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The Internet Archive, a vital hub for digital history and preservation, has become the latest target of a coordinated cyberattack, severely disrupting its services and leading to a catastrophic breach of user data. The hacktivist group BlackMeta has claimed responsibility for the attack, which not only crippled the platform with a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack but also resulted in the theft of credentials for all 31 million registered users. This attack has raised serious concerns about the future security of nonprofit digital platforms and the safety of personal data online.

The assault began on October 8, 2024, when BlackMeta launched a wave of DDoS attacks, bringing down the Internet Archive’s services, including the widely-used Wayback Machine. For hours, users were unable to access the platform, which provides free access to archived web pages, digital content, and cultural records. BlackMeta, a politically motivated hacktivist group, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce their involvement, justifying the attack as a protest against U.S. foreign policy, despite the fact that the Internet Archive is a nonprofit, independent organization.

The situation quickly escalated when it was revealed that BlackMeta had also stolen the credentials of 31 million users. This included usernames, encrypted passwords, and email addresses, with reports indicating that the stolen information has already surfaced on the dark web. Although the passwords were encrypted, cybersecurity experts warn that users who reuse the same credentials across multiple platforms are at heightened risk of identity theft and unauthorized access to other accounts.

Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive, confirmed the attack and stated that the team is working tirelessly to restore the platform’s functionality while bolstering its cybersecurity defenses. “This attack has severely impacted our ability to provide access to the world’s digital history. We are doing everything in our power to bring the service back online while ensuring that user data remains safe,” Kahle said in a statement.

How Users Can Protect Themselves

In light of the breach, security experts are urging all Internet Archive users to take immediate precautions to protect their accounts and personal information. Here are some recommended steps:

1. Change Passwords Immediately: All users should update their Internet Archive account passwords as soon as possible. Additionally, if the same password is used for other accounts, those should be changed as well. Opt for strong, unique passwords for each service.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Wherever possible, users should activate 2FA for an added layer of protection. This extra step makes it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access, even if they possess the correct password.
3. Adopt a Password Manager: A password manager can help users create and store strong, random passwords across multiple platforms. This practice minimizes the risk of future breaches stemming from weak or reused passwords.
4. Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Affected users should closely monitor their online accounts for any unusual behavior, including unauthorized login attempts, password reset requests, or suspicious emails.
5. Use Dark Web Monitoring Services: Tools that monitor the dark web for stolen credentials can notify users if their personal data appears in databases circulating in underground networks. Acting quickly in response to such alerts can help mitigate further damage.
6. Regularly Update Security Information: Keeping recovery information like backup emails and phone numbers up to date is crucial to regaining account access in case of compromise.

Legal and Operational Challenges

The attack comes at a particularly difficult time for the Internet Archive, which is already dealing with ongoing legal battles surrounding ebook copyrights. The organization recently lost a significant appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals, and this breach adds yet another layer of challenge for the digital platform.

While nonprofit organizations like the Internet Archive often lack the resources of large tech companies, this attack highlights the increasing necessity for robust cybersecurity measures, even for platforms that serve public and cultural interests. Hacktivist groups, like BlackMeta, demonstrate how politically motivated cyberattacks can threaten the security of vital online resources.

The breach has sparked discussions across the tech and nonprofit sectors regarding the future of digital security. As more services move online and provide access to vast libraries of content, the risk of cyberattacks increases. Nonprofit organizations, in particular, need to strengthen their defenses to protect the privacy and data of their users.

As the Internet Archive works around the clock to restore its services, users are left navigating the fallout from one of the largest security breaches to hit a nonprofit digital platform in recent history. While Kahle and his team are determined to bring back full functionality, the incident serves as a stark reminder that even organizations dedicated to preserving history must be vigilant in protecting their present.

Source: Internet Archive Suffers DDoS Attack as 31 Million User Credentials Stolen