HBO Calls Leak of ‘Insecure’ and Other Shows ‘A Game We’re Not Going to Participate In’

Hackers have been on a rampage at HBO and throughout the television world lately.  Last month, the network confirmed it had been cyber attacked as emails from top HBO executives were released on the internet along with a top secret Game of Thrones script. Most recently though, future episodes of Insecure, Ballers, and Curb Your Enthusiasm were leaked online.

In a statement, HBO said, ”We are not in communication with the hacker and we’re not going to comment every time a new piece of information is released. It has been widely reported that there was a cyber incident at HBO. The hacker may continue to drop bits and pieces of stolen information in an attempt to generate media attention. That’s a game we’re not going to participate in.”

The hacker(s) who go by the name "Mr. Smith" requested $6 million from the network back in July, threatening some "big reveal" if they refused to comply. Instead, HBO IT execs offered a  $250,000 “bounty payment” to the hacker, obviously way below the initial ask. Now, we're seeing what might be the hacker's continued reveal of confidential information, data, and television shows.

HBO is working with law enforcement and tech specialists but believe that overall, the hacker is bluffing about the grand scheme of where they may have breached access.  Starz is also in the midst of a hacker fight after the remaining episodes of Power were released online last week.

Both networks are still bringing in usual ratings despite the leaks.