Wayback Machine cyber attacks: Everything you need to know

What if you could revisit a website exactly as it looked years ago, retrieve a deleted post, or even explore the forgotten corners of the web? That’s where the Wayback Machine comes in. This digital library, run by the nonprofit Internet Archive, captures snapshots of millions of web pages, preserving everything from obscure blogs to major news sites. For researchers, journalists, and everyday users, it’s an essential tool for understanding the evolution of the web—and even retrieving information lost to time.

However, last month, the Internet Archive faced a dual crisis that revealed just how vulnerable even the web’s “memory” can be. A series of Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks disrupted the Wayback Machine’s services, while a concurrent data breach exposed sensitive information from millions of users. 

As we look ahead to 2025, these attacks remind us that cybersecurity challenges aren’t limited to corporations or governments. Every time we browse, share, or archive, we face risks that go hand-in-hand with being online. Understanding what happened to the Wayback Machine can help us all think more critically about protecting ourselves—and the information we rely on—from those looking to exploit vulnerabilities.

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Breaking down the Wayback Machine attack: What happened?

The DDoS storm

It all began in early October 2024, when the Internet Archive’s servers were slammed by DDoS attacks. Picture a flood of traffic that overwhelms a website until it can’t function properly—just a sea of requests trying to drown the system. That’s what happened here. The Wayback Machine, typically a reliable portal to the past, was pushed offline. Users who counted on accessing archived web pages suddenly found themselves unable to retrieve information.

The disruption didn’t end quickly. The Internet Archive worked hard to restore basic services. By October 14, the Wayback Machine was back, but in a read-only mode. Users could browse what was already saved, but no new content could be added. It wasn’t until early November that full services, including the “Save Page Now” feature, were restored. 

The data breach uncovered

While the Internet Archive wrestled with these DDoS attacks, another crisis surfaced—a significant data breach. Over 31 million records were compromised. The breach revealed user data such as usernames, email addresses, and hashed passwords. These bcrypt-hashed passwords were somewhat protected but still raised concerns, as any data breach does. The scope of the breach was vast, touching a massive number of users who had ever interacted with the Internet Archive’s services.

Two problems, one coincidence?

With so much happening all at once, it’s no surprise that speculation swirled about a connection between the DDoS attacks and the data breach. A group known as SN_BlackMeta claimed responsibility for the DDoS attack, stating it was intended as a form of protest. However, questions remain about the legitimacy and true motives behind this claim, especially given the disruptive impact on a nonprofit dedicated to preserving digital history.

Unlike the DDoS attack, no specific group has publicly claimed responsibility for the breach. The breach was brought to light when details were shared with Troy Hunt, creator of “Have I Been Pwned?” Hunt later confirmed the data’s authenticity and noted that while the incidents appeared to occur in quick succession, they likely involved separate actors with distinct motivations.

Timeline of the Internet Archive cyber incidents

The impact of the attacks

When the Wayback Machine went down, the disruption was felt immediately. Everyday users suddenly found themselves cut off from a tool they relied on to verify facts, explore old web pages, or access digital archives that might otherwise be lost to time. Journalists, researchers, and casual users alike were locked out. For something often taken for granted, the outage was a jarring reminder of just how important access to preserved web content can be—and how quickly it can vanish.

Data exposure risks

While users grappled with the service outage, the concurrent data breach revealed an even more unsettling reality: over 31 million user records had been compromised. The data included usernames, email addresses, and bcrypt-hashed passwords. Although the hashing provides some level of security, it isn’t foolproof. For affected users, it raises very real concerns about phishing scams, credential stuffing, and other malicious exploits. The idea that personal data—entrusted to a nonprofit dedicated to preserving web history—could be weaponized was a wake-up call.

Nonprofits in the crosshairs

The incidents spotlighted the uphill battle nonprofits face when it comes to cybersecurity. Unlike large corporations with deep pockets and dedicated cybersecurity teams, the Internet Archive operates with limited resources. That makes defending against sophisticated attacks an even taller order. When trust is shaken and resources are stretched, the stakes are higher. The attacks have made clear just how vulnerable even public-interest institutions can be—and how much support they need to stay secure.

