Data Breach Summary
The Internet Archive has disclosed a security incident involving unauthorized access to its customer service platform, potentially compromising personal information of certain users. The Internet Archive has confirmed a major security breach affecting its popular web archiving service, The Wayback Machine. The breach, orchestrated by a threat actor, resulted in the theft of a user authentication database containing 31 million unique records.
While the company has not found evidence of misuse, they are notifying affected individuals and taking steps to help mitigate potential risks. Individuals associated with Internet Archive, are advised to remain vigilant for any suspicious activity related to their personal information. Monitoring financial statements, changing passwords, and being cautious of phishing attempts are recommended steps to protect against potential misuse of compromised data. To learn more about how to protect yourself after such incidents, explore this resource on how to respond to a data breach incident and understand the steps you can take.
On October 20, 2024, the Internet Archive detected suspicious activity within its customer service system. An investigation revealed that between October 17 and October 20, 2024, an unauthorized party gained access to the platform, which contained user request information.
Upon discovering the breach, the organization acted swiftly to terminate the unauthorized access and launched an investigation to assess the extent of the compromise. The Investigation confirmed that personal data was exposed during the breach, though the specific details of the compromised information have not yet been disclosed.
What Information Was Involved?
The breached data may include personal information such as:
If you received a data breach notification from Internet Archive, your personal information may have been compromised. While most victims are officially informed via a ‘‘notice of data breach” in the mail, the consequences—such as fraudulent transactions and identity theft—can begin long before you receive the notice.
Stay Alert for Phishing Scams
Scammers may try to take advantage of the data breach by posing as Internet Archive. Be wary of unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls requesting personal information. When in doubt, verify any communication directly with the company through official channels.
Monitor Your Credit and Financial Accounts
Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit card activity, and credit reports for any unauthorized transactions. Set up account alerts to catch suspicious activity early. Take advantage of free credit reports and review them carefully for unfamiliar accounts or discrepancies.
Consider Freezing Your Credit
For added protection, request a credit freeze from all three major credit bureaus. This prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name while still allowing you to use your existing credit. If you need to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze when necessary.
Class Action U, in partnership with KO Lawyers, is supporting individuals impacted by the Internet Archive data breach. If your information was exposed in this breach, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.
Class action lawsuits allow individuals affected by large-scale data breaches like the Internet Archive, incident to come together and pursue compensation collectively. These lawsuits can provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to hold companies accountable for failing to protect personal information. Learn how joining a class action lawsuit can potentially help you to seek compensation for:
A successful case could also compel Internet Archive, to improve its security measures and prevent future breaches. Reach out to Class Action U today to determine your eligibility for a data breach class action lawsuit and the compensation that may be available to you.
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