Rapid improvement in DNA sequencing has sparked a proliferation of medical and genetic tests that promise to reveal everything from one’s ancestry to fitness levels to microorganisms that live in your gut.
A new study from University of Washington researchers that analyzed the security hygiene of common, open-source DNA processing programs finds evidence of poor computer security practices used throughout the field .
In the study, which will be presented Aug. 17 in Vancouver, B.C., at the 26th USENIX Security Symposium, the team also demonstrated for the first time that it is possible — though still challenging — to compromise a computer system with a malicious computer code stored in synthetic DNA. When that DNA is analyzed, the code can become executable malware that attacks the computer system running the software.
So far, the researchers stress, there’s no evidence of malicious attacks on DNA synthesizing, sequencing and processing services. But their analysis of software used throughout that pipeline found known security gaps that could allow unauthorized parties to gain control of computer systems — potentially giving them access to personal information or even the ability to manipulate DNA results.
“One of the big things we try to do in the computer security community is to avoid a situation where we say, ‘Oh shoot, adversaries are here and knocking on our door and we’re not prepared,’” said co-author Tadayoshi Kohno, professor at the UW’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering.
“Instead, we’d rather say, ‘Hey, if you continue on your current trajectory, adversaries might show up in 10 years. So let’s start a conversation now about how to improve your security before it becomes an issue,’” said Kohno, whose previous research has provoked high-profile discussions about vulnerabilities in emerging technologies, such as internet-connected automobiles and implantable medical devices.
“We don’t want to alarm people or make patients worry about genetic testing, which can yield incredibly valuable information,” said co-author and Allen School associate professor Luis Ceze. “We do want to give people a heads up that as these molecular and electronic worlds get closer together, there are potential interactions that we haven’t really had to contemplate before.”
In the new paper, researchers from the UW Security and Privacy Research Lab and UW Molecular Information Systems Lab offer recommendations to strengthen computer security and privacy protections in DNA synthesis, sequencing and processing.
The research team identified several different ways that a nefarious person could compromise a DNA sequencing and processing stream. To start, they demonstrated a technique that is scientifically fascinating — though arguably not the first thing an adversary might attempt, the researchers say.
“It remains to be seen how useful this would be, but we wondered whether under semi-realistic circumstances it would be possible to use biological molecules to infect a computer through normal DNA processing,” said co-author and Allen School doctoral student Peter Ney.
DNA is, at its heart, a system that encodes information in sequences of nucleotides. Through trial and error, the team found a way to include executable code — similar to computer worms that occasionally wreak havoc on the internet — in synthetic DNA strands.
To create optimal conditions for an adversary, they introduced a known security vulnerability into a software program that’s used to analyze and search for patterns in the raw files that emerge from DNA sequencing.
When that particular DNA strand is processed, the malicious exploit can gain control of the computer that’s running the program — potentially allowing the adversary to look at personal information, alter test results or even peer into a company’s intellectual property.
“To be clear, there are lots of challenges involved,” said co-author Lee Organick, a research scientist in the Molecular Information Systems Lab. “Even if someone wanted to do this maliciously, it might not work. But we found it is possible.”
In what might prove to be a more target-rich area for an adversary to exploit, the research team also discovered known security gaps in many open-source software programs used to analyze DNA sequencing data.
Some were written in unsafe languages known to be vulnerable to attacks, in part because they were first crafted by small research groups who likely weren’t expecting much, if any, adversarial pressure. But as the cost of DNA sequencing has plummeted over the last decade, open-source programs have been adopted more widely in medical- and consumer-focused applications.
Researchers at the UW Molecular Information Systems Lab are working to create next-generation archival storage systems by encoding digital data in strands of synthetic DNA. Although their system relies on DNA sequencing, it does not suffer from the security vulnerabilities identified in the present research, in part because the MISL team has anticipated those issues and because their system doesn’t rely on typical bioinformatics tools.
Recommendations to address vulnerabilities elsewhere in the DNA sequencing pipeline include: following best practices for secure software, incorporating adversarial thinking when setting up processes, monitoring who has control of the physical DNA samples, verifying sources of DNA samples before they are processed and developing ways to detect malicious executable code in DNA.
“There is some really low-hanging fruit out there that people could address just by running standard software analysis tools that will point out security problems and recommend fixes,” said co-author Karl Koscher, a research scientist in the UW Security and Privacy Lab. “There are certain functions that are known to be risky to use, and there are ways to rewrite your programs to avoid using them. That would be a good initial step.”
Learn more: DNA sequencing tools lack robust protections against cybersecurity risks
The Latest on: DNA cybersecurity
[google_news title=”” keyword=”DNA cybersecurity” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]- Ethical Considerations in Data Managementon May 2, 2024 at 12:48 am
Paraskumar Patel, a pioneer in data engineering, has dedicated his career to developing systems that not only enhance real-time data processing but also rigorously adhere to ethical guidelines.
- Leading the way in digital transformation and change management: visionary tech professional AnkurKhareon May 2, 2024 at 12:35 am
Ankur has engaged in a lot of research on Digital Transformation and Adoption and Organizational Change Management effects on businesses; his insights have led to a major shift in the processes used ...
- FOX BUSINESSon May 1, 2024 at 6:28 pm
Home DNA testing firm 23andMe is placing the blame on customers who reused login credentials for a cyber incident in which 6.9 million customers' data was exposed. Xerox Holdings Corp. is trimming its ...
- Biotech Matters: Problems with Life Science Databases in the United Stateson May 1, 2024 at 7:17 am
In the United States, these databases are too small, fragmented, and difficult for legitimate researchers to access and use. This lack of essential databases undercuts U.S. competitiveness against ...
- I host the world’s largest cybersecurity conference. Here’s what is top of mind for security experts right nowon May 1, 2024 at 4:30 am
You may not know it, but the cybersecurity world is about to have its Super Bowl. More than 40,000 people from over 130 countries will descend on San Francisco the week of May 6 for the 33rd annual ...
- The Top Privacy And Security Tech Trends Shaping The Next Decadeon April 30, 2024 at 10:58 pm
Explore the frontier of privacy and security, with the technological advancements set to redefine our lives by 2035, from quantum computing to biosecurity.
- Navigating the Cyber Elephant in the Boardroom: Embracing Cybersecurity as a Continuous Journeyon April 29, 2024 at 1:41 pm
The 5 Pillars of Security Framework offers a straightforