4Chan, the controversial image board, is making headlines once again due to two significant data dumps that were posted on the site. One of the data dumps involved the Disney hack, allegedly carried out by Club Penguin fans seeking revenge against the company. Now, it seems that the New York Times Company has fallen victim to a data leak on 4Chan, with the leaked data said to include the source code for its viral Wordle game.
The breach was first noticed by a user named @vxunderground, who discovered that 270GB of internal data connected to the New York Times had been posted online. This data consists of over 5,000 source code repositories, making up a staggering total of approximately 3.6 million files. The hacker shared a text file revealing that they had stolen 6,223 folders from the New York Times’ GitHub repository. These folders contained internal IT documents and source code, including the Wordle game that the Times acquired in 2022.
Upon learning of the breach, the New York Times confirmed that their GitHub account had been compromised in January 2024. They stated that a credential for the account had inadvertently become available, but immediate action was taken to address the issue. The company emphasized that their own systems were not breached and that the incident had no impact on their operations.
It remains unclear whether there is any connection between the New York Times breach and the Disney leak. However, this incident highlights the ongoing cybersecurity challenges faced by major companies and organizations. The theft of valuable source code and internal documents can have serious consequences, potentially compromising intellectual property and exposing sensitive information.
In today’s digital landscape, cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and no industry or institution is immune. Companies must remain vigilant in their efforts to protect their data and systems from unauthorized access. Strengthening security measures, regularly updating software, and educating employees about potential threats are essential steps to mitigate the risk of data breaches.
As for individuals, it is crucial to practice good cybersecurity hygiene by using strong, unique passwords for online accounts, enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible, and being cautious of suspicious emails or links. By taking these precautions, we can all contribute to a safer online environment.