Photo credit: www.sciencedaily.com
Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS), a critical technology driving advancements in personalized medicine, cancer diagnostics, infectious disease monitoring, and genetic research, faces significant cybersecurity challenges. Experts warn that if improperly secured, this essential technology could become a prime target for cybercriminals.
A recent study published in IEEE Access sheds light on the potential vulnerabilities within the NGS ecosystem, highlighting concerns over data breaches, violations of privacy, and the risk of biothreats that could emerge from exploiting this sophisticated sequencing tool.
Directed by Dr. Nasreen Anjum from the University of Portsmouth’s School of Computing, this study represents the first thorough examination of cybersecurity risks associated with the entire NGS workflow.
NGS fundamentally transforms how we conduct DNA and RNA sequencing, facilitating rapid and cost-efficient outputs that support advancements in areas like cancer research, pharmaceutical development, agricultural strategies, and forensic science.
The NGS workflow includes several intricate and interdependent stages, ranging from sample preparation to sequencing and subsequent data analysis. Each of these steps relies on specialized instruments, technologies, and connected systems, which, while necessary for accuracy, also present multiple points of vulnerability.
With a growing amount of DNA data accessible online, the potential for cybercriminals to exploit this information for purposes such as surveillance or unethical experimentation is a serious concern. The study underscores the importance of securing genomic data beyond traditional encryption methods.
Dr. Anjum emphasized, “Our findings serve as an urgent reminder that safeguarding genomic data requires us to anticipate future attack vectors, not only to react to existing threats. A fundamental shift is needed in our approach to securing the realm of precision medicine.”
This research was conducted in conjunction with experts from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, the University of Gloucestershire’s Department of Cyber Security and Computing, Narjan University’s Department of Computer Science and Emerging Research Laboratory, and the Department of Microbiology at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University.
Dr. Mahreen-Ul-Hassan, a microbiologist and co-author of the study, remarked, “Genomic data is exceptionally personal. In the event of a compromise, the implications extend far beyond those of a standard data breach, affecting individual privacy on a profound level.”
The research team identified innovative tactics that malicious actors could employ, such as synthetic DNA-encoded malware, AI-driven manipulation of genetic data, and identity tracing through various re-identification techniques. These emerging threats not only jeopardize personal privacy and scientific integrity but also pose risks to national security.
Dr. Anjum further articulated, “Despite its significance, the field of cyber-biosecurity is markedly under-researched, creating a perilous gap in global biosecurity. To ensure the protection of our DNA information and its ethical use, we advocate for increased research and collaboration aimed at strengthening the security of this powerful technology.”
“It is imperative that governments, regulatory agencies, funding organizations, and academic institutions prioritize this field, investing in targeted research, education, and policy development before potential breaches occur.”
Dr. Anjum warned, “Without a coordinated effort, genomic data could be weaponized for purposes such as surveillance or bioterrorism. Current security measures are inconsistent, and a lack of collaboration across various disciplines is evident. Effective prevention hinges on interdisciplinary cooperation among computer scientists, bioinformaticians, biotechnologists, and security experts—groups that seldom collaborate but must work together moving forward.”
The research lays out a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing biosecurity by delineating all possible threats involved in the NGS process.
Additionally, the paper presents actionable recommendations, such as the implementation of secure sequencing protocols, encrypted data storage solutions, and AI-driven anomaly detection systems, all of which serve to bolster cyber-biosecurity measures.
The study received funding from the British Council’s UK-Saudi Challenge Fund alongside a Quality Related Research Grant from the University of Portsmouth.
Source
www.sciencedaily.com