Jewish community concerned after 23andMe data stolen, exposing genetic data of millions

SAN ANTONIO – A vital data breach at 23andMe, a number one genetic checking out and ancestry corporate, is below the microscope.

The corporate identified for its DNA checking out services and products has probably uncovered millions of folks’s delicate genetic data, and the have an effect on at the Ashkenazi Jewish community is of specific fear.

“The challenge with the 23andMe is that the information that was taken, to my knowledge, was shared with specific minority groups, in particular the Ashkenazi Jewish connection,” stated Nehemia “Nammie” Ichilov, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio.

The San Francisco-based corporate stated its buyer profile information that it opted into sharing via its DNA family members function used to be amassed with out account customers’ authorization.

23andMe believes the hackers accessed sure accounts when customers recycled login credentials. The corporate stated the usernames and passwords used at the 23andMe website online had been the similar as the ones used on different web sites which have been hacked.

“So, it’s a very concerning breach of data, but, unfortunately, when data is shared publicly like that, there’s no taking it back,” stated Ichilov.

Access to non-public information similar to date of delivery, ancestry effects and geographical location raises vital issues. Ichilov says it leaves the ones impacted no longer understanding how to offer protection to themselves and provides that the placement is uncharted territory.

“We’ve had identity theft before, but this is a whole another level of identity theft,” stated Ichilov.

In a statement, 23andMe says that if it learns {that a} buyer’s data has been accessed, it’ll touch that individual immediately with extra information.

“Our investigation continues, and we have engaged the assistance of third-party forensic experts. We are also working with federal law enforcement officials,” said 23andMe.

“Out of caution, we are requiring that all customers reset their passwords and are encouraging the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA),” it added.

The Jewish Federation of San Antonio says its nationwide organizations are operating on finding out extra concerning the state of affairs.

“The challenge is always trying to figure out what was the intent and what was the benefit to the person who caused it. We’re still at the stages of trying to figure that out to better understand if this is a Jewish community issue or if this is a societal issue,” stated Ichilov.

In the period in-between, Ichilov stated if a community member fears their well-being and protection, touch the police right away. He stated The Jewish Federation of San Antonio is to be had to lend a hand by any means it could possibly.