In 2014, Sony was left crippled for days as a new story was added to the data of theft activity in history. Earlier this year, there were leaks of Netflix’s original series; Orange is the New Black episodes all over the internet and was even threatened for ransom. Recently, Time Warner’s pay-TV network HBO confirms they have been targeted by a cyber attack.
An anonymous email was sent to several reporters on Sunday “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 THR, hackers specifically targeted HBO’s original programming. In a statement, the premium cabler 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 hackers may have stolen 1.5 TB of internal company documents including the upcoming episodes of the series Ballers, Barry and Room 104, along with script outlines of the channel’s hit show Games of Thrones and HBO also worries they might have stolen confidential information of its customers and employees.
HBO chairman and CEO Richard Plepler sent an email to all HBO employees regarding the incident:
Dear Colleagues,
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, is 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.
The following incidents of cyber attack have depicted the on-going piracy and the rise of hackers that’s been happening over the years.
