Both articles depict deep ethical dilemmas that arise at the intersection of biology and cybersecurity, especially in the context of DNA digitization and its security threats. When technological advancement supports handling DNA data, all ethical implications must be considered due to the possible threats that arise to protect man from them.  

One of the biggest hurdles is the privacy and security of DNA data. The Hacking Humans article describes the danger that cybercriminals pose by stealing digitized DNA, which is the worst type of personally identifiable information. Unlike a Social Security number, which can be changed over time, DNA information cannot be altered. Thus, if one’s DNA information is compromised, the consequences would be permanent. That raises ethical questions about whether people should maintain absolute control over their DNA data, while companies should be legally bound to put in the greatest security possible. Should a DNA hacking incident fall out, who takes the blame? Is it the individual at foul play? The hacker, or him or herself? Furthermore, organizations dealing with DNA-related issues have to be strictly steered by safety standards to prevent any misuse. In such cases, heavier regulations framed by governmental institutions such as HIPAA in terms of medical records or GDPR in terms of digital privacy controls would keep sensitive genetic information safe. 

Another major ethical concern deals with the use of DNA as a cybersecurity threat. The Malicious Code in DNA article describes an unprecedented risk: the embedding of malware into DNA sequences that can infect the computers analyzing them. This possibility brings about a new dimension of cyberattacks that bridge biological and digital security. The ethical dilemma arises in whether that kind of research ought to be made available to the public or whether that increases the risk of malicious actors weaponizing DNA. Furthermore, ethical oversight boards must determine how to regulate research on DNA security without stifling scientific progress. Therefore, while the uncovering of vulnerabilities is necessary to remain ahead of would-be hackers, irresponsible disclosure of methods of exploitation can exaggerate the potential for abuse. Alliances between universities, cybersecurity firms, and regulatory bodies should see that security research is responsibly and ethically conducted.

Genetic discrimination is a second broad ethical issue: Employers, insurance companies, and even governments could misuse DNA data to suppress employment, health insurance, or legal protection, on the grounds of some individual’s genetic risk of some disease. Law enforcement officials could find themselves pushing for access to DNA databases, thereby eroding privacy. This leads to critical questions regarding the use of DNA for predictive behavior profiling, and what safeguards could be established to prevent genetic discrimination. 

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) presents a beginning effort in the U.S., but more stringent protections globally are immediately warranted to guarantee that individuals are not profiled unfairly based on genetic information. The opening of any DNA database should always require informed consent from the individual against whom such procedures are being undertaken, especially when the proposed uses of genetic data fall outside medical considerations.

Lastly, though DNA digitization is full of great potential for scientific and medical advances, it must be weighed against firm ethical concerns. Security risks, privacy violations, and abuse of DNA data require stringent controls, ethical research practices, and increased public consciousness. It is preferable to debate these matters today to guarantee that technological progress does not come at the cost of individual rights and security.

References

Coldewey, D. (2017, August 10). Malicious code written into DNA infects the computer that reads it. TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2017/08/10/malicious-code-written-into-dna-infects-the-computer-that-reads-it/

Rizkallah, J. (n.d.). Hacking humans: Protecting our DNA from cybercriminals. Identity Management Institute. https://www.identitymanagementinstitute.org/hacking-humans-protecting-our-dna-from-cybercriminals/