Internet Archive hacked, data breach impacts 31 million users

The Internet Archive, a non-profit digital library, has suffered a data breach affecting 31 million users. The breach involved the theft of user authentication data, including email addresses, screen names, password change timestamps, and Bcrypt-hashed passwords.

What happened?

The Internet Archive, a non-profit digital library, has suffered a data breach affecting 31 million users. The breach involved the theft of user authentication data, including email addresses, screen names, password change timestamps, and Bcrypt-hashed passwords.

What was stolen?

The stolen data includes:

• Email addresses
• Screen names
• Password change timestamps
• Bcrypt-hashed passwords

What is the impact?

The impact of the breach is significant, as it affects the privacy and security of the affected users. The stolen data could be used for various malicious activities, such as identity theft, unauthorized access to user accounts, and phishing attacks.

What is the response?

The Internet Archive has taken immediate action to address the breach. The organization has notified the affected users and is working on implementing additional security measures to protect user data.

What can users do?

Users are advised to change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication for their Internet Archive account.

What is the lesson?

The lesson to be learned from this breach is that users should be aware of the security measures in place for their accounts and take appropriate action to protect their data.

What is the future?

The future of the Internet Archive is uncertain, as the organization is facing a data breach and the potential loss of user trust.

How to protect yourself?

To protect yourself in the aftermath of this breach and prevent future security issues:

1. Change your password immediately

   • Create a strong, unique password
   • Don't reuse passwords across different services
   • Consider using a password manager

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

   • Set up 2FA on your Internet Archive account
   • Use an authenticator app rather than SMS-based 2FA when possible

3. Monitor your accounts

   • Watch for suspicious activity
   • Check your email for unauthorized access
   • Review login history if available

4. Be aware of phishing attempts

   • Be cautious of emails claiming to be from Internet Archive
   • Don't click on suspicious links
   • Verify communications through official channels

Technical Details

The breach was discovered when security researchers found the stolen data being offered for sale on a popular hacking forum. The use of Bcrypt hashing for passwords provides some protection, as it's a strong hashing algorithm that makes password cracking more difficult. However, users should still change their passwords as a precautionary measure.

Internet Archive's Statement

The Internet Archive released an official statement acknowledging the breach:

"We recently discovered unauthorized access to our user database. We take this incident very seriously and are working with cybersecurity experts to investigate the breach and strengthen our security measures. We recommend all users change their passwords immediately and enable two-factor authentication."

Timeline of Events

• February 20, 2025: Initial discovery of the breach
• February 21, 2025: Security team confirms unauthorized access
• February 22, 2025: Users notified via email
• February 23, 2025: Public announcement made
• February 24, 2025: Implementation of additional security measures begins

Long-term Implications

This incident raises important questions about the security of digital archives and non-profit organizations handling large amounts of user data. The Internet Archive has been a crucial resource for preserving digital history, and this breach may impact user trust and future donations.

Resources for Affected Users

• Official Internet Archive Security Update Page
• Password Security Best Practices
• How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication
• Data Breach FAQ

Conclusion

This breach serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong security practices, both for organizations and individual users. While the Internet Archive has responded promptly to the incident, it highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting user data in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

For the latest updates on this situation, users should monitor the Internet Archive's official communication channels and take necessary steps to secure their accounts.