Numerous websites and businesses have had their data stolen or hacked throughout the years. This is always a terrifying possibility, because it might result in the disclosure of sensitive data. Reddit suffered a security breach over the weekend and is now informing its users of the entire scope of the problem, its resolution, and any other relevant information.
The site was hacked on February 5 using a complex phishing effort, according to a post on Reddit. A member of staff was singled out in this operation in an effort to steal login information; the worker was sent to a fake administration panel for the website. An attacker used this to obtain sensitive data and source code related to the platform’s operational infrastructure. Current and former workers’ contact details, as well as advertising data, were apparently included in this data. In a stroke of good fortune, the attacker did not succeed in breaching the central portion of Reddit that stores sensitive user information like login credentials.
It’s possible that Reddit’s prompt action here was due to the targeted employee reporting the issue and thereby notifying the platform’s security staff. Because of this, the firm was able to swiftly shut off the hacker’s access to the network. Furthermore, the organization was given enough information to comprehend the nature of similar phishing assaults being performed on the website. This is only a taste of what’s going on, but the organization is committed to learning more so that it can avoid such incidents in the future. Workers will learn from this experience and be better equipped to fortify the company’s defenses in the future.
Since no user data was stolen, there is not much Reddit users can do. Reddit does advise using two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts as an extra layer of protection in case of account compromise. Additionally, the platform highlighted a best practice by suggesting that users make use of distinct passwords and change them at regular intervals. The business also recommends utilizing a password manager, which can generate and store strong passwords for you.
