DaFont

DaFont.com, operating as DaFont, is a United States-based website functioning as a repository and sharing platform for digital fonts. The service allows users to upload, browse, and download a vast collection of typefaces, primarily serving graphic designers, web developers, and general users seeking typography for personal or professional projects. Its business model historically relied on advertising revenue generated from the high traffic volume attracted by its free font library. At the time of a major security incident in 2017, the platform maintained a user base of approximately 700,000 registered accounts, indicating a significant footprint within the niche online design community. The site's core competency was its extensive, crowdsourced catalog, which differentiated it through sheer volume and accessibility, though this very model contributed to its security vulnerabilities.

The organisation's operational history is notably defined by a severe data breach discovered in early May 2017. Attackers exploited a union-based SQL injection vulnerability to exfiltrate the entire user database. The stolen data included usernames, email addresses, and passwords hashed with the weak MD5 algorithm. Subsequently, the attacker cracked over 98% of these password hashes, obtaining plaintext credentials. This breach was particularly critical because the compromised email addresses were linked to accounts at major technology corporations and government agencies, creating a substantial risk of credential stuffing attacks against those higher-value targets. The incident also exposed forum posts and private messages. DaFont's response was criticized for delay following initial contact attempts from the hacker, though the site later acknowledged the vulnerabilities and stated remediation efforts were in progress, including the prior patching of some identified flaws. This event underscored the platform's historical security shortcomings, specifically its use of outdated password hashing and insufficient input validation, which contrasted with its role as a popular resource for creative professionals. The breach's aftermath highlighted the downstream risks of credential reuse from such a widely used free service.