Washington – The Internet Archive, an online repository of web pages, fell victim to a major cyberattack resulting in the exposure of millions of users’ data and defacement of the site. The attack, believed to be orchestrated by pro-Palestinian hacktivists, highlights the escalating threat of cybersecurity breaches leading up to the US presidential election on November 5.
Brewster Kahle, the founder of the Internet Archive, confirmed the series of DDoS attacks and security breaches on the nonprofit organization’s website, urging swift security upgrades. The hackers managed to breach user information such as usernames, emails, and passwords, causing disruptions to the site.
Despite the attack, Kahle assured users that the archived data remained intact and that efforts were underway to restore services promptly. The hackers, known as “SN_BLACKMETA,” claimed responsibility for the breach, alleging political reasons behind the cyberattack.
The Internet Archive, established in 1996, aims to preserve internet history and advocate for an open and free online environment. This cyber assault is a stark reminder of the increasing cyber threats faced by organizations worldwide.
Overall, the Internet Archive’s struggle against the cyberattack underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect user data and ensure the integrity of online platforms.