158 upvotes, 8 direct replies (showing 8)
View submission: ELI5: Why are some subreddits private? and How do you gain access to these Subs?
This actually has happened, and is probably still happening now.
Malware targeted at Mac users was using a subreddit as a botnet to store IP addresses of targets.
http://www.intego.com/mac-security-blog/iworm-botnet-uses-reddit-as-command-and-control-center/
And, currently, a subreddit called /r/A858DE45F56D9BC9/ posts random strings of characters that no one has yet been able to decipher. There's an entire subreddit devoted to solving it[1]. It's entirely possible this is malicious (and just as possible that it's not), and it was randomly stumbled upon by a user.
It is extremely likely that there are a large number of subreddits, both public and private, that are used for things the admins would not approve of.
EDIT: If you think you have "the solution" to /r/A858, check here first[2] and make sure you aren't also at a [9].
2: https://www.reddit.com/r/Solving_A858/comments/24ewok/i_straight_up_figured_this_shit_out_9/
There was also a similar sub, referred to as "A04", which was decoded by a redditor[3]. The result is.... odd
3: https://www.reddit.com/r/Solving_A858/comments/24s03t/a04_has_been_decoded/
/u/A858 has also toyed with the "solvers" on occasion. See here[4] (*NEW EYE5 NO ANSWERS STILL W3AK TOOL AMOUNG YOU*). He/she has also given other odd clues[5]
4: https://www.reddit.com/r/Solving_A858/comments/2juw87/the_odd_post_has_been_solved/
5: https://www.reddit.com/r/Solving_A858/comments/24wdm5/a858s_special_message_decoded/
Comment by theth1rdchild at 22/12/2014 at 04:24 UTC
63 upvotes, 1 direct replies
The random strings have, occasionally, been decipherable. I can't remember, but the solving sub holds onto them like prophecies from a lost civilization.
Comment by BEAR_DICK_PUNCH at 22/12/2014 at 07:26 UTC
43 upvotes, 2 direct replies
I just want to add to this in regards to your mention of /r/A858DE45F56D9BC9/
If you subscribe please don't post any comments as the creator will occasionally shut down everything when the sub gets too much attention. Just sit back and observe and post/comment in the subreddit devoted to solving them
Comment by [deleted] at 22/12/2014 at 08:06 UTC
21 upvotes, 1 direct replies
[deleted]
Comment by [deleted] at 22/12/2014 at 08:31 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Nah, just a happy coder using redding as an encrypted data store. A fun weekend project, but nothing to be worried about.
Comment by georgelulu at 22/12/2014 at 13:07 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Comment by Apparently_Flamingo at 22/12/2014 at 16:41 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Hasn't anyone thought that maybe the sub is run by some friends that are just screwing with everyone?
Comment by nauticalsun at 24/12/2014 at 23:27 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Wow, I really didn't need this because I get huge goosebumps and get spooked by, like, random number stations like that one in Russia. I literally can't form a coherent response right now.
Comment by [deleted] at 22/12/2014 at 07:32 UTC
-1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
[deleted]