Understanding the 23andMe Data Breach

It seems like if I had known I could profit from my genetic data, I might have been tempted to swap in someone else's DNA samples!

According to Bloomberg, the genetic testing firm 23andMe has acknowledged that approximately 6.9 million of its users had their data compromised. An anonymous hacker exploited user profiles by leveraging passwords obtained from other sites and subsequently listed that data for sale on the dark web earlier this year. This breach impacted nearly half of all individuals using 23andMe's services.

Who would have thought that online security could be so fragile? It’s shocking, really! In reality, the hackers primarily accessed an “analysis” of individuals' DNA, which includes insights like ancestral backgrounds and predictions about potential health issues—ranging from hair loss to the risk of Athlete’s Foot from walking barefoot in a gym. However, they did not acquire actual DNA sequences. This isn’t the first time I've faced such security issues; I’ve been receiving complimentary credit monitoring for the past decade due to similar breaches!

To be honest, I didn’t learn much from my 23andMe results that I hadn’t already guessed. For instance, I have a surprisingly high percentage of Neanderthal ancestry—something any former girlfriend could have pointed out. I might even be genetically linked to a “pet rock,” which explains my affinity for getting “stoned” back in college. On a more alarming note, the tests revealed a strong inclination towards being a New York Yankees fan. In response to the breach, 23andMe is advising customers to not only update their passwords but also consider changing their DNA—just to be safe!

The first video discusses how the 23andMe data breach affected 6.9 million users and provides insights into the nature of the breach.

The second video reveals how the 23andMe data breach exposed personal profiles of millions and discusses potential risks for users.