Benjamin Rivera Medina
Professor Bowman
CYSE 200T
March 26, 2026
Write Up: Hacking Humans

The potential development in medicine and healthcare is worth the risk that digitization of DNA can create. The article refers to the risk of digital DNA as cyberbiosecurity. While there are various risks associated with this new form of DNA, it also creates the possibilities for new discoveries in science. To illustrate further development in medicine and potentially creating cures for illnesses that are considered incurable. DNA in this format could also aid in further development and understanding of biology and human anatomy.

However, keeping this type of data in a database could potentially create discrimination if businesses ask for DNA during onboarding processes. This can create discrimination based on genetic makeup which would be like hiring based on sex or race. In addition, there are already laws that prohibit discrimination in hiring based on genetic information and medical history. The genetic information nondiscrimination act prevents employers from asking and discriminating based on medical history and genetic information during hiring processes. It would be illegal for companies to ask for DNA samples to see if a candidate fits a specific role. One of the main concerns with biological data is that it is permanent and unable to be
changed. Contrast to a password that can be changed as frequent as you like, a fingerprint or DNA sequence is permanent and cannot be changed. This makes it exceedingly difficult to nullify improper use if this biological data is in the wrong hands. In addition, biological data removes user choice and control over systems as passwords require decision making and memory, contrast to biometric data which simply relies on genetic information.