Notorious Internet Messageboard 4chan Hacked, Posts Claim
The infamous online forum 4chan has been hit by a alleged cyber attack, with posts circulating online claiming that the site's backend infrastructure has been compromised. The news comes as no surprise to cybersecurity experts, who have long been aware of the site's reputation for hosting a range of subcultures and extremist groups.
According to reports, the alleged hack first surfaced when a defunct section of the site sprang back to life with the words "U GOT HACKED" emblazoned across the top. Screenshots purporting to show 4chan's backend infrastructure were publicly circulating online, which Alon Gal, co-founder of Israeli cybercrime monitoring company Hudson Rock, described as looking "legit."
Gal cited the screenshots as evidence of a breach, and said that TechCrunch had confirmed with an unnamed 4chan moderator that they had no reason to dispute their authenticity. The site was only intermittently available on Tuesday (Apr 15), adding to the sense of unease among users.
Reuters was unable to immediately confirm the details of the incident, nor who might be behind the alleged hack. Messages sent to 4chan's press email went unreturned.
The Dark History of 4chan
Sparely designed, aggressively irreverent and lightly moderated, 4chan has long been notorious for serving as an incubator for some of the internet's most viral memes. It has also become a hub for extreme subcultures, including elements of America's far-right and misogynistic groups known as "incels."
The site's reputation for hosting gory videos and nonconsensual AI-generated pornography has been well-documented in recent years. Its history is marked by controversy and notoriety, making it a prime target for cyber attacks.
The Consequences of the Hack
In response to the alleged hack, 4chan released a video statement, which was shared with Reuters. However, the link provided in the message led to an unrelated and explicit four-minute video montage.
A request for further information about the site's security measures and plans for recovery went unanswered. The fact that 4chan's moderators were willing to share identifying details of their identities online raises serious concerns about the site's ability to maintain its anonymity and protect its users.
The Future of 4chan
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: 4chan has always been a wild card in the world of internet culture. Its reputation for hosting extremist groups and hosting explicit content has made it a target for cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies.
The question on everyone's mind now is what this alleged hack means for the future of 4chan, and how the site will recover from this setback. Will its notorious reputation continue to attract unwanted attention, or can the site take steps to revamp its security measures and move away from its troubled past?