, stated on its dark-web portal that it had published stolen Tata Electronics data.
The news agency said it was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the leaked files.
According to researchers cited by Reuters, the data dump contains more than 200,000 files amounting to over 630 gigabytes of information.
The database reportedly includes folders bearing names such as "com.apple.factorydata" and documents referencing material specifications and manufacturing processes.
The leaked material was said to include emails, event logs spanning several years, and copies of employee passports, including those of foreign nationals.
Alleged Apple Manufacturing Data Found
Reuters reported that cybersecurity researcher Rajshekhar Rajaharia reviewed the leaked files and found numerous documents apparently linked to Apple.
Among the material was reportedly a 52-page document bearing Apple's proprietary markings and detailing quality inspection standards for iPhone circuit board components.
Some files allegedly carried footers stating that the documents contained "proprietary and confidential information of Apple Inc."
The Reuters report also noted that searches within the leaked database produced multiple references to Hosur in Tamil Nadu, where Tata Electronics operates a major iPhone manufacturing facility.
According to an industry source cited by Reuters, Tata informed some employees involved in its iPhone assembly operations about the data breach last week.
Tesla Documents Also Reportedly Included
The leaked data allegedly contained documents linked to electric-vehicle (EV) manufacturer Tesla, which sources say also procures components from Tata Electronics.
Reuters reported that one folder was labelled 'NV36 Chargeport Controller - North America', a possible reference to components used in an upgraded version of Tesla's Model Y sport utility vehicle.
Another document marked 'TRADE SECRET' reportedly contained engineering drawings related to Tesla's Project Highland, the internal codename for the refreshed Model 3 sedan.
Some documents allegedly carried warnings describing the information as confidential, proprietary and trade secrets belonging to Tesla.
Tesla did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
Growing Cybersecurity Concerns
The reported breach highlights the increasing cybersecurity risks facing global manufacturers and supply-chain partners as cybercriminal groups target large corporations for ransom and data theft.
Reuters noted that a second cybersecurity researcher, Rakesh Krishnan, said the Tata Electronics data had been accessible on the dark web since at least 10 June 2026.
The Indian computer emergency response team (CERT-In), the government's nodal agency for handling cybersecurity incidents, did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
The incident also follows a cyberattack last year on Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover in the United Kingdom that reportedly disrupted production for six weeks.
Strategic Importance of Tata Electronics
The breach comes at a sensitive time for Tata Electronics, which has emerged as one of Apple's most significant manufacturing partners outside China.
The company's rapid expansion is an important part of India's ambitions to establish itself as a global electronics manufacturing hub under the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
If verified, the leaked files could raise concerns about cybersecurity practices across increasingly complex global supply chains involving technology companies, automotive manufacturers and component suppliers.
Tata Electronics said it continues to investigate the incident and has activated its response mechanisms. Reuters reported that investigations by Tata, Apple and cybersecurity experts are ongoing to determine the scope and impact of the breach.
