The hackers, who are reportedly using the name ‘Mr Smith’, are demanding HBO pay a ransom worth millions of dollars to prevent further releases.
They have already leaked some stolen files online which include a month’s worth of emails from HBO’s vice president for film programming a script summary from an upcoming episode of Game of Thrones.
The data dump is also said to feature other materials from the hit series including casting, marketing materials and media plans.
Those behind the HBO hack sent a video message to HBO CEO Richard Pleper which the Hollywood Reporter reported it as saying: “We successfully breached into your huge network. … HBO was one of our difficult targets to deal with but we succeeded (it took about 6 months).”
In a statement to the publication, a HBO spokesperson said: “HBO believed that further leaks might emerge from this cyber incident when we confirmed it last week. As we said, the forensic review is ongoing.”
Despite the release of private messages, the network said it doesn’t believe its email systems as a whole has been compromised.
The statement continued: “While it has been reported that a number of emails have been made public, the review to date has not given us a reason to believe that our e-mail system as a whole has been compromised.
“We continue to work around the clock with outside cybersecurity firms and law enforcement to resolve the incident. Meanwhile, our dedicated employees continue to focus on delivering the high quality of entertainment and service for which we are known.”
It comes after last Sunday’s episode ‘The Spoils of War’ was released online two days before it was due to air.
Sources inside HBO have said the leak of the Game of Thrones episode on Friday was not related to the hack and was instead a breach at Star India.
Game of Thrones continues on HBO this Sunday in the US and will be simulcast on Sky Atlantic on Monday at 2am. Catch up on seasons one to seven on NOW TV.
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