Summary
The Internet Archive has experienced a significant data breach that has compromised the personal information of approximately 31 million users, including email addresses, usernames, and hashed passwords. This incident has coincided with ongoing Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks that have rendered the Archive’s services, including the Wayback Machine, temporarily inaccessible.
The breach was first identified on October 9, 2024, when a JavaScript alert appeared on the Internet Archive’s website, informing visitors of the security incident. The compromised data was shared in a 6.4GB SQL file, which included sensitive user information. Internet Archive founder Brewster Kahle confirmed the breach and outlined the organization’s response, which included disabling the JavaScript library exploited during the attack and enhancing security measures. The DDoS attacks, attributed to a group called SN_BlackMeta, targeted the Archive due to perceived affiliations with the U.S. government, and they claimed responsibility for the assaults, which they described as a protest against U.S. support for Israel amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Impact of the Data Breach
- Compromised Information: The breach exposed user records, including email addresses, screen names, and bcrypt-hashed passwords. While bcrypt hashing provides a level of security, users are still advised to change their passwords, especially if they have reused them across multiple platforms.
- Ongoing DDoS Attacks: The Internet Archive has been under sustained DDoS attacks, which have disrupted access to its services. These attacks have been characterized by overwhelming traffic aimed at incapacitating the website, and they have been ongoing since October 8, 2024.
- Community Response: The hacking incident has sparked backlash from the online community, with many users emphasizing the importance of the Internet Archive as a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving digital history. Critics of the attackers argue that targeting the Archive undermines access to valuable resources and information.
Security Measures and Future Actions
In response to the breach, the Internet Archive has initiated several security upgrades to protect user data and restore services. The organization is scrubbing its systems and enhancing security protocols to prevent future incidents. Users are encouraged to stay informed through the Archive’s social media channels and to take proactive steps in safeguarding their accounts.
Internet Archive Data breach: How Wayback Machine hacking could impact 31 million users
Oct. 11 / The Sun / Ben Lovejoy highlights the ongoing DDoS attacks and their effects on the Internet Archive's services. The discussion of the breach's implications for users is informative, though it lacks unique insights. “ THE Internet Archive fell victim to a major cyberattack in fall 2024, along with its digital library and Wayback Machine. The data of millions of users has...
Hackers Claim 'Catastrophic' Internet Archive Attack - Newsweek
Oct. 10 / Google News / Calls attention to the catastrophic impact of the Internet Archive attack, highlighting the scale of the data breach and DDoS attacks. The piece effectively synthesizes information from multiple sources for clarity. “ Hackers Claim 'Catastrophic' Internet Archive Attack NewsweekInternet Archive hacked, data breach impacts 31 million users BleepingComputerInternet History...
Cut The Truth Out Of Our Heads
Oct. 14 / Zerohedge / Focuses on the dual nature of the attack, covering both the data breach and DDoS incidents. The mention of previous attacks adds context, but the article could benefit from a more nuanced examination of motivations. “ Authored by Jeffrey Tucker via The Brownstone Institute, The censors are losing patience . They have gone from regretting the existence of free speech and...
Oct. 10 / Benzinga / This article presents a straightforward overview of the breach, including essential details about the compromised data. However, it lacks deeper analysis and context, making it less engaging than others. “ US Politics Trump Vs. Harris: New Poll Shows Pennsylvania May Flip As Vice President’s Support Among This Key Group Deteriorates Ahead Of Trump Vs. Harris...
Internet Archive under siege as data breach revealed amid DDoS attack
Oct. 10 / The Daily Dot / Mikael Thalen provides a detailed account of the hacking group's motivations and community backlash, emphasizing the Internet Archive's significance. The article effectively captures the outrage against the attackers. “ Mikael Thalen is a tech and security reporter covering social media, data breaches, hackers, and more.
Hacktivists Claim Responsibility for Taking Down the Internet Archive
Oct. 10 / Gizmodo / Matthew Gault's piece delves into the motivations behind the attack, linking it to broader geopolitical issues. The exploration of the hacktivist group's ideology provides a unique perspective on the incident. “ The Internet Archive and Wayback Machine went down on Tuesday following a sustained cyber attack. In addition, the Archive’s user data has been compromised....
Hackers Claim 'Catastrophic' Internet Archive Attack
Oct. 10 / Newsweek / Offers a concise summary of the breach, including hacker claims and implications for users. The focus on the Internet Archive's mission and the response from founder Brewster Kahle adds depth to the narrative. “ A group linked to a pro-Palestinian hacktivist movement has launched a catastrophic cyberattack revealing the details of 31 million people, compromising...
Oct. 10 / Pc Gamer / Highlights the broader implications of the breach, connecting it to ongoing legal challenges faced by the Internet Archive. The exploration of the organization's mission adds a valuable layer to the narrative. “ The Internet Archive—the online repository of, well, pretty much everything —is under attack. It's been hit by a series of DDOSes that have rendered the site...
Internet Archive data breach exposes 31M users; under DDoS attack
Oct. 10 / 9to5 Mac / This piece emphasizes the urgency for users to change their passwords, reinforcing the breach's seriousness. While informative, it doesn't delve deeply into the motivations behind the attacks or community reactions. “ An Internet Archive data breach has been confirmed by the organisation, which has also been suffering Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. The home...