Genetic data may be misused in the absence of proper protections, risking personal security and identity. DNA data protection is essential to making sure that ethical responsibility and personal privacy are not sacrificed in the sake of technical advancement.

Summary

The cybersecurity threats connected to DNA digitalization are examined by Juliette Rizkallah in Hacking Humans: Protecting Our DNA from Cybercriminals. Since they provide people with information about their genetic characteristics and family history directly with consumers, DNA testing services have become more and more popular. Rizkallah cautions that although these services offer chances for medical progress, they also raise serious privacy and security issues. The fact that DNA is the most unique type of personally identifiable information (PII) is an important issue. DNA cannot be changed if compromised, compared to a bank account or Social Security number. Genetic data could be used for fraud, financial gain, or illegal tracking if hackers manage to obtain it. Concerns over the potential misuse of this information have already been highlighted by the first significant hack in the DNA testing business. The area of cyber biosecurity, which studies the relationship between cybersecurity and biotechnology, is also introduced in the article. Organizations are becoming more susceptible to cyberattacks as they gather and preserve genetic data. Law enforcement authorities may gain unauthorized access to consumer DNA databases, and employers may utilize genetic data to screen applicants. These ethical conflicts bring attention to the necessity of stricter laws and data privacy safeguards. While it is impossible to stop advancements in technology, Rizkallah argues consumers must demand more privacy and security with regard to their genetic data. In order to avoid what may turn out to be the most demanding type of identity theft, she stresses the significance of knowing how DNA information is kept, used, and protected.

Conclusion

In conclusion people must be on alert and push for stronger security measures as genetic data becomes more prone to cyberattacks. Protecting DNA data is crucial to avoiding its improper use and making sure that human privacy is not sacrificed for technological improvements.

References 

Rizkallah, J.(2018, November 28). Hacking Humans: Protecting Our DNA From Cybercriminals. PDF. Retrieved February 24, 2025 from https://drive.google.com/file/d/17vZTrd3tyRkIuXtLfYKSeZypU7WpCkmM/view