An archive is a stored collection of files or documents kept together for organization, transfer, backup, or long-term retention. In cyber security, an archive may be a zip file, backup set, document bundle, or shared repository that groups sensitive data such as personnel records, customer files, contracts, or internal reports.
Archives matter because attackers often single them out in extortion claims: if a threat actor says it has “the archive,” it may be trying to imply access to a large, valuable set of documents. Defenders should verify what the archive contains, who can access it, and whether it was actually copied or altered. Good controls include access restriction, encryption, logging, and tested backups, which reduce both exposure and the pressure created by false or partial claims.