Original Article:
Malicious code written into DNA infects the computer that reads it
By Devin Coldewey

Highlighted Text 1:
In a mind-boggling world first, a team of biologists and security researchers have successfully infected a computer with a malicious program coded into a strand of DNA.

My comment:
So quick question here after reading the opening line. WHY? Who thought this was a good idea! This seems like it would open a whole future can of worms! I am sure they will explain how this is not actually as bad as it sounds, but it certainly sounds like a terrible idea!


Highlighted Text 2:
“We do want scientists thinking about this so they can hold the DNA analysis software they write to the appropriate security standards so that this never makes sense to become a potential attack vector in the first place,” said Organick.

My comment:
So hypothetically in the future, or even currently, someone from a foreign entity or terrorist organization could become a patient at a hospital, and through clever manipulation have his DNA altered, maybe carried on his person, that instead of the expected say, hair sample or blood sample, this agent provides the DNA with the corrupted code in it. The Sequencer could read this code and suddenly the entire medical system is infected with malware from the most unexpected entry point. Am I understanding this correctly?


Highlighted Text 3:
The likelihood of an attack like this actually being pulled off is miniscule, but it’s a symbolic milestone in the increasing overlap between the digital and the biological.

My comment:
So the likelihood of this kind of attack is miniscule, but not impossible? I am not sure that my starting comment on this unit has been answered to my satisfaction. I now understand the “why” of doing this, but there is no good answer about preventing a real attack like this in the future