Is HBO Trying to Pay Off 'Game of Thrones' Hackers?

The hackers behind HBO's recent breach have leaked a screenshot of an email that shows a senior vp for the network offering the hackers $250,000 as a "bug bounty payment."

In what appears to be an effort to embarrass HBO, the email dated July 27 and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter indicates a negotiation going on between the network and the hackers. But the HBO executive's missive to the hackers is carefully worded and avoids language that would be construed as paying off the hackers and instead is framed as an offer for a reward for discovering vulnerabilities in HBO's system.

The HBO executive instead says that the network has "been working hard since [July 23] to review all of the material that you have made available to us. ... In the spirit of professional cooperation, we are asking you to extend your deadline for one week." The email continues, "As a show of good faith on our side, we are willing to commit to making a bug bounty payment of $250,000 to you as soon as we can establish the necessary account and acquire bitcoin."

It is unclear if the HBO email is authentic or if it has been doctored in any way. However, the email to THR is from the same account going by "Mr. Smith" that has sent previous messages and proof of stolen content. THR has confirmed that the executive works for HBO in a technology capacity. HBO declined comment.

Read the rest of this article at The Hollywood Reporter.

Three episodes of Power were also leaked online this week.