US senator asks 23andMe for details after reported data for sale online

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The top Republican on the U.S. Senate’s health committee is demanding answers from the CEO of 23andMe after data from the family genetics website was advertised for sale on the dark web.

Senator Bill Cassidy, the ranking member on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, expressed concerns in a letter addressed to CEO Anne Wojcicki, requesting more information regarding this security breach. Earlier this month, a hacker advertised 23andMe data, however, 23andMe clarified that their company’s systems were not compromised.

Senator Cassidy is concerned about the potential risks posed to the privacy and security of individuals whose data is stored on the 23andMe platform. With the rise of cybercrime, protecting personal genetic information is of paramount importance. The Senator is eager to ascertain the extent of the breach and hold the responsible parties accountable.

In his letter, Senator Cassidy emphasized that the committee has oversight responsibility for the protection of healthcare information and data security. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust in genetic testing companies such as 23andMe.

The sale of information on the dark web is a growing concern, as it allows cybercriminals to exploit sensitive data for malicious purposes. While 23andMe stated that their systems were not breached, cybersecurity experts have warned that personal data breaches can have far-reaching consequences, including identity theft and financial harm.

As the investigation into the 23andMe data breach progresses, it is essential that the company cooperates fully with the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to provide all relevant details regarding the incident. Transparency is vital to understanding the nature and scope of the breach, in order to effectively mitigate potential risks and protect consumers.

With the rapid advances in genetic technology, it is crucial that genetic testing companies prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information. This incident highlights the need for comprehensive security practices and strict protocols to ensure the privacy and protection of individual’s genetic data.

Meanwhile, the committee will continue to closely monitor the situation and work towards strengthening cybersecurity safeguards in the healthcare industry. Senator Cassidy’s letter to 23andMe’s CEO is a significant step in the pursuit of accountability and improved security standards.

Further updates on the investigation are expected as the committee seeks to determine the scope of the data breach and identify any potential vulnerabilities in the 23andMe system.

Reporting by Susan Heavey