HBO hacked: 'Game Of Thrones' episodes, data may end up online

HBO is the latest Hollywood entertainment company to have faced a major cyber attack with hackers claiming to have stolen latest episodes and data of the shows, including the highly popular fantasy drama "Game Of Thrones".
The company, in a statement, confirmed that hackers broke into their system and stole an unknown quantity of data, reported Entertainment Weekly.
"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 cybersecurity firms.
"Data protection is a top priority at HBO, and we take seriously our responsibility to protect the data we hold," the network confirmed in a statement.

Hackers claimed they have accessed 1.5 Terabytes of data from the company. However, HBO has refrained from commenting about the nature of the hack or the name of the shows facing leak online.
So far, written material, which is believed to have been from "Game of Thrones" season seven's fourth episode and an upcoming episode of "Ballers" and "Room 104" have apparently been put online.

HBO chairman and CEO Richard Plepler sent an email to the company's employees alerting them of the breach.
"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.

"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," he wrote.
HBO had also faced a leak during "Game of Thrones" season five premier, when the first four episodes of the show landed online. But this is the first major cyber attack on the company.
On Sunday, an anonymous email was sent to reporters announcing the hack: "Hi to all mankind. The greatest leak of cyber space era is happening. What's its name? Oh I forget to tell. It's HBO and 'Game of Thrones'...!!!!!! You are lucky to be the first pioneers to witness and download the leak. Enjoy it and spread the words. Whoever spreads well, we will have an interview with him. HBO is falling."

HBO's cyber breach similar to what other entertainment companies in Hollywood have gone through in recent time.
In April, episodes from season five of "Orange Is The New Black" were put online, ahead of its premiere on Netflix.
In May, a hacker claimed to have stolen "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" from Disney ahead of the film's release though it later turned out to be a hoax.
Sony has so far faced the biggest Hollywood hack when in 2014, hackers stole 100 Terabytes of data and uploaded it online.
Sony Pictures Entertainment Co-Chairman Amy Pascal resigned after her controversial emails leaked online.