Kudankulam
Nuclear Power Plant Data Leak
Prelims:
Science & Technology, Infrastructure
Mains:
GS Paper
III- Science & Technology, Cyber Security, Internal
Security
Current relevance:
A cybersecurity
breach involving Kudankulam Nuclear
Power Plant (KKNPP) data came to light after cybercriminals leaked files on
the Dark Web following an attempted ransomware attack on Reliance
Infrastructure's third-party cloud server.
Highlights:
Background:
1.
The Kudankulam
Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is located in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, and
is operated by the Nuclear
Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
2.
A ransomware attack on a
third-party cloud server used by Reliance Infrastructure led to the leakage of operational
documents related to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP).
3.
Approximately 14.3 GB of
KKNPP-related data, part of a larger 1.2 TB dataset, was published on the Dark
Web after the ransom demand was reportedly not paid.
4.
The leaked data included engineering
blueprints, supplier details, equipment review documents, meeting and
inspection records, and insurance policy documents related to the
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant's operational infrastructure.
Ransomware Attack:
It is a type of malicious software (malware) that blocks access to systems or
steals data and demands payment (ransom)
to restore access or prevent public disclosure.
Dark web:
I.
It is a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search
engines and can only be accessed using specialized
software such as the Tor browser.
II.
It is used for both legitimate purposes, such as protecting privacy and
anonymous communication, and illegal
activities, including cybercrime, data trading, and ransomware operations.
Source: THE HINDU- https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-hindu-mumbai9wwd/20260717/281728391282532?srsltid=AfmBOorAAp6Zn2IrepvRWncuEid5Cn_P9mtsohKYZHahHg_jyxRVATSH