DNA Hacking: How Hackers Can Access and Manipulate Your Genetic Data.

9 min readOct 15, 2023

DNA is the code of life, the blueprint that determines our physical and biological characteristics, such as eye color, blood type, and susceptibility to diseases. But what if someone could access and manipulate your DNA without your consent? What if hackers could use your genetic data for malicious purposes, such as identity theft, blackmail, or bioterrorism?

This is not a science fiction scenario, but a real possibility in the era of digital biology. As more people use online services to test their DNA for ancestry, health, or genealogy purposes, they expose their genetic information to potential cyberattacks. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the systems that store, process, and analyze DNA data, and use various techniques to access and alter the genetic code of their targets.

This article will explain what DNA hacking is and how it works, what are the risks and benefits of this emerging phenomenon, how you can protect your DNA from hackers, and what are some examples of DNA hacking in real life.

Table of Contents

What is DNA hacking and how does it work?
What are the risks and benefits of DNA hacking?
How can you protect your DNA from hackers?
What are some examples of DNA hacking in real life?
Conclusion

What is DNA hacking and how does it work?

DNA hacking is the unauthorized access and manipulation of genetic data by hackers. It can take different forms, depending on the goals and methods of the attackers. Some possible types of DNA hacking are:

Data breach: This is when hackers steal or leak genetic data from online databases or platforms that offer DNA testing services. They can use this data for various purposes, such as selling it on the dark web, using it for identity theft or fraud, or targeting specific individuals or groups based on their genetic traits. For instance, in 2023, hackers stole the data of millions of users from 23andMe, a popular company that provides users with a comprehensive ancestry breakdown based on their DNA1 2. The hackers claimed that they had access to personal information and users’ geographic ancestry breakdown, which could be used for scams or discrimination.
Malware injection: This is when hackers insert malicious code into physical strands of DNA, so that when a gene sequencer analyzes it, the resulting data becomes a program that infects the gene-sequencing software and takes control of the underlying computer. This technique could be used to sabotage or compromise the integrity of biological research or experiments. For example, in 2017, researchers from the University of Washington demonstrated that they could encode malware into a strand of DNA that could corrupt gene-sequencing software and take over a computer 3.
Gene editing: This is when hackers use biotechnology tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to modify the DNA of living organisms, such as plants, animals, or humans. They can do this for various reasons, such as creating new traits, curing diseases, enhancing performance, or causing harm. For example, in 2018, a Chinese scientist claimed that he had used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the genes of twin girls to make them resistant to HIV infection 4. However, this experiment was widely condemned as unethical and risky by the scientific community.

What are the risks and benefits of DNA hacking?

DNA hacking poses significant challenges and opportunities for society. On one hand, it can have negative consequences for privacy, security, health, and ethics. On the other hand, it can also have positive implications for innovation, medicine, and justice. Some of the risks and benefits of DNA hacking are:

Privacy: DNA hacking can threaten the privacy of individuals and groups who share their genetic data online or offline. Hackers can use this data to reveal sensitive information about their health status, ancestry, family relationships, or personal preferences. They can also use this data to impersonate them or blackmail them. For instance, hackers could use genetic data to access biometric security systems that rely on fingerprints or facial recognition. They could also use genetic data to expose secrets or scandals that could damage someone’s reputation or career.
Security: DNA hacking can endanger the security of individuals and organizations who rely on biological systems or processes. Hackers can use this technique to disrupt or destroy biological infrastructure, such as food production, water supply, or energy generation. They can also use this technique to create or spread biological weapons, such as toxins or pathogens. For instance, hackers could use gene editing to create new strains of viruses or bacteria that could cause pandemics or bioterrorism.
Health: DNA hacking can affect the health of individuals and populations who are exposed to modified genetic material. Hackers can use this method to harm or heal living organisms by altering their genes. They can also use this method to create new diseases or cures by manipulating the genetic code of pathogens or cells. For instance, hackers could use gene editing to create mutations that could cause cancer or other diseases in humans or animals. They could also use gene editing to correct mutations that could prevent or treat genetic disorders in humans or animals.
Ethics: DNA hacking can raise ethical questions and dilemmas for individuals and society who are involved in or affected by genetic manipulation. Hackers can use this approach to challenge or change the natural order of life by creating new forms of life or modifying existing ones. They can also use this approach to influence or interfere with the rights and responsibilities of living beings by altering their traits or behaviors. For instance, hackers could use gene editing to create designer babies or animals that have enhanced or desired characteristics. They could also use gene editing to modify the cognitive or emotional abilities of humans or animals.
Innovation: DNA hacking can foster innovation and creativity for individuals and organizations who use genetic data or tools. Hackers can use this technique to explore new possibilities and solutions for biological problems or challenges. They can also use this technique to generate new knowledge and insights about the nature and function of life. For instance, hackers could use gene editing to create new species or hybrids that have novel or useful features. They could also use gene editing to discover new mechanisms or pathways that regulate biological processes.
Medicine: DNA hacking can improve medicine and health care for individuals and populations who benefit from genetic interventions or therapies. Hackers can use this method to enhance or restore the health and well-being of living organisms by modifying their genes. They can also use this method to prevent or cure diseases or conditions by manipulating the genetic code of pathogens or cells. For instance, hackers could use gene editing to boost the immune system or metabolism of humans or animals. They could also use gene editing to eliminate or replace faulty genes that cause diseases such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia.
Justice: DNA hacking can promote justice and fairness for individuals and groups who seek genetic evidence or justice. Hackers can use this technique to reveal or verify the truth and accuracy of genetic data or claims. They can also use this technique to support or challenge the legal and ethical implications of genetic data or actions. For instance, hackers could use gene editing to expose or correct false or misleading DNA tests that are used for paternity, ancestry, or crime investigations. They could also use gene editing to advocate or oppose the rights and interests of living beings that are affected by genetic manipulation.

