4chan Partially Returns Online After Major Hack
4chan, the controversial image-sharing platform, is returning online after an extended outage following a significant hack that lasted nearly two weeks. The site went offline on April 14 due to a breach that compromised user data and internal systems.
Details of the Hack
The hack was executed using a “bogus PDF upload” that allowed the intruder to access one of 4chan’s servers. This breach resulted in the leak of sensitive information, including a list of moderators and site staff. According to a janitor who spoke with TechCrunch, they were “confident” in the authenticity of the leaked data.
Community Reactions
The downtime led to dramatic commentary across the internet, with some declaring the platform’s end. Journalist Ryan Broderick, writing for Wired, stated that 4chan had transformed from a hub of internet culture to a platform associated with for extreme ideologies and behaviors. In response to critiques, the 4chan team posted defiantly on social media, questioning the claim that the site was “dead.”
Site Recovery Efforts
On Friday, following the tumult, 4chan resurfaced online, albeit with limitations. In a blog post, the site explained the extent of the damage, describing it as “catastrophic.” The attack was attributed to the lack of skilled developers and financial resources needed to maintain the site’s infrastructure. The post further noted that advertisers and payment processors had withdrawn support due to external pressures, complicating the site’s operational capabilities.
Changes and Limitations
As part of the recovery efforts, certain functionalities have been temporarily disabled. PDF uploads are no longer allowed, and the community board dedicated to Flash animations remains offline. These precautions are intended to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Status Update
As of Sunday afternoon, 4chan’s status checker indicates that the boards and front page are operational, although certain features like posting images and thumbnails are not yet functioning. The site reiterated its resilience, stating, “4chan is back. No other website can replace it, or this community. We are not giving up.”
