Reddit is facing multiple challenges as developers criticize its new API pricing plans and hackers threaten to release stolen confidential data unless a ransom is paid and the controversial API price hikes are reversed.
The hackers, known as the BlackCat ransomware gang or ALPHV, claim to have stolen 80GB of compressed data from Reddit during a breach in February. Reddit has confirmed the cyber incident took place on February 9.
The hackers have demanded a $4.5 million ransom and have stated their intention to leak the data if their demands are not met. The situation is further complicated by ongoing protests against Reddit’s API pricing changes, resulting in the temporary blackout of numerous subreddits.
The details regarding the specific type of data that has been stolen from Reddit remain unclear, and the hackers, BlackCat, have not provided any evidence of the theft. It is worth mentioning that BlackCat has been associated with a previous attack on Western Digital in March, during which they reportedly stole 10TB of data, including customer information. The gang has also been linked to a cyber attack on Ring, a video surveillance company owned by Amazon.
