The HBO hacker has struck again.
The anonymous hacker released another message to selected journalists, in which HBO is apparently responding to the initial video letter that was sent informing the Time Warner-owned company of the massive data breach.
The message from HBO, dated July 27, features the network's offer to make a bounty payment of $US250,000 as part of a program in which "white hat IT professionals" are rewarded for "bringing these types of things to our attention."
While the message takes a curiously non-confrontational tone in response to a hacker out to damage HBO, a source close to the investigation who confirmed the veracity of the email explained it was worded that way to stall for time while the company attempted to assess the situation.
The message also implores the hacker to extend a ransom-payment deadline for one week while the $US250,000 payment is made and the necessary amount of bitcoin can be secured.
"You have the advantage of having surprised us," the message read.
"In the spirit of professional co-operation, we are asking you to extend your deadline for one week."
The $US250,000 sum is also well short of the "six months' salary" request made in the video letter by the hacker, who claims to make $US12-15 million per year.
HBO declined comment.
Reuters