The Internet Archive is set to resume operations within a few days after facing a cyberattack that impacted its extensive digital library and the Wayback Machine. The organization has been grappling with the consequences of a data breach and a DDoS attack that occurred earlier this week, which compromised information related to over 31 million unique email addresses, including details such as email addresses, screen names, and timestamps for password changes.
As a result, users attempting to access the website currently encounter a notice indicating that the site is temporarily offline.
In an update shared by founder Brewster Kahle, he reassured users that while services are offline, the data remains secure. Kahle explained that this downtime is necessary for examining and reinforcing their systems to prevent future breaches.
He emphasized that the team is diligently working to restore services, projecting that they will be back online in “days, not weeks.” His lighthearted acknowledgment of supporters offering pizza shows the team’s commitment to overcoming the situation.
Internet Archive Prepares to Resume Services After Cyberattack Compromises User Data
The cyberattack received significant attention after a pop-up from a self-proclaimed hacker claimed the Internet Archive had undergone a “catastrophic security breach.” This prompted Troy Hunt, the founder of Have I Been Pwned, to verify that he had received a file containing the compromised data.
He indicated that registered users on his platform would be alerted if their information was part of the breach, highlighting the broader implications for user security.
Despite the serious nature of the incident, Kahle and the Internet Archive staff remain optimistic about the future. Their proactive approach to securing their systems and addressing the breach reflects their commitment to user safety and the preservation of digital content.
The incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by digital platforms, but the swift response from both the Internet Archive and the cybersecurity community offers reassurance to users.
