by In a recent development, 23andMe, a renowned personal genetics company, disclosed that hackers gained access to the personal data of about 6.9 million of its members. Although the hackers managed to infiltrate only 0.1% of its customer base (about 14,000 accounts), they were able to view information shared by genetically related family members on the platform.
To counteract potential damages resulting from the hack, 23andMe has initiated measures to strengthen account security. Users are now required to reset their passwords and set up secondary authentication methods, such as using temporary codes sent to their mobile phones. The spokesperson also confirmed that affected customers were being notified accordingly.
23andMe detected the breach in early October when data thieves infiltrated accounts protected by login details that had been recycled from compromised websites. However, the company’s spokesperson emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest that the breach originated from within 23andMe’s systems or that 23andMe was the source of the compromised account credentials.
Out of the 6.9 million accounts affected, approximately 5.5 million contained information on genetic matches, potentially including birth dates and locations. These details had been provided by users and stored by 23andMe. Additionally, about 1.4 million of the compromised accounts had limited access to certain DNA profile information through the Family Tree feature.
Founded in 2006, 23andMe is headquartered in Mountain View, California, where it operates alongside tech giant Google. The company has gained popularity for its services, which allow individuals to explore their genetic makeup and ancestry. This breach poses a significant concern for the affected users, as it potentially compromises their personal information and highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks in today’s digital age.
With these security breaches becoming increasingly common, it is crucial for companies and individuals to prioritize the protection of their sensitive data. As hackers continue to exploit vulnerabilities, organizations must implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to personal information. Meanwhile, users should enhance their personal cybersecurity practices by using strong, unique passwords for different platforms and enabling multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
In conclusion, 23andMe’s recent security breach has exposed the personal data of millions of its users. The company has taken immediate action to address the issue and enhance security measures. However, this incident serves as a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant in safeguarding their personal information, both online and offline, in the face of evolving cyber threats.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