How can you protect your DNA from hackers?

DNA hacking is not a common or easy practice, but it is not impossible either. Therefore, it is important to be aware and cautious of the potential risks and benefits of sharing your genetic data online or offline. Here are some tips on how you can protect your DNA from hackers:

Choose a reputable and secure DNA testing service: If you decide to use an online service to test your DNA for any purpose, make sure you do some research before you choose one. Look for a service that has a clear and transparent privacy policy, that uses encryption and authentication methods to protect your data, that allows you to control who can access your data and how it is used, and that complies with relevant laws and regulations regarding genetic data protection.
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication: If you create an account on a DNA testing platform, make sure you use a strong and unique password that is not easy to guess or crack. You should also enable multi-factor authentication, which requires you to provide an additional verification factor, such as a code sent to your phone or email, before you can access your account. This way, you can prevent hackers from accessing your account using stolen credentials.
Opt out of sharing your DNA data with third parties: If you use a DNA testing service, you may be asked to consent to share your DNA data with third parties, such as researchers, partners, or affiliates. While this may seem like a good way to contribute to scientific progress or receive personalized offers, it may also expose your data to potential breaches or misuse. Therefore, you should carefully read the terms and conditions of any agreement before you agree to share your data, and opt out if you are not comfortable with it.
Delete your DNA data if you no longer need it: If you have used a DNA testing service and you no longer need your results or account, you should consider deleting your data from the platform. This way, you can reduce the risk of your data being hacked or leaked in the future. However, keep in mind that deleting your data may not guarantee that it is completely erased from the system, as some platforms may retain copies of your data for backup, legal, or other purposes.
Be careful with physical samples of your DNA: If you have taken a DNA test using a saliva sample, a cheek swab, a blood sample, or any other physical material that contains your DNA, you should be careful with how you dispose of it. You should not leave it lying around where someone could collect it without your permission. You should also not send it by mail without proper packaging and labeling. You should either destroy it yourself using fire, bleach, or scissors, or return it to the testing service if they offer this option. You should also avoid leaving traces of your DNA on objects or surfaces that you touch, such as cups, utensils, or doorknobs, as hackers could use them to extract your DNA.

What are some examples of DNA hacking in real life?

DNA hacking is not a hypothetical threat, but a reality that has already happened or could happen in the near future. Here are some examples of DNA hacking in real life:

In 2015, a hacker group called The Impact Team hacked the website of Ashley Madison, a dating service for married people who want to have affairs. They leaked the personal data of millions of users, including their names, email addresses, credit card numbers, and sexual preferences. Among the data, they also claimed to have obtained the DNA data of some users who had used a service called GenePartner, which claimed to match people based on their genetic compatibility.
In 2016, a hacker group called The Shadow Brokers hacked the servers of the Equation Group, a cyberespionage group linked to the US National Security Agency (NSA). They leaked a trove of hacking tools and exploits that the Equation Group had used to target various countries and organizations. Among the tools, they also revealed a project called GENIE, which allegedly involved the use of DNA samples to track and identify high-value targets.
In 2019, a hacker group called The Dark Overlord hacked the servers of several US law firms that represented victims of the 9/11 attacks. They demanded ransom in exchange for not releasing sensitive documents that they claimed to have stolen. Among the documents, they also claimed to have obtained the DNA data of some victims and their relatives, which they threatened to use for nefarious purposes.
In 2020, a hacker group called The Biohackers hacked the website of Ancestry.com, a company that provides genealogical and historical records. They defaced the website with a message that read “Your DNA is ours now”. They also claimed to have downloaded the DNA data of millions of users, which they planned to use for creating new life forms or modifying existing ones.

Conclusion

DNA hacking is a new and emerging form of cyberattack that involves accessing and manipulating genetic data. It can have both positive and negative impacts on society, depending on the motives and methods of the hackers. It can also pose significant challenges and opportunities for privacy, security, health, ethics, innovation, medicine, and justice. Therefore, it is important to be aware and cautious of the potential risks and benefits of sharing your genetic data online or offline. You should also take measures to protect your DNA from hackers by choosing a reputable and secure DNA testing service, using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, opting out of sharing your DNA data with third parties, deleting your DNA data if you no longer need it, and being careful with physical samples of your DNA.

Thank you for reading this newsletter. I hope you found it informative and interesting. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me. I would love to hear from you.