Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A first-of-its-kind data breach has millions of 23andMe customers concerned that their sensitive data could be in the wrong hands.
On Oct. 6, the genetic testing site 23andMe announced that they had been hacked. Certain customer profile information shared through the “DNA Relative” feature was compromised, but it is not known how many accounts were breached.
Cyber security expert with Check Point Software Michelle Boland said there is a lot of sensitive data attached to each profile.
“Where you live, your age, all of your family background, everything’s tied to your DNA so it’s quite disturbing,” said Boland.
Boland also said that people should be aware that this type of data is sought after by dangerous groups.
“There’s quite a bit of concern about the type of data, of course, because it is genetic. It’s so important for everyone to realize that information is wanted by other groups,” said Boland.
23andMe said they believe the accounts were hacked by using passwords from other websites that had been previously hacked. They also recommended all customers to turn on two-factor authentication.
WBZ NewsRadio's Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports:
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok