Massive 4chan Hack: Source Code, User Data Leaked by Rival Forum

April 15, 2025
Massive 4chan Hack: Source Code, User Data Leaked by Rival Forum
  • As of now, 4chan has not issued any official statements regarding the outage or breach, although its front page remains accessible globally.

  • While speculation circulated about the presence of moderators with .gov emails, Jared Holt, a US extremism expert, dismissed rumors of leaked email addresses from US universities or government employees as lacking credibility.

  • As users flocked to Soyjak Party, they reported difficulties adapting to its culture, highlighting the impact of the breach on 4chan's community.

  • Despite the severity of the hack, experts caution against prematurely declaring the end of 4chan, suggesting that rebuilding a more secure version could take months.

  • Users are advised to exercise caution with any links or files claiming to be from 4chan, as the potential for phishing risks has increased.

  • On April 14, 2025, thousands of users reported outages on 4chan, amid claims that the site had been hacked, with a rival forum, Soyjak Party, allegedly leaking its source code, moderator identities, and users' IP addresses.

  • The rival imageboard claimed responsibility for the breach, sharing screenshots that suggested access to 4chan's databases and administrative tools.

  • Concerns were raised about the outdated PHP version used by 4chan, as evidence of long-deprecated functions in the leaked screenshots indicated that the site was unpatched and vulnerable.

  • The event gained traction on social media, with notable posts on X (formerly Twitter) receiving widespread engagement, indicating significant public interest.

  • The leak poses a significant risk to individuals associated with 4chan, even those not directly involved in illicit activities, as it could expose personal information.

  • The hack raises concerns about user privacy and security, particularly given 4chan's history of hosting controversial content and its vulnerability due to years of inadequate maintenance.

  • Overall, the breach highlights the precarious nature of online anonymity and the potential for significant repercussions in the wake of such a security failure.

Summary based on 17 sources


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