Redditors Warn Some Snappening Files Contain Viruses

It’s being called “the Snappening” — an invasive hack in which SnapChat photos were stolen from a third-party app server, and shared online. However, many of those who hope to benefit from the Snappening are learning what happens when one practices cyber sex acts with random parties: they’re getting viruses.

The actual victims of the Snappening are, of course, the individuals whose private photos were stolen, despite a promise from SnapChat that the images would disappear shortly after being viewed by the intended recipient. Still, according to some Reddit users, some who downloaded Snappening files found themselves victims of, perhaps, a little karma.

Redditor SinisterKittenNinja posted on the Snappening subreddit Tuesday morning.

“Be Forewarned
“I definitely got some kind of virus or other s*** trying to download one of the links yesterday. Computer’s been going nuts all day.”

Another Redditor chimed in, warning that shortened links purporting to be Snappening files in particular carry risks. On other threads in the Snappening sub have included similar warnings, particularly about links that are shortened.

In this, of course, the Snappening is not alone. Downloading anything that is taboo or stolen carries risks of computer viruses. While any website can infect your computer if it’s not properly infected, Computer Hope warns especially about torrents and other illegal or illicit downloads.

The Snappening has, of course, drawn many downloaders, and where there are customers (even if the customers are getting the product for free and the product itself is stolen – or perhaps especially in that case) there are cons, tricks, and abuses. The Snappening is no exception.

The Snappening subreddit is flooded with links purporting to be downloads for the photos, varying in size from less than half a gigabyte to 13 gigs. It stands to reason that some (many?) of these Snappening links are dangerous.

Another aspect of the Snappening that’s drawing in users who may not otherwise have shown interest in the download is the leaked list of usernames, which is spurring many to hunt for acquaintances, or themselves, among the photos. Especially since 4Chan users have threatened to make a searchable database, possible Snappening victims have worried they might be in it, and others have eagerly sought for victims they know.

On the Snappening subreddit, some discuss which Snappening files are safest, and which antivirus programs offer the most protection for downloaders. The surest solution, though, to avoid viruses, possession of child porn, and sexually violating others without their consent, is simple: don’t download the Snappening photos at all.

[photo credit: Lucas (Autumn vibes) ]