HBO says hackers stole exclusive programming

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FOX 11 / CNS) - HBO confirmed Monday that the cable network was the target of a cyber attack and that some exclusive programming may have been stolen and leaked.

In a statement, the network said the company had "recently" been hit by an attack "which resulted in the compromise of proprietary information."

HBO said it "immediately began investigating the incident and are working with law enforcement and outside cybersecurity firms. Data protection is a top priority at HBO, and we take seriously our responsibility to protect
the data we hold."

The network, home of the popular "Game of Thrones" series, is not revealing what content was involved in the breach or the amount of data stolen.

An email message sent early Monday by HBO Chairman and CEO Richard Plepler alerted employees.

Addressed to "colleagues," the message reads, "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," Plepler wrote. "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."

In 2014, Sony Pictures Entertainment was famously hacked, revealing private emails and confidential information which was leaked online.

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