Internet Archive to Return Soon After Cyberattack: Update from Founder

The Internet Archive: Resurgence After Cyberattack

The Internet Archive, a renowned digital library, has been temporarily taken offline following a significant cyberattack that impacted its services, including the widely-used Wayback Machine. Brewster Kahle, the founder of the Internet Archive, provided an update indicating that the organization expects to restore its services within days.

What Happened?

Earlier this week, the Internet Archive experienced a data breach combined with a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack. This incident exposed sensitive information tied to over 31 million unique email addresses, including:

• Email addresses
• Screen names
• Password change timestamps
• Other associated data

Message from the Founder

Kahle reassured users that while services are currently offline, “The data is safe. Services are offline as we examine and strengthen them.” His statement emphasized the importance of taking necessary precautions to secure the archive, noting that the team is working diligently to address the situation. The timeline for the restoration of services is projected to be a matter of days, not weeks.

The Hacker's Claim

In the midst of this crisis, a hacker claimed in a pop-up announcement that the Internet Archive had undergone a "catastrophic security breach." This claim was echoed by cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt, founder of Have I Been Pwned, who confirmed receiving a file containing the exposed data. Users registered on his site can check if their information has been compromised through the breach.

What’s Next?

As the Internet Archive conducts a thorough examination of their systems, they encourage users to stay informed about updates regarding access restoration. Support from the community has been invaluable during this challenging time, highlighting the role that digital libraries play in preserving our collective memory.

Conclusion

The Internet Archive is working hard to restore access after the recent cyberattack. Users are urged to remain patient as the team strengthens security measures to prevent future breaches. For further updates, check back on their official website or follow them on social media.

Stay Updated

For ongoing developments regarding the Internet Archive’s situation, consider following reputable news sources and cybersecurity experts on social media.