Hackers Perform Data Breach Of 7 Million Customers At 23andMe
Hackers gained access to the personal information of about 7 million users at 23andMe. The genetic testing company sent emails to its customers informing them about the data breach in the “DNA Relatives” feature. With the help of this feature, the company compares the ancestry information of users throughout the world.
As per the information, the hackers used the old passwords of customers. The information included information like date of birth, family trees, and geographic locations. After speculating on the data break, the company declared that the data of more than half of its customers was compromised. However, DNA was not among the stolen records.
The information came out after a hacker advertised that they stole millions of “pieces of data” from the data center of 23andMe. To investigate the matter, the company said that it is working with forensic experts and federal law enforcement.
According to reports from Reuters,
“23andMe told customers there was a breach of one or more accounts connected to theirs through the “DNA Relatives” feature. That feature allows users around the world to connect and share their personal data, including relationship labels, ancestry reports, and matching DNA segments, location, birth year, and family names, among other things.”
23andMe does DNA testing, with the help of which their users learn more about their ancestors. After the news came out of the hack, many customers of 23andMe expressed fears. They were worried that their ethnicity and other sensitive information might get used against them.
23andMe is one of the giants in ancestor-tracing. The San Francisco-based biotechnology company offers genetic testing from DNA and also offers ancestry breakdown along with personalized health insights.
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