Why in News?
A ransomware group allegedly accessed over 19,000 files related to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) through a contractor’s server, raising cybersecurity concerns.
Key Highlights
- The breach reportedly involved engineering documents, vendor details and conventional plant infrastructure files dating from 2016 to 2025.
- The leak originated from a third-party server (Yotta) used by the plant’s contractor.
- NPCIL clarified that the leaked data relates only to conventional balance of plant facilities and does not involve nuclear safety or security systems.
- Investigations are being carried out by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).
- This follows a similar cybersecurity incident in 2019, when malware affected the plant’s administrative network.
About Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP)
- Located in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
- Developed by NPCIL in collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom.
- Uses VVER (Water-Water Energetic Reactor), a Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) technology.
- Two 1,000 MW reactors are operational, while four additional units are under construction.
Significance
- Highlights the importance of cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
- Reinforces the need for secure third-party vendors and supply chains.
- Emphasises regular cyber audits and protection of strategic infrastructure.
Prelims Pointer
- NPCIL: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.
- CERT-In: Indian Computer Emergency Response Team. It functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- VVER: Water-Water Energetic Reactor (Russian Pressurised Water Reactor).
- Operator: NPCIL under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
[2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents?
1.Service providers
2.Intermediaries
3.Corporate bodies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[A] .1 and 2 only
[B] .2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3 only