Cyberattack on Internet Archive Threatens Digital History

The pro-Palestinian hacktivist group SN_BlackMeta launched a large cyberattack against the Internet Archive, compromising the data of 31 million users, including email addresses and encrypted passwords. The attack used DDoS tactics to take down the website and deface its pages. Although the organization claimed credit, it is uncertain whether they were behind all components of the incident. Users are encouraged to update their passwords as a precaution, notwithstanding the bcrypt encryption. The Internet Archive is working on improving its security and restoring services.

Editor’s Note: When bad actors can target platforms committed to preserving knowledge, it raises concerns about the future of digital history and our ability to keep it. The internet is rapidly being exploited, not just by hackers but also by individuals who want to dominate narratives and delete unpopular facts. As these intrusions become more sophisticated and politically motivated, we risk losing important records documenting our history. In an age when so much of our history, culture, and discourse survives solely online, these attacks could create a digital “memory hole,” wiping fragments of our shared human experience. This should serve as a wake-up call to improve the security of our digital archives before it is too late.

Read Original Article