Hackers hit HBO, steal upcoming episodes of Game of Thrones

Hollywood entertainment company HBO has been hacked and the perpetrators have stolen scripts from hit television series Game of Thrones.

According to Entertainment Weekly and other US news outlets, about 1.5 terabytes worth of material were taken by the hackers.

Upcoming episodes and scripts of the popular TV series are said to be in custody of the hackers.

The hackers behind the attack are said to have shared data from other shows as well, including Ballers and Room 104.

“HBO recently experienced a cyber-incident, which resulted in the compromise of proprietary information,” a company statement reads.

“We immediately began investigating the incident and are working with law enforcement and outside cyber security firms. Data protection is a top priority at HBO, and we take seriously our responsibility to protect the data we hold.”

Hollywood entertainment companies and studios have become targets of cyber attacks of late.

The new season of Orange is the New Black was stolen and held hostage in May.

Richard Plepler, CEO of HBO, in an email to staff on Monday, said: “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.”

“Any intrusion of this nature is obviously disruptive, unsettling, and disturbing for all of us. I can assure you that senior leadership and our extraordinary technology team, along with outside experts, are working round the clock to protect our collective interests. The efforts across multiple departments have been nothing short of herculean.

“It is a textbook example of quintessential HBO teamwork. 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.”