Barely 24 hours after US cable network HBO released the third episode of season 7 of its hit series, Game of Thrones, it has experienced a major setback.
According to Entertainment Weekly, HBO is the latest production giant to experience a cyber attack and the hackers have already released data on other shows including Baller and Room 104, threatening to leak more.
The hackers had contacted reporters via email on Sunday evening saying:
“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.”
According to a company statement, HBO, said it; “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 cybersecurity firms. Data protection is a top priority at HBO, and we take seriously our responsibility to protect the data we hold,” the statement added.
HBO Chairman Richard Plepler has described the attack as “disruptive, unsettling, and disturbing”. “As most of you have probably heard by now, there has been a cyber incident directed at the company which has resulted in some stolen proprietary information, including some of our programming.
Any intrusion of this nature is obviously disruptive, unsettling, and disturbing for all of us. I can assure you that senior leadership and our extraordinary technology team, along with outside experts, are working round the clock to protect our collective interests.
The efforts across multiple departments have been nothing short of herculean. It is a textbook example of quintessential HBO teamwork. 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,” Plepler said.
Reports say the amount of data stolen is believed to be about 1.5 terabytes. The hackers are alleged to have obtained written material as regards the next episode (S7E4) of the hit series.
