HBO victim of content hack
August 1, 2017
A group of hackers claims to have obtained 1.5 terabytes of data – including scripts and future episodes – from premium network HBO.
The group has reportedly already posted as yet unaired episodes of Ballers and Room 104 online and stated that more material would be released “soon”. The group says it has also obtained the script to Season 7 episode 4 of Game Of Thrones, which is scheduled to air in the US on August 7th.
In an email published by Entertainment Weekly, the hackers wrote: “Hi to all mankind. The greatest leak of cyber space era is happening. What’s its name? Oh I forget to tell. Its HBO and Game of Thrones……!!!!!! You are lucky to be the first pioneers to witness and download the leak. Enjoy it & spread the words. Whoever spreads well, we will have an interview with him. HBO is falling.”
HBO confirmed that a “cyber incident” had occured and resulted in the compromise of information. In a statement it said: “We immediately began investigating the incident and are working with law enforcement and outside cybersecurity firms. Data protection is a top priority at HBO, and we take seriously our responsibility to protect the data we hold.”
The attack is the latest in a line of hacks aimed at major Hollywood studios following Disney being threatened with the early release of Pirates of the Caribbean 5; in April Netflix was targeted with the leak of its new season of Orange Is the New Black.