Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Researchers have cautioned that Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS), the technology driving the advancement of personalized medicine, cancer diagnostics, infectious disease monitoring, and genetic research, may emerge as a primary target for cybercriminals.
As NGS is made up of advanced techniques that allow scientists to decode DNA and RNA much faster and more affordably than traditional methods, which could make it a preferred option for malicious users.
A study published in IEEE Access underscores escalating apprehensions regarding the potential exploitation of this potent sequencing tool, if inadequately safeguarded, leading to data breaches, privacy infringements, and prospective biothreats.
Led by Dr. Nasreen Anjum from the University of Portsmouth’s School of Computing, this groundbreaking study is the first to comprehensively explore cyber-biosecurity risks across the entire NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) workflow.
NGS lies at the heart of modern biotechnology, enabling rapid and cost-effective sequencing of DNA and RNA. It drives critical advancements in areas like cancer research, drug discovery, agricultural innovation, and forensic science.
The sequencing process in the NGS workflow comprises a succession of intricate, interrelated steps—ranging from sample preparation and sequencing to data processing and interpretation—each necessitating specialized instruments, technologies, software, and interconnected systems.
The phases are crucial for producing precise outcomes, although they also introduce several points of vulnerability. The study cautions that the availability of several DNA datasets online may enable thieves to exploit this information for monitoring, manipulation, or nefarious experiments.
Dr. Anjum stated that their research serves as a clarion call.” Safeguarding genetic data extends beyond encryption; it involves predicting future, unforeseen threats. A paradigm shift is necessary for securing the future of precision medicine.
The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Department of Computer Science at Anglia Ruskin University, the Department of Cyber Security and Computing at the University of Gloucestershire, the Department of Computer Science and Emerging Research Laboratory at Narjan University, and the Department of Microbiology at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University.
Dr. Mahreen-Ul-Hassan, a microbiologist and co-author from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, emphasized that genomic data is among the most sensitive forms of personal information. If compromised, the consequences can far exceed those of a typical data breach.
The research team discovered novel and developing approaches that hackers and individuals with bad intent may employ to exploit or attack systems, including synthetic DNA-encoded malware, AI-driven manipulation of genomic data, and identity tracing via re-identification methods. These concerns surpass conventional data breaches, endangering personal privacy, scientific integrity, and national security.
Dr. Anjun indicated that despite its significance, cyber-biosecurity is one of the most overlooked and poorly comprehended research fields, creating a critical void in global biosecurity. She pointed out that to ensure the security of our DNA information and its ethical utilization, they advocate for increased study and collaboration to identify methods for safeguarding this potent technology.
Dr. Anjun further stressed the need for governments, regulatory entities, funding organizations, and academic institutions to prioritize this domain and allocate resources for specialized research, education, and policy formulation before it is too late.
“Without coordinated action, genomic data could be exploited for surveillance, discrimination, or even bioterrorism. Current protections are fragmented, and vital collaboration between disciplines is lacking. Key to successful prevention will be interdisciplinary cooperation between computer scientists, bioinformaticians, biotechnologists, and security professionals – groups that rarely work together but must align.
“Our research lays the foundations for improving biosecurity by providing a single, clear list of all the possible threats in the entire next-generation sequencing process.”
The document additionally advocates for pragmatic solutions, including safe sequencing procedures, encrypted storage, and AI-driven anomaly detection, thereby establishing a robust framework for enhanced cyber-biosecurity.
The research received funding from the British Council’s UK-Saudi Challenge Fund and a Quality Related Research Grant from the University of Portsmouth.
