4chan Back Online After Major Hack, But Not Without Changes
In a significant development, the infamous imageboard 4chan is once again operational, albeit with some notable exceptions. The website, known for its anonymous user base and often controversial content, was taken down two weeks ago after a hacker gained access to its servers. The cyber attack, which was confirmed by 4chan’s team in a rare blog post, resulted in the compromise of the site’s source code and significant disruption to its services.
According to 4chan’s blog, the hack was made possible by the site’s outdated software, which was exploited by a hacker using a PDF upload. The breach was described as "catastrophic," with the site’s failure to update its code and lack of funds being major contributing factors. The scarcity of funds, in turn, is attributed to the site’s notorious reputation, which has made it difficult to attract advertisers.
The two-week outage has given 4chan’s development team an opportunity to patch up security vulnerabilities and bring on new volunteers. The compromised server has been replaced, and the site’s software has been updated. While full functionality has not yet been restored, users are flocking back to the site, and posts are largely business as usual.
However, not all of 4chan’s features will be returning. The Flash board /f/, which was vulnerable to exploits using .swf files, has been permanently shut down. This move was likely inevitable, given Adobe’s decision to end support for Flash Player in 2020. The ability to upload PDFs, which was temporarily disabled following the hack, is expected to return soon.
4chan’s history is marked by controversy, having been a breeding ground for memes, hacktivist groups like Anonymous, and far-right conspiracy theories like QAnon. The site’s return to operation is a significant development, but it will be interesting to see how it navigates the challenges of maintaining security and attracting funding in the face of its troubled reputation.
As the internet landscape continues to evolve, the story of 4chan serves as a reminder of the importance of online security and the need for websites to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. With its return, 4chan will likely continue to be a hub for online discussion and debate, albeit with a newfound emphasis on security and a changed landscape.
