Jessica Heygate
Updated on: October 17, 2024 10:46 am GMT
The Internet Archive, a widely used digital library that preserves websites, books, music, and more, has come under serious attack, compromising the data of approximately 31 million users. Once a reliable online resource, the Archive is now facing significant challenges following a security breach and a series of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
Details of the Breach
On Wednesday afternoon, visitors to the Internet Archive’s website were met with a startling pop-up that read: “Have you ever felt like the Internet Archive runs on sticks and is constantly on the verge of suffering a catastrophic security breach? It just happened.” This alarming message hinted at a breach that has left many users concerned about their personal information.
Troy Hunt, the operator of the data-checking site Have I Been Pwned? (HIBP), confirmed that he received a file containing sensitive information from the Internet Archive. The contents of this file include email addresses, screen names, password change timestamps, and Bcrypt-hashed passwords for 31 million unique accounts. Hunt noted that 54 percent of these accounts were already known from earlier breaches, raising further concerns about ongoing security issues in the digital realm.
What Happened Next?
Following the discovery of the breach, the situation escalated. Hunt reached out to the Internet Archive on October 6 to inform them of the breach. However, the chaos intensified when the Archive’s site experienced a DDoS attack on the same day users were being notified about the breach. As of October 9, visitors reported that the main site was down, displaying messages indicating services were temporarily offline.
Notably, Jason Scott, an archivist at the Internet Archive, confirmed via social media that the site was indeed under a DDoS attack. He stated, “According to their Twitter, they’re doing it just to do it. Just because they can.” This insight suggests a lack of clear motivation behind the attack, further complicating efforts to restore the site’s functionality.
The Attackers
An account on X (formerly Twitter) identified as SN_Blackmeta claimed responsibility for the DDoS attacks. Their messages included obscure statements implying the attack was a demonstration of power, as they stated, “This platform belongs to the USA.” This organization previously attacked the Archive in May, suggesting a troubling pattern of disruption aimed at the digital library.
Brewster Kahle, the founder of the Internet Archive, has been actively updating users about the situation on X. He communicated that efforts are underway to restore the site’s services and emphasized the organization is working diligently to address both security concerns and operational challenges.
Implications for Users
The breach poses serious implications for users of the Internet Archive. With personal data potentially exposed, affected users are advised to take proactive measures:
- Change Passwords: Users should update their passwords immediately, especially if they use the same credentials across multiple sites.
- Monitor Accounts: Keep an eye on accounts for any suspicious activity.
- Use HIBP: Visit Have I Been Pwned? to see if your email has been involved in previous breaches.
Future Outlook
As the Internet Archive navigates this troubling time, questions remain about long-term security enhancements and preventive measures that may be implemented. Cybersecurity experts recommend that organizations always prioritize user data protection and establish robust protocols to prevent breaches.
Many users are calling for transparency from the Internet Archive about their security practices and the steps they are taking to safeguard their information moving forward.
Monitoring Updates
While the current status of the Internet Archive remains uncertain, users are encouraged to stay informed through their official social media channels for updates on restoration efforts. The investigation into the breach is ongoing, and the Internet Archive has yet to release comprehensive details about the incident or the nature of the DDoS attacks.
As digital resources increasingly rely on stringent security measures, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can threaten even the most established online libraries. The hope is that, through this challenging situation, the Internet Archive can emerge stronger and more secure, ensuring that they continue to fulfill their mission of preserving knowledge for future generations.
The recent attacks on the Internet Archive show how important it is to have better security for all online platforms. People need to stay alert and take steps to keep their personal information safe in our growing digital world.
