Hackers beware, HBO is not going to let your actions go without a battle. After hackers apparently leaked upcoming episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm, the cable giant is laying down the gauntlet to make it known they are not playing nicely with those who have cracked their systems.
Curb Your Enthusiasm is scheduled to return to the cable network this October, bringing an end to a seemingly never-ending wait for longtime fans of the comedy series starring Larry David. However, the series had some new episodes leaked to the internet recently following a successful hacking of HBO’s systems, with some other shows getting leaked as well.
In a sternly worded statement, HBO claimed it is not in any communication with those who are believed to hack their system, thus disputing previous rumors suggesting the network was negotiating with hackers to resolve the leaks. HBO’s statement appeared to be directed at the news industry in addition to the hackers, as the network has probably grown tired of having to address story after story regarding hacks.
Here’s what HBO said regarding the ongoing hacking story in their statement via the A.V. Club;
”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. Obviously, no company wants their proprietary information stolen and released on the internet. Transparency with our employees, partners, and the creative talent that works with us has been our focus throughout this incident and will remain our focus as we move forward. This incident has not deterred us from ensuring HBO continues to do what we do best.”
HBO’s response seems appropriate given the circumstances. In it, HBO has acknowledged they have been hacked and the network is taking a strong stance against any attempt to extort the network for any sum of money. It had been previously reported by Variety the hacker was offered $250,000 from HBO, but the network’s public response says that was not the case.
Having its content shared on the internet for free is obviously a concern for HBO, and not just because the plots of shows are out there in the public. HBO is a premium network and counts on their exclusive content to bring in paying customers through cable and satellite packages as well as their streaming HBO Now service. This being the internet, the content will always find a way to be made available through less-than-lawful means, but when the content hits the web prior to its initial airing, that poses a whole new set of problems for HBO.
