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A Devastating Blow to Internet Preservation: Archive.org Data Breach Exposes 31 Million User Records


The internet's digital library has been compromised in a devastating data breach, exposing 31 million records containing sensitive user information. Learn more about the breach and what you can do to protect your online accounts.

  • Archive.org, a digital library, suffered a devastating data breach exposing approximately 31 million records containing sensitive user information.
  • The breach was caused by a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack on the website's security.
  • The incident raises concerns about online security and data protection, especially given archive.org's role in preserving internet history.
  • Users are advised to take immediate action to protect their online accounts, including checking with Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) for compromised email addresses.
  • The breach highlights the need for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in robust security measures to safeguard user data.


  • Archive.org, a digital library that has been preserving the entirety of the internet since its inception, has fallen victim to a devastating data breach. The attack, which occurred in September, exposed approximately 31 million records containing sensitive information about users, including email addresses and bcrypt-hashed passwords.

    The breach was first reported by Have I Been Pwned (HIBP), a reputable site that tracks data breaches and provides tools for individuals to protect their online accounts. According to HIBP, the compromise occurred when archive.org's website was compromised in a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack. Despite efforts to mitigate the damage, an astonishing number of records were exposed, leaving millions of users vulnerable to potential attacks.

    The breach is particularly concerning given archive.org's role as a trusted repository for internet history. The organization has been instrumental in preserving web pages, emails, and other digital artifacts from the past three decades. Its dedication to preserving online content has made it an invaluable resource for researchers, historians, and enthusiasts alike.

    However, the data breach raises questions about the security measures in place at archive.org and the potential consequences of such a breach on its users. With over 31 million records exposed, it is likely that many individuals will be affected by this incident. As a result, it is essential for users to take immediate action to protect their online accounts.

    In response to the breach, archive.org has acknowledged the incident and taken steps to address the issue. According to Brewster Kahle, the organization's founder, the site was subjected to a DDoS attack, which compromised the security of the website. While the exact cause of the attack is still under investigation, it is clear that the breach was a result of a sophisticated cyberattack.

    The impact of this breach cannot be overstated. The exposure of 31 million user records raises significant concerns about online security and data protection. As more individuals become increasingly reliant on digital services, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be stressed enough. This incident serves as a stark reminder that even reputable organizations like archive.org can fall victim to cyberattacks.

    In light of this breach, it is essential for individuals to take proactive steps to protect their online accounts. Users are advised to visit Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) to check if their email address has been compromised and to follow the recommended security measures to prevent potential attacks.

    The data breach at archive.org also highlights the need for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in robust security measures to protect sensitive user data. As more digital services become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, it is crucial that organizations like archive.org take proactive steps to safeguard their users' information.

    In conclusion, the devastating data breach at archive.org serves as a stark reminder of the importance of online security and data protection. The exposure of 31 million user records has far-reaching consequences, and individuals must take immediate action to protect their online accounts. As we move forward, it is essential that organizations prioritize cybersecurity measures to prevent similar breaches in the future.



    Related Information:

  • https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/10/archive-org-a-repository-storing-the-entire-history-of-the-internet-has-been-hacked/


  • Published: Wed Oct 9 22:46:36 2024 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M













         


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