The pressing concern of companies ignoring DNA security
DNA security is a concern that is often not talked about in the cybersecurity landscape. Personal information is what's buzzing these days.
The latest 23andMe data breach serves as a sharp reminder of a terrifying reality: our most important, private data may not be as safe as we believe. It's a striking picture of the blatant ignorance of corporations that profit from users’ DNA while overlooking to protect it.
The cost of getting exposed
Hackers gained access to 6.9 million users' personal information, like birth years, geographic locations, and family trees, due to the 23andMe breach. It raises several of important questions: Are organizations doing anything to safeguard our data? Should we put our most personal information in their hands?
The boldness of 23andMe and similar companies is amazing. They position themselves as defenders of our genetic heritage, as guardians of our ancient histories and possible medical destinies.
But when the trees are falling and our information is compromised, they use the excuse "It was because of the users' old passwords that led to hacking, not us."
User security should be paramount
Organizations that manage such private information should be pushed to the highest levels possible. This isn't only about credit card numbers or email addresses. We are talking about DNA, the template for our life. If whatever should be regarded as holy in the age of technology, it has to be this.
The DNA testing industry must do more. It has to guarantee that safety precautions are not only sufficient but also exceptional. They should be at the forefront of cybersecurity, setting the standard for all other industries to follow.
What does the future hold?
This is much more than just stronger passwords and multi-factor authentication. This is about an important change in how these organizations see the data with which they have been entrusted. It's about acknowledging their enormous duty, not only to their customers but to society as a whole.
It is past time for 23andMe and the DNA testing business to recognize that they are dealing with more than just data. They are concerned with people's lives, history, and futures. It's about time they begin handling users' data with respect.