Hackers Demand Millions in Bitcoin for Stolen HBO Files Including Games Of Thrones

Hackers using the name “Mr. Smith” posted a fresh cache on Monday of stolen HBO files online, and demanded that the network 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 coming 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,the NewYork Times reports






HBO, which previously acknowledged the theft of “proprietary information,” said it was continuing to investigate and was working with the police and security experts. The network said on Monday that it still did not believe that its email system as a whole had been compromised.

“Game of Thrones,” currently in its penultimate season, is the most popular show in HBO’s history and has long been a target of digital piracy.

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