HBO CEO Threatened With Script Releases If Massive Ransom Isn't Paid

Just recently, the network HBO announced that some of its intellectual property in the form of scripts of the network’s shows, as well as some data were stolen. The hackers bragged about it, posted some shows online in advance of their scheduled air dates, and threatened the network with the release of advanced episodes of the mega hit “Game of Thrones.” Now, that threat has become very real and the cyberthieves are demanding a lot of money not to release it.

A five-minute video was delivered to HBOs CEO Richard Plepler with instructions to hand over what the network claims is six months worth of one of its executive’s salaries in the form of Bitcoin.

The hackers claimed that they worked on this breach for six months and it’s the group’s 17^th target and thus far, only three refused to pay. It also claimed it spends over $500 million per year to purchase zero-day exploits with which they use to break into networks such as this. Zero-day exploits are ones that are unknown to the developers or public at large, therefore they do not have available patches.

The hackers here offered some evidence that they do indeed have HBO data, such as a document that appears to be personal contact information for GOT actors, a spreadsheet with a listing of legal claims against HBO, and job offer letters to some top executives.

While it is not yet known how the hackers breached the network in this case, there are some lessons to be learned. First, it is always wise to keep servers, workstations, and mobile devices updated with the latest patches and software and app versions. Even though this would not stop a zero-day exploit, it still provides significant protection for the millions of known vulnerabilities.

Also, paying ransom never guarantees that any files will be given up or decrypted. In fact, in the case of NotPetya, it wasn’t even possible. And cybercriminals are not necessarily the most ethical of people. Why should you believe that they will give you the information you need if you pay up? Instead, back up all your important information in case you need to quickly restore it.

In this case, HBO doesn’t have these same options. It’s caught between a rock and a hard place, if its investigators and analysts determine the hackers do have the information they claim to possess. Maybe it will make them think twice about their security in the future. The group is threatening to release its intellectual property and create a huge spoiler for GOT’s millions of fans all around the world. This story is likely to continue for a while with no option to binge read. With any luck, we will find out the ending eventually and hopefully it’s a good one.