The data dump included episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Insecure, Ballers, Barry, The Deuce, a comedy special and other programming, according to the AP.
An earlier leak indicated HBO had offered the blackmailers $250,000 (£192,300). Mark James, Security Researcher at ESET commented below.
Mark James, Security Researcher at ESET:
“1.5tb is an awful lot of data; there were bound to be a number of unreleased episodes from various TV shows.
HBO are in a difficult position, but at the end of the day its only data. I appreciate from a business point of view it’s important to generate anticipation from new shows and release them at their aired time but, realistically they really are in a difficult position.
They have no real idea of what was taken or who actually has it- because of the nature of data breaches, anyone in theory could now be in possession of those items. Once the decision has been made to not pay the ransom, it would make no sense to change that decision later.
Data breaches occur almost daily- save the money, make the changes and learn from this experience. Strengthening their defences to ensure the next big production is safe from hackers should be their top priority.”
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