HBO Cyber Attack: Hackers Steal 'Game of Thrones' Data, 'Ballers' Episode

HBO confirmed an Entertainment Weekly report Monday that hackers breached the network's online security system and obtained 1.5 terabytes of data, including written material allegedly from the fourth Season 7 "GoT" episode, which debuts this coming Sunday.

"HBO recently experienced a cyber incident, which resulted in the compromise of proprietary information," the network said in a statement. "We 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 company did not confirm the amount or nature of the information that was stolen, however, an anonymous email to industry reporters on Sunday declared the hack was "the greatest leak of cyber space era."

"Hi to all mankind," the email began. "The greatest leak of cyber space era is happening. What's its name? Oh I forget to tell. Its HBO and Game of Thrones……!!!!!! You are lucky to be the first pioneers to witness and download the leak. Enjoy it & spread the words. Whoever spreads well, we will have an interview with him. HBO is falling."

Below is the email HBO chairman and CEO Richard Plepler sent to employees Monday morning in light of the hack.

"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," he wrote. "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. 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."

This isn't the first time HBO has fallen victim to online hacking.

The first four episodes of "GoT" Season 5 also leaked online before the show's season premiere. At the time, HBO was sending episodes in the form of review DVDs to the press prior to their air dates. Since then, the company has halted sending advanced screeners of any kind.

Shortly after, overseas HBO distributors leaked several "GoT" clips before the season's finale aired, including images of Jon Snow's death. The company was violated just a few weeks ago when a "Thrones" trailer that was set to be screened at this year's Comic-Con was prematurely leaked on YouTube.

As of now, no "Thrones" episodes have leaked online.