The controversial imageboard 4chan has resumed operations following a significant security breach that led to nearly two weeks of downtime. The site initially went offline on April 14, 2025, after a hacker exploited a vulnerability through a fraudulent PDF upload, gaining unauthorized access to one of 4chan’s servers. This breach resulted in the exfiltration of database tables and a substantial portion of the site’s source code. The hacker also leaked sensitive information, including lists of moderators and janitors, individuals responsible for content moderation. One such janitor confirmed the authenticity of the leaked data.
The attack’s impact was described as catastrophic by 4chan’s administrators. In a statement, they attributed the breach to a lack of skilled personnel and chronic financial constraints. They highlighted that for years, the site has been starved of money due to advertisers, payment providers, and service providers withdrawing support under external pressures. This financial strain has hindered necessary updates to the site’s code and infrastructure, leaving it vulnerable to such attacks.
Historically, 4chan has faced challenges in securing advertising revenue. The site’s unmoderated and often controversial content has deterred many advertisers. Additionally, a significant portion of its user base employs ad-blockers, further diminishing potential ad revenue. In 2016, Hiroyuki Nishimura, 4chan’s owner, acknowledged these financial difficulties, noting that the site could no longer afford its infrastructure costs. He proposed several measures to address the situation, including reducing image upload sizes, closing certain boards, increasing the number of advertisements, and enhancing features for premium users.
The site’s financial woes have also attracted attention from notable figures. In 2016, Martin Shkreli, the former CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals, expressed interest in assisting 4chan. Shkreli, known for his controversial business practices, offered to join the site’s board of directors. However, it remains unclear whether any formal agreement was reached between Shkreli and 4chan’s administration.
In response to the recent breach, 4chan has implemented several security measures. The compromised server has been replaced, and certain functionalities have been temporarily disabled. For instance, PDF uploads are currently suspended, and the board dedicated to sharing Flash animations remains offline due to potential security risks associated with .swf files. As of April 27, 2025, the site’s status checker indicated that while the boards and front page were accessible, some features such as posting, images, and thumbnails were still being restored.
Despite these challenges, 4chan’s administrators remain resolute. In a recent blog post, they stated, 4chan is back. No other website can replace it, or this community. No matter how hard it is, we are not giving up. This determination underscores their commitment to maintaining the platform, even in the face of financial and security adversities.
The future of 4chan remains uncertain. The site continues to grapple with financial instability and the need for enhanced security measures. The recent breach has highlighted vulnerabilities that require immediate attention. Moreover, the site’s controversial content poses ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining advertisers and service providers. As 4chan navigates these issues, its ability to adapt and implement sustainable solutions will be crucial in determining its longevity and relevance in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
