A report from the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) underscores the growing cybersecurity and privacy challenges surrounding genomic data. The increased applications of genomic data, spanning drug development, consumer ancestry testing, and law enforcement activities, have amplified the need for addressing critical privacy and security concerns.
The NIST report emphasizes the uniqueness of genomic data, highlighting its intrinsic properties that differentiate it from other types of data. Genomic data plays a vital role in the U.S. bio-economy, and its various uses make it susceptible to interception, corruption, overwriting, or deletion at different stages of the data life cycle. The report specifically points out the inadequacy of current policies, guidance documents, and technical controls in addressing the cybersecurity and privacy concerns associated with genomic data.
Throughout its life cycle, from creation to storage, analysis, and dissemination, genomic data faces risks that can compromise its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Cyberattacks targeting genomic data not only pose a threat to individual privacy but also risk intellectual property theft from the U.S. biotechnology industry. Beyond these concerns, the report notes that stolen genomic data could be exploited by foreign powers for extortion or the development of biological weapons, extending the potential impact beyond privacy loss.
The NIST report has led to the development of draft guidance proposing a framework for protecting the cybersecurity of genomic data. This guidance is considered crucial at a time when genomic data is increasingly utilized in diverse areas, including disease prediction, forensic investigations, and personalized healthcare drug design. The financial value of genomic data, coupled with its significance to governments and state-sponsored actors, raises the likelihood of cyberattacks targeting the healthcare sector.
The release of this report aligns with broader cybersecurity discussions and highlights the urgency of addressing the unique challenges associated with the use and protection of U.S. bio-economy.
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