A cyber attack which took place in October 2017 is said to have exposed the sensitive information of more than 92 million users of MyHeritage, a popular genealogy website.
Now, the major concern is that the hack is said to have exposed info on the DNA databases which could be used by bad guys or sold to them in near future. And if this does happen, then all h$#l will break loose.
In general, the said online service offers to its users the privilege of building a family tree based on the record of which they share their DNA. The procedure goes on as follows- Just place an order online to receive a mailed medical kit. Just swab your cheek, seal swab in an envelope provided and mail it back to the address specified on your mail order. After waiting for almost 4 weeks time, you will receive a report which unlocks your DNA Secrets.
Note- Gilad Japheth founded this website in 2003 and the company has its headquarters at Or Yehuda, Israel. The database of the said company is said to be helping law enforcement agencies operating around the world. For instance, the database was used to track down Golden State Killer.
Sources reporting to Cybersecurity Insiders say that the hack could have exposed email and password info of over 92 million users, along with the DNA data of few users who have registered with the portal in the recent past.
MyHeritage claims that it discovered the hack on Monday this week and will take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in future.
Wonder how the IT staff of the genealogy website ignored HIPAA compliance rules all these days…?
