Hackers have targeted HBO and supposedly obtained episodes, some written material, and data in the process. Entertainment Weekly broke the story early this week. Though HBO has released a statement confirming their security was compromised, the premiere cable network has not yet confirmed what has been taken.
Hackers apparently took 1.5 terabytes of data, including episodes of Ballers and Room 104, which they claim have already been posted online. The hackers have also been said to have stolen some kind of written material from the next episode of Game of Thrones, “The Spoils of War”.
In an official statement, the network confirmed that, “HBO recently experienced a cyber incident, which resulted in the compromise of proprietary information. We immediately began investigating the incident and are working with law enforcement and outside cyber-security firms. Data protection is a top priority at HBO, and we take seriously our responsibility to protect the data we hold.”
In an email to HBO employees, HBO Chairman and CEO called the hack “obviously disruptive, unsettling, and disturbing for all of us,” going on to say that, “The problem before us is unfortunately all too familiar in the world we now find ourselves a part of. As has been the case with any challenge we have ever faced, I have absolutely no doubt that we will navigate our way through this successfully.”
The news of HBO’s data breach follows the recent trend of hackers targeting the film/television industry to obtain and leak episodes. Earlier in April, hackers broke past Netflix security and stole the entire fifth season of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black and blackmailed the streaming service, threatening to leak the episodes online. That same hacker later threatened ABC, claiming the network might be next.
The recent HBO hackers have threatened to continue their attack and leak more episodes. HBO will continue to work with law enforcement and other resources to investigate the hacking incident.