Hackers Threaten to Release Reddit Data Unless API Changes Are Rolled Back

[MacRumors]

A ransomware group that hacked into Reddit's servers back in February is threatening to release stolen data if Reddit does not walk back its planned API changes, reports Bleeping Computer (via The Verge).

At the time of the hack, no one took credit, but ransomware group BlackCat yesterday said that it was responsible. 80GB of compressed data was stolen through a phishing attack, and BlackCat says that the data will be made public unless Reddit pays $4.5 million and withdraws the API pricing changes that will go into effect on July 1.

The group claims to have "interesting confidential data" that includes information on how Reddit tracks users and censors people. BlackCat does not anticipate Reddit cooperating, and says that it expects to leak the data.

At the time of the hack, Reddit said that no user passwords, accounts, or credit card details were impacted, but internal documentation, code, and internal dashboards and business systems were obtained.

BlackCat's demand for an API rollback comes as Reddit prepares to begin charging developers for access to its API. Reddit's fees are putting popular third-party Reddit clients like Apollo out of business, and the API changes have resulted in protests in the form of subreddit blackouts.

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman has said that Reddit has no plan to change its new API business model in light of the negative feedback, and it is unlikely that the company will change its API pricing due to the data leak threat.

Article Link: Hackers Threaten to Release Reddit Data Unless API Changes Are Rolled Back

 

[Think|Different]

Oh, really? Well, then...

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I’m willing to pay these hackers to watch them do it. 🤐

Reddit CEO deserves this. He started this fire now he’s going to be facing the consequences.

 

[Dwalls90]

Can't wait to read CEO Spez's book: How To Ruin A Company In 10 Days

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

And it continues…

 

[I7guy]

I’m willing to pay these hackers to watch them do it. 🤐

Reddit CEO deserves this. He started this fire now he’s going to be facing the consequences.

This country is a rule of law country. Blackmail has no standing.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

If you haven’t done it. Here’s your chance.
Make sure to save your Reddit posts.

 

[KaliYoni]

Reddit CEO deserves this.

Maybe. But what about the potential collateral damage to individual users? They haven’t done anything wrong here and the vast majority will not benefit in any way from the IPO.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

This country is a rule of law country. Blackmail has no standing.

Agreed! What if these hackers find a way to bring Apollo back?

 

[Radon87000]

I am still extremely sad that what’s the most used app on my iPhone will become history come July 1st. I simply cannot tolerate the official app so will just stop using Reddit. A shame.

 

[robbietop]

It's ironic and hilarious that nefarious and malicious actors have to blackmail a company to do the right thing.

 

[I7guy]

Agreed! What if these hackers find a way to bring Apollo back?

While the CEOs actions maybe are crappy and disenfranchise users by the time this story hit the wires I’m guessing the the FBI is already on this. Sounds like the ceo should up their security budget instead of pissing off developers.

 

[ninethirty]

I’m willing to pay these hackers to watch them do it. 🤐

Reddit CEO deserves this. He started this fire now he’s going to be facing the consequences.

Reddit hasn't done anything wrong. They're the ONLY social media company that hasn't been charging for API access. Just because people got used to something doesn't mean they have a right to that thing.

 

[FHoff]

I don’t understand why so many people still use Reddit The few times I've been there it seems like the cesspool of the internet.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

It's ironic that nefarious and malicious actors have to blackmail a company to do the right thing.

Maybe that’s what it’s going to take for Reddit to stay alive. The CEO is not bulging in and compromising. He doesn't care about the users. Reddit is Toast.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

Damn that escalated quickly

 

[dmr727]

I don’t understand why so many people still use Reddit The few times I've been there it seems like the cesspool of the internet.

Not all subs are the same. Especially on the technical side, there are (were?) a lot of knowledgable folks out there. It was especially invaluable now that an internet search usually results in AI created garbage these days.

 

[pdaholic]

A “phishing attack” was all it took to get 80 gigs of data? Lol even my grandmother knows how to avoid those scams.

 

[acconda81]

Dont give in to blackmailing low life scum!

 

[hirshnoc]

i imagine they will respond that they don't negotiate with terrorists.

 

[Yznel]

I’m here for this Robin Hood approach. Their CEO is nothing short of a tyrant who deserves any and all retribution.

 

[sziehr]

On the one hand hackers are evil, and they make things worse, and on the other hand they only stole things that hurt reddit and not Reddits user.... So I am here for this, I welcome this great smash to the face..... maybe it is enough data to roll back that IPO cash out dream of their useless CEO.

 

[STOCK411]

That escalated quickly

 

[sparkinstx]

If you haven’t done it. Here’s your chance.
Make sure to save your Reddit posts.

View attachment 2220400

I never put up many posts, but I posted a comment to a r/justrolledintotheshop post, and I got over 1.2k likes. That was a pretty entertaining subreddit for awhile.

 

[sparkinstx]

Someone really ratcheted things up!