Kudankulam files on dark web: Inside the alleged data leak, Pg21

Key Highlights:

• A large cache of files purportedly linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) was leaked on the dark web by the ransomware group World Leaks.
• The data, comprising 14.3 GB and 18,997 files, is allegedly linked to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group, specifically Reliance Infrastructure Ltd.
• Reliance Infrastructure Ltd was awarded the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract in 2018 for the plant’s non-nuclear Balance of Plant (BoP) facilities.
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) clarified that the leaked information does not pertain to nuclear safety or security systems, only to conventional BoP facilities.
• The leak primarily concerns Units 3 and 4 of KKNPP, which are currently under construction and expected to be operational by 2027.

Detailed Insights:

• The leaked dataset includes internal documents such as inspection records, engineering design files, meeting minutes, and correspondence between Reliance Infrastructure and NPCIL.
• Reliance Group confirmed a "partial breach" on a server hosted by third-party data center service provider Yotta, and the government was informed.
• Yotta noted suspicious activity on May 29, which was terminated, preventing suspected ransomware execution.
• KKNPP is located in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, and features six units of Pressurised Water Reactors (VVER design) developed in collaboration with Russia.
• Units 1 and 2 of KKNPP are already operational, contributing significantly to India's nuclear power generation capacity.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Dark Web: A part of the internet not indexed by search engines, requiring specific software for access, often used for illicit activities.
• Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts a victim's files, demanding a ransom payment to restore access.
• Balance of Plant (BoP): Refers to all components of a power plant, excluding the nuclear reactor itself, such as turbines, generators, and cooling systems.
• Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contract: A type of contract where a single contractor is responsible for all design, procurement, and construction activities.
• Pressurised Water Reactor (VVER design): A type of light-water nuclear reactor where the coolant (water) is kept under high pressure to prevent boiling in the core.