Game of Thrones: Episode 4, The Spoils of War leaked online, hackers threaten more to follow

Hackers who stole 1.5 terabytes of date from HBO servers have dealt a severe blow to the network. The unaired episode 4 of hit fantasy series Game of Thrones, titled The Spoils of War, was leaked online on Friday, three days before it is officially aired.

The file, which is being circulated on piracy websites, confirms that the episode is the season’s shortest yet. It lasts 50 minutes.

“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,” HBO Chairman Richard Plepler wrote in a message to employees, which the company shared with reporters on August 1.

HBO declined to specify what materials had been targetted, although episodes of Ballers and Room 104 were rumoured to have been acquired by the hackers.

In an automated email reply sent to Variety, the hackers wrote that it will “release the leak gradually every week,” adding that the next release may come on “Sunday”.

Game of Thrones is currently three episodes into its seventh season.