Oh no! HBO has fallen victim to a major data breach after the company’s computer networks were hacked. In the latest Cyber Attack, online hackers have reportedly stolen 1.5 terabytes of data, which include upcoming episodes of some shows like “Ballers” and “Room 104,” as well as the alleged script of the hit HBO series, “Game of Thrones.”
In recent years, hackers have been targeting several entertainment companies in Hollywood, including the epic Sony hack and the Netflix incident. Some cyber attacks even have extortion plots, that is why many entertainment industry executives are left on the edge and in fear that they might be the next victim.
HBO hack
For years, the authorities have been overwhelmed by the frequency of the cyber-security breaches and with the latest HBO attack, the hackers appeared to be back on their game. On Sunday, several reporters received an “anonymous email” regarding the cyber-attack on the network, which was dubbed as the “greatest leak of the cyber space era,” Entertainment Weekly reported.
The hackers even promised to grant an interview to those who would spread the announcement in the email. The network, on the other hand, released a statement that confirmed the breach, saying they’ve launched an investigation.
HBO added they are collaborating with cyber-security companies and the authorities to determine the depth of the issue.
On Monday morning, HBO chairman and CEO Richard Plepler also emailed the company’s employees about the hack, saying the intrusion was “obviously disruptive, unsettling, and disturbing."
HBO is hacked, and Game of Thrones episodes may have leaked out https://t.co/NaTnPou41M
— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 31, 2017
The target
Even though the network has not revealed the amount of data or the content that was stolen, several reports said that the upcoming “Room 104” and “Ballers” episodes have been leaked online. The script or “treatment” of “Game of Thrones” episode 4, which is scheduled to air next week, was also stolen. Hackers also promised more leaks would come online.
HBO has long been fighting to keep “Game of Thrones” content from being illegally distributed and its plots a secret.
But the show has become a common target for hackers. While there have been accidental content leaks, the latest cyberattack is a first for the company.
#NoConfederate campaign
In other related news, HBO has responded to the massive social media campaign, #NoConfederate. The initiative, which was organized by #OscarsSoWhite creator April Reign, aims to urge the network to ditch its upcoming slavery-themed drama, “Confederate.”
Because, for some, the Confederacy isn't alt-history. It's right now. #NoConfederate @hbo pic.twitter.com/NEm2vmghEJ
— April (@ReignOfApril) July 31, 2017
The upcoming series was widely criticized due to its focal plot, which depicts the events and follows the characters during the Third American Civil War and the Mason-Dixon Demilitarized Zone.
In a statement released on Sunday, the network said they believed the writers (David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Malcolm Spellman and Nichelle Tramble Spellman) of the series will deal with the “subject with care and sensitivity.”
The writers have also defended the series and HBO programming president Casey Bloys is urging the viewers to “reserve judgment” until they have seen “Confederate.” Bloys added the show might also be a way to “advance the racial discussion” in the United States.
Meanwhile, it remains unclear who is behind the latest cyber security breach in HBO. The incident came after the 100-terabyte data hack of Sony Pictures in 2014 and the attack on Netflix in late 2016.
