Your DNA could be the next hacking target, scientists warn

The same groundbreaking technology used to fight cancer, track viruses, and create personalized medicine could soon become a high-value target for cybercriminals. According to a new study, next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) — a cornerstone of modern biotechnology — may be far more vulnerable to hacking than we think.

The research, published in the journal IEEE Access, was led by Dr. Nasreen Anjum from the University of Portsmouth’s School of Computing. It’s the first comprehensive study to explore cyber-biosecurity threats across the entire NGS workflow — a complex process that involves collecting, sequencing, and analyzing genetic data using highly interconnected digital systems.

NGS has transformed the fields of medicine, agriculture, and forensic science. It enables scientists to read DNA and RNA at lightning speed and relatively low cost, helping them understand diseases, develop new drugs, solve crimes, and even improve crops. But as the technology has become more powerful and widely adopted, its digital footprint has grown — and with that, so has its exposure to cyber threats.

A hidden vulnerability in our most powerful biotech

“NGS systems are highly sophisticated,” said the researchers. “But that complexity also makes them an ideal target for hackers.”

The study points out that each stage of the NGS process — from sample preparation and sequencing to data interpretation — relies on a mix of physical lab equipment, software, cloud services, and internet-connected devices. A weakness in any of these components could open the door to serious breaches.

If hackers were to gain access, the consequences could be severe:

• Data theft: Sensitive genetic information from individuals, research subjects, or patients could be stolen or leaked.
• Privacy violations: DNA holds deeply personal information, including health risks, ancestry, and even behavioral traits.
• Data manipulation: Genetic data could be altered, affecting research results, medical diagnoses, or legal evidence.
• Biothreats: In extreme cases, tampered genetic data could be used to design harmful biological agents or disrupt global research.

A wake-up call for biotech and cybersecurity

Until now, much of the focus in cyber defense has been on financial, governmental, or corporate systems. But as biotechnology rapidly merges with the digital world, it’s creating a new type of critical infrastructure — one that stores the very code of life.

“Imagine a future where DNA data is as sought-after as your credit card number,” said the researchers. “We’re not there yet, but the risks are real and growing.”

The report calls for urgent action to strengthen biosecurity in digital spaces, including:

• Regular cybersecurity audits of NGS systems
• End-to-end encryption of genetic data
• Strict access controls in research labs
• Mandatory cybersecurity training for lab personnel and data scientists

The future of DNA security starts now

This study isn’t just a warning — it’s a glimpse into the future of biotechnology. As more hospitals, research centers, and even private companies adopt NGS, the need for robust security grows more urgent.

It’s easy to think of DNA as something private, locked away inside our cells. But once it’s turned into data, it becomes vulnerable — like any other digital information. And if that data falls into the wrong hands, the consequences could go far beyond a privacy breach.

What’s at stake isn’t just personal information, but the integrity of science, the future of medicine, and perhaps even global security.

Your DNA is the ultimate password. It’s time we start protecting it like one.