3  lessons learned from the Wayback Machine attacks

1. Reinforcing the need for cyber resilience

If there’s one takeaway from what happened to the Wayback Machine, it’s that even services we depend on the most can be brought to their knees by a well-coordinated attack. High-profile platforms, even those operated by nonprofits with good intentions, aren’t immune. In fact, their importance makes them attractive targets. Cyber resilience means building systems that don’t just defend against attacks but can also bounce back quickly when the worst happens. It’s a reminder to every organization—big or small—that staying vigilant is non-negotiable.

2. The rising tide of DDoS attacks

DDoS attacks aren’t new, but they’ve become increasingly common. Why? Because they’re effective, disruptive, and often used to make a statement. By flooding servers with traffic, attackers can bring down services people depend on in a matter of minutes. The Wayback Machine felt the full force of this tactic, and it’s a trend that shows no signs of slowing. The challenge now is finding better ways to mitigate these attacks, whether through technology, strategy, or better preparedness.

3. Staying aware of data breach risks

Then there’s the data breach. Even well-regarded platforms like the Internet Archive aren’t untouchable. When sensitive information—like usernames, email addresses, and hashed passwords—ends up exposed, it’s not just an organizational issue. It’s personal. The consequences of breaches range from phishing scams to identity theft and beyond. For users, it’s a stark reminder to stay proactive about their own security: changing passwords, using two-factor authentication, and staying informed about where and how their data is stored. 

How to protect yourself online from similar attacks

The Wayback Machine attacks served as a harsh reminder that cybersecurity threats are ever-present. But while the scope of those attacks was broad, there are practical steps all of us can take to keep our digital lives safer. Here are a few strategies worth considering:

Smart password management

Strong, unique passwords for every account might seem like a pain, but they’re one of the best defenses against unauthorized access. Reusing passwords is like leaving the same key under every doormat—it just makes you easier to target. A password manager like Keys takes the headache out of it, creating and storing complex passwords so you don’t have to. 

Double up with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Think of 2FA as adding another lock to your front door. Even if someone has your password, they’ll need a second verification step to break in—like a code sent to your phone or generated by an app. It makes stealing access to your accounts much harder, and in an age where breaches are everywhere, it’s an extra step that’s worth every second.

Regular data checkups

Data breaches don’t always announce themselves. You might be exposed and not even know it. Tools like “Have I Been Pwned?” help you check if your information has been compromised in a known breach. Staying informed gives you a chance to change passwords, secure your accounts, and stay one step ahead of potential threats.

Protect your privacy with a VPN

Using a VPN like ExpressVPN helps keep your online activity more secure and private. By encrypting your connection, it makes it tougher for outsiders—whether hackers, internet service providers, or data trackers—to monitor your movements on the web. While a VPN isn’t a silver bullet for every cyber threat, it helps shield your browsing habits and sensitive data from prying eyes. In the context of increasing data breaches and targeted attacks, having your traffic encrypted means an extra line of defense—one that makes you a more difficult target in a sea of exposed data.

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Mitigate DDoS attacks and service interruptions

DDoS attacks aren’t just a headache for large organizations. Smaller websites, independent services, and even personal projects can be targeted. Using cloud-based DDoS mitigation services offers extra protection, filtering out malicious traffic and keeping legitimate visitors connected. 

Securing the future of digital archives

The Internet Archive’s recent crisis was a wake-up call for nonprofits and digital archives everywhere. When cyberattacks target organizations dedicated to preserving the web’s history, it shows just how high the stakes really are. But it also reveals how much these institutions need to bolster their defenses.

• First, resilience starts with smart partnerships. Nonprofits often work with limited budgets, but collaboration can be a game-changer. Pooling resources with cybersecurity experts and similar organizations can stretch every dollar, strengthen defenses, and ensure everyone stays one step ahead of evolving threats. When one group learns something new, everyone should benefit.
• Next, it’s about staying transparent and building trust. People turn to digital archives because they believe in their mission. To keep that trust, these organizations need to communicate openly—whether it’s about how they’re handling data breaches or what steps they’re taking to improve security. A little transparency goes a long way toward reassuring users that their data and digital history are being safeguarded.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are also key. Cyber threats aren’t static; they morph and change. For digital archives and nonprofits, this means staying on top of new vulnerabilities and adjusting their strategies accordingly. Whether it’s regular security audits, staff training, or tapping into the latest tools and technologies, being prepared isn’t optional—it’s essential.