Upcoming "Game of Thrones" Episode Leaks

It might be time for HBO to strengthen the Wall. Not the one that’s protecting the Seven Kingdoms from the massive army of White Walkers, but rather from hackers looking to plunder unreleased materials out of the world's most watched (and pirated) TV show.

An unreleased episode of Game of Thrones leaked online this morning, just a couple days of ahead of its premiere on Sunday, August 6th. The leak comes just days after an unrelated security breach at HBO, which saw the episode's script appearing on the internet. However, the episode leak did not come from HBO, but rather its distribution partner Star India. According to The Verge, who confirmed the episode's legitimacy, Star India's watermark on the episode can be seen on the copy of the episode.

"This confirms the compromise of episode 4 of Game of Thrones Season 7, earlier this afternoon,” said a Star India spokesperson. "We take this breach very seriously and have immediately initiated forensic investigations at our and the technology partner’s end to swiftly determine the cause. This is a grave issue and we are taking appropriate legal remedial action."

This is part of a larger series of security issues for HBO. On July 31st, Entertainment Weekly reported that HBO had been the victim of a massive cyber attack, in which hackers stole 1.5 terabytes of data. The hack's most high-profile grabs include unreleased episodes of Ballers, Room 104 and the script the same Game of Thrones episode in question.

HBO CEO Richard Plepler wrote in an email to staff:

“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.”

The hackers, however, were still one-step ahead. They took the liberty of announcing the hack in a letter to reporters on that night. It reads:

"Hi to all mankind. 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."

This wouldn't be the first time HBO suffered from this type of attack. The first four episode of season five leaked online in 2015, while a pivotal season 6 episode, "The Door," leaked a day early on HBO Nordic, making it available to watchers in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.

Apparently, people just can't wait seven days to find out what happens to the Mother of Dragons. But, hey, why not settle for a poor quality, watermarked version now, when you could get the episode in stunning HD on Sunday? Look, not everyone makes great decisions, especially The Starks.