# Archive.org Hacked: 31 Million Users’ Data Exposed
In a surprising incident, Archive.org, the non-profit entity famous for safeguarding the history of the internet, has been targeted by a cyberattack. The breach, which has compromised the personal information of around 31 million users, has stirred alarm across the online community, prompting worries about the protection of one of the most significant digital repositories available.
## The Incident Unfolds
Around 2 PM Pacific Time, social media platforms were inundated with posts and screenshots displaying a concerning message on Archive.org’s homepage. The announcement, which was visible for a short period before the site went offline, stated:
> **archive.org**
> “Ever feel like the Internet Archive operates on sticks and is teetering on the brink of a devastating security failure? That just became a reality. See 31 million of you on HIBP!”
The enigmatic message alluded to **Have I Been Pwned (HIBP)**, a prominent site that monitors data leaks and enables users to verify if their personal details have been compromised. The note suggested that the data belonging to 31 million Archive.org users had been exposed and would soon be visible on HIBP.
Following this announcement, Archive.org’s homepage became unreachable, displaying a notification that the site was undergoing temporary maintenance. Although the outage was short-lived, it was sufficient to ignite widespread apprehension and speculation regarding the severity of the breach.
## What Was Exposed?
As per **Have I Been Pwned**, the breach took place the previous month and exposed the following information:
– **Email addresses**
– **Usernames**
– **Bcrypt-hashed passwords**
While bcrypt is a robust password-hashing algorithm, the exposure of email addresses and usernames still presents a substantial threat. Cybercriminals might exploit this data for phishing schemes or seek to crack the bcrypt-hashed passwords using brute-force tactics.
## Archive.org’s Response
Brewster Kahle, the founder of Archive.org, initially addressed the situation by mentioning that the site had been subject to a **Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)** attack, which was the cause of the temporary downtime. However, as further information came to light, it became apparent that the situation was significantly more serious than a mere DDoS incident.
Currently, Archive.org has not released a comprehensive statement concerning the breach, but the organization has recognized the compromise and is reportedly working to fortify its systems. Users are urged to immediately change their passwords and activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on any accounts that use the same credentials.
## The Role of Have I Been Pwned
**Have I Been Pwned** (HIBP) has become an essential resource following data breaches, allowing individuals to verify if their personal information has been compromised. In this instance, HIBP swiftly confirmed the breach, including Archive.org in its expanding catalog of breached websites. Users can visit the HIBP site to determine if their email addresses were affected and take necessary steps to secure their accounts.
## The Importance of Archive.org
Archive.org, often called the **Internet Archive**, is among the most pivotal digital preservation initiatives in existence. It hosts the **Wayback Machine**, a resource that allows users to access archived versions of websites, and it preserves billions of web pages, books, videos, and various digital content. The site is vital for maintaining the history of the internet, making this breach particularly distressing for those who depend on its offerings.
The compromise of Archive.org not only raises alarms about user data security but also about the integrity of the extensive digital archive it upholds. While there are no indications that the actual content of the archive has been impacted, the breach serves as a harsh reminder of the vulnerabilities that even the most trusted institutions encounter in the digital era.
## What Happens Next?
As the investigation into the breach progresses, users of Archive.org are encouraged to take prompt measures to safeguard their accounts. Here are some suggested actions:
1. **Change your Archive.org password**: If you have an account on Archive.org, change your password without delay. Make sure the new password is strong and distinct.
2. **Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)**: If available, activate 2FA to provide an added layer of security to your account.
3. **Check Have I Been Pwned**: Go to the HIBP website to confirm if your email address was part of the breach. If it was, take further measures to secure any other accounts that may utilize the same credentials.
4. **Stay alert for phishing attempts**: Cybercriminals frequently leverage information from breaches to conduct targeted phishing operations. Remain cautious of any dubious emails or messages requesting personal details or leading you to unknown sites.
5. **Monitor your accounts**: Regularly check your email and other online accounts for any unusual activities. If you
