Summary
The Wayback Machine, a service provided by the Internet Archive that allows users to access archived versions of web pages, has recently experienced a significant data breach and subsequent service disruption. The breach exposed the data of approximately 31 million users, including sensitive information such as email addresses and hashed passwords. Following the breach, the Internet Archive has also faced Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, further complicating its ability to operate normally.
In early October 2024, the Internet Archive confirmed that a threat actor had compromised its authentication database, leading to the leak of user information. The breach was first reported by Bleeping Computer, and the attacker made the database available online. In addition to the data breach, the Internet Archive has been under attack from a group claiming responsibility for DDoS attacks, which have intermittently taken the site offline. The attackers have expressed controversial political motives, asserting that the Internet Archive “belongs to the USA” and criticizing its content.
Impact on Services
As a result of these attacks, the Wayback Machine has transitioned to a read-only mode, preventing users from capturing new web pages for archiving. This has raised concerns about the preservation of internet history, particularly as the service has not been able to archive content since the attacks began. The Internet Archive has stated that it is working to enhance its security measures and restore full functionality, but the timeline for recovery remains uncertain.
Legal and Operational Challenges
The Internet Archive is also grappling with ongoing legal issues, including recent court rulings against its copyright practices. These challenges compound the difficulties posed by the recent cyberattacks, as the organization navigates both legal and operational hurdles while attempting to protect its users and restore its services. The combination of a data breach, DDoS attacks, and legal pressures places the future of the Internet Archive and its vital services in a precarious position, raising questions about the preservation of digital history and access to information.
The Internet Is Getting Flushed Down Orwell's Memory Hole
Nov. 3 / Zerohedge / Presents a thought-provoking critique of the implications of the breach for internet history, linking it to broader societal concerns. However, it veers into speculation, which may detract from its overall credibility. “ Authored by Stephen Green via PJMedia.com, “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” - George Orwell We...
Internet Archive data breach exposes more than 31 million user accounts: Reports
Oct. 10 / The Hill / Highlights the scale of the breach affecting 31 million users, providing a clear overview of the situation. However, it lacks depth regarding the implications for digital preservation and legal challenges. “ The Internet Archive, a popular digital library known for its Wayback Machine, was hacked and suffered a breach that reportedly exposed the data of 31...
Hacktivists Claim Responsibility for Taking Down the Internet Archive - Gizmodo
Oct. 10 / Google News / Offers a unique perspective by emphasizing the hacktivists' motives behind the DDoS attacks, framing the narrative within a political context. It effectively connects the breach to broader themes of censorship and control. “ Hacktivists Claim Responsibility for Taking Down the Internet Archive GizmodoInternet Archive hacked, data breach impacts 31 million users...
Internet Archive data breach exposes 31M users; under DDoS attack
Oct. 10 / 9to5 Mac / Provides a comprehensive account of both the data breach and DDoS attacks, including technical details about the compromised database. It also touches on legal troubles, making it a well-rounded source. “ An Internet Archive data breach has been confirmed by the organisation, which has also been suffering Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. The home...