header
                        banner
WORLD

Hackers demand millions in ransom for stolen HBO data

NEW YORK, August 8: Hackers using the name “Mr. Smith” posted a fresh cache of stolen HBO files online Monday, and d...
By Associated Press

NEW YORK, August 8: Hackers using the name “Mr. Smith” posted a fresh cache of stolen HBO files online Monday, and demanded that HBO pay a ransom of several million dollars to prevent further such releases.


The data dump included what appear to be scripts from five “Game of Thrones” episodes, including one upcoming episode, and a month’s worth of email from the account of Leslie Cohen, HBO’s vice president for film programming. There were also internal documents, including a report of legal claims against the network and job offer letters to top executives.


Related story

HBO hackers leak Game of Thrones Season 7 climax


HBO, which previously acknowledged the theft of “proprietary information,” said it’s continuing to investigate and is working with police and cybersecurity experts. The network said Monday that it stilldoesn’t believe that its email system as a whole has been compromised.


This is the second data dump from the purported hacker. So far the HBO leaks have been limited, falling well short of the chaos inflicted on Sony in 2014. In that attack, hackers unearthed thousands of embarrassing emails and released personal information, including salaries and social security numbers, of nearly 50,000 current and former Sony employees.


Those behind the HBO hack claim to have more data, including scripts, upcoming episodes of HBO shows and movies, and information damaging to HBO.


In a video directed to HBO CEO Richard Plepler, “Mr. Smith” used white text on a black background to threaten further disclosures if HBO doesn’t pay up. To stop the leaks, the purported hackers demanded “our 6 month salary in bitcoin,” which they implied is at least $6 million.

Related Stories
Lifestyle

HBO’s Twitter, Facebook accounts hacked

1 min read
My City

HBO CEO Plepler exits in wake of AT&T acquisition

1 min read
OPINION

Dark web is the underworld of cyberspace

1 min read
Lifestyle

‘House Of The Dragon’ To Get Shorter Season 2 As H...

1 min read
My City

HBO addresses 'Game of Thrones' backlash, prequel...

1 min read