Internet Archive is once again accessible

The Internet Archive looks to be back up and running in a useable fashion, although there is much work still to be done following the recent hack of the site. I have just checked the dedicated National Library of Scotland area at https://archive.org/details/nationallibraryofscotland, and it looks like all of its content is once again accessible.

The last update from the archive on its site was three days ago, written by Chris Freeland, Director of Library Services at Internet Archive:

In recovering from recent cyberattacks on October 8, the Internet Archive has resumed the Wayback Machine (starting October 13) and Archive-It (October 17), and as of today (October 21), has begun offering provisional availability of archive.org in a read-only manner. Features like uploading, borrowing, reviewing items, interlibrary loan, and other services are not yet available.

Please note that these services will have limited availability as we continue maintenance.

Hackers disclosed archive.org email and encrypted passwords to a transparency website, and also sent emails to patrons by exploiting a 3rd party helpdesk system.

The safety and integrity of the Internet Archive’s data and patrons remain our top priorities. As the security incident is analyzed and contained by our team, we are relaunching services as defenses are strengthened. These efforts are focused on reinforcing firewall systems and further protecting the data stores.

We appreciate your patience and support as we work through these challenges. For ongoing updates, please follow our blog and official social media channels on X/Twitter, Bluesky, and Mastodon.

We stand with all libraries that have faced similar attacks—British Library, Seattle Public Library, Toronto Public Library, and Calgary Public Library—and with the communities we serve. Thank you for standing with the Internet Archive as we continue to fight back on behalf of all affected readers.

Good luck to the archive on its continued recovery.

(Source: https://blog.archive.org/2024/10/21/internet-archive-services-update-2024-10-21/)

Chris

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