HBO hackers release more documents, including emails from an executive and actors’ addresses
The hacker group that took credit for breaking into HBO’s computer systems reportedly released new documents Monday, including marketing materials, emails from an executive, addresses of “Game of Thrones” actors and more spoilers from the hit TV show.
The premium pay-TV channel, owned by media company Time Warner Inc., reiterated late Monday that it does not think the company’s entire email system was breached.
“The forensic review is ongoing,” HBO said in a statement. “The review to date has not given us reason to believe that our email system as a whole has been compromised.”
The Hollywood Reporter and other publications earlier Monday reported that marketing materials related to the “Game of Thrones” drama series and emails from an HBO vice president, covering a six-month period, were posted online. The hackers, in the online disclosures, noted that it took them six months to infiltrate the system.
Hackers reportedly leaked a preliminary outline of the upcoming fifth episode of the current “Game of Thrones” season, similar to the first batch of stolen material that included an outline of episode four. The document appears to have been prepared more than a year ago, according to a screenshot on the website TorrentFreak. The fantasy series, based on the books by George R.R. Martin, premiered in 2011 and is in its seventh season.
The new data dump also includes personal information for “Game of Thrones” cast members, including home addresses and phone numbers, according to tech website The Verge.
Like the cyber criminals who hit Sony Pictures in 2014, the hackers of HBO have been parceling out their releases and teasing additional leaks as the situation goes on. The U.S. government blamed the Sony Pictures attack on North Korea. The biggest threat to Sony, in that case, turned out not to be leaks of unreleased films, but embarrassing emails between executives and producers about movie stars and President Obama.
The motive for the attack on HBO has been unclear so far. It appears that the hackers threatening HBO may have been financially motivated. Allegedly included in the dump is a letter to HBO Chief Executive Richard Plepler from a person taking credit for the hack, going by the name “Mr. Smith.” The person offered to keep the information private in exchange for ransom. It’s not clear when the letter was sent, and there’s no indication HBO has paid.
In addition to the internal documents, the hackers’ latest leak reportedly contains a screenshot of digital folders to show the extent of the files accessed.
The Times has not been able to independently verify the claims. HBO had no additional comment Tuesday. The network has not verified what was stolen, though it has said it is working with law enforcement and outside security firms.
“We continue to work around the clock with outside cybersecurity firms and law enforcement to resolve the incident,” HBO said.
Nearly 10 days ago, hackers took credit for the breach, saying, “We successfully penetrated into a huge company; we have access to their internal network, emails, technical platforms, and database and got precious stuff that blaze your eyes,” according to a message sent to The Times and other media outlets.
In the email, hackers claimed to have stolen 1.5 terabytes of information from HBO and included a link to a site giving people access to the material, which included episodes of “Insecure,” “Ballers” and “Room 104.” That initial site was taken down after search engine Google received a Digital Millennium Copyright Notice from a private firm working on behalf of HBO claiming that the site shared “thousands” of HBO’s internal documents.
Twitter: @MegJamesLAT
ALSO
CBS plans to go global with its All Access streaming service; earnings easily top forecasts
Netflix acquires comic-book publisher Millarworld in effort to bolster superhero programming
‘Spotlight’ studio Open Road to take ‘bigger swings’ after sale to Tang Media
UPDATES:
1:05 p.m. Aug. 8: This article was updated with additional details about what the HBO hack.
This article was originally published at 7:15 p.m. Aug. 7
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
