Ethical Hacking News
Archive.org, a repository storing the entire history of the Internet, has suffered a massive data breach. Approximately 31 million records containing email addresses and bcrypt-hashed passwords were exposed, highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and password management practices.
Archive.org, a significant repository of internet history, has suffered a massive data breach compromising 31 million users' sensitive information.The breach exposed email addresses and bcrypt-hashed passwords, which were temporarily inaccessible due to a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack.The incident highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and password management practices.Archive.org has committed to improving its security measures and protecting user information following the breach.The compromise underscores the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks, password management best practices, and continued investment in digital preservation initiatives.
In a shocking turn of events, one of the most significant repositories of internet history, Archive.org, has fallen victim to a massive data breach. The compromised archive revealed the sensitive information of approximately 31 million users, exposing their email addresses and bcrypt-hashed passwords.
For those unfamiliar with Archive.org, it is an online digital library that aims to preserve the entirety of human knowledge on the internet. Founded in 1996 by Brewster Kahle and Bruce Gilliat, the organization has been working tirelessly to capture and store websites, documents, books, music, movies, software, and other digital content from the early days of the web.
The breach occurred last month, and the compromised data was recently exposed on a popular website called Have I Been Pwned (HIBP), which specializes in breach notifications. HIBP reported that the compromise affected records containing email addresses, screen names, and bcrypt-hashed passwords from Archive.org's vast collection.
According to Brewster Kahle, Archive.org's founder and current chief, the organization came under a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack, which temporarily crippled its website. The attack is believed to be the work of hackers who exploited vulnerabilities in the archive's systems, leading to the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data.
This data breach has significant implications for users whose information was compromised. While some may feel fortunate that their credentials were not accessed by malicious actors, it highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and password management practices. HIBP provided a helpful resource for affected users, allowing them to check if their email addresses had been exposed in the breach.
The incident raises questions about the long-term sustainability of Archive.org's mission to preserve internet history. While the organization has made significant strides in capturing and storing digital content, the compromise highlights the need for continued investment in cybersecurity and infrastructure protection.
In a statement on social media, Brewster Kahle acknowledged the breach and expressed appreciation for users' patience during the DDoS attack. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between hackers and online security professionals.
In response to this data breach, Archive.org has emphasized its commitment to improving its security measures and protecting user information. As the organization continues to navigate this challenging landscape, it is essential for users to remain vigilant about their digital safety and take proactive steps to safeguard their personal data.
The recent compromise of Archive.org serves as a wake-up call for individuals, organizations, and policymakers alike. It underscores the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks, password management best practices, and continued investment in digital preservation initiatives.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we acknowledge the significance of internet archives like Archive.org and the critical role they play in preserving our collective online heritage.
Related Information:
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/10/archive-org-a-repository-storing-the-entire-history-of-the-internet-has-been-hacked/
https://www.allsides.com/news/2024-10-09-1815/technology-archiveorg-repository-storing-entire-history-internet-has-been
https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/archive-org-a-repository-storing-the-entire-history-of-the-internet-has-been-hacked.1503447/
Published: Wed Oct 9 21:25:46 2024 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
