The Internet Archive, a non-profit digital library known for its Wayback Machine, has started to recover from a cyberattack that knocked it offline last week. The website is now accessible in a “provisional, read-only manner,” according to founder Brewster Kahle.
The attack, which occurred on October 9th, involved a data breach and a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. In addition to disrupting services, the attackers stole a user authentication database containing 31 million unique records.
While users can once again access the Wayback Machine to browse its vast collection of archived web pages, the ability to capture new pages remains disabled. Kahle and his team are gradually restoring services, prioritizing essential functions like email accounts and crawlers for National Libraries.
The Internet Archive has been offline for several days as staff work to strengthen its systems against future attacks. The organization is taking the incident seriously, recognizing the importance of its services for preserving digital history and providing access to information.
The Wayback Machine, a popular feature of the Internet Archive, allows users to revisit archived versions of websites, providing a glimpse into the evolution of the internet. Its temporary unavailability highlighted the vulnerability of digital resources and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.
The Internet Archive’s return, even in a limited capacity, is welcome news for researchers, historians, and anyone who relies on its vast collection of digital artifacts. As the organization continues to restore its services and enhance its security, users can expect a gradual return to full functionality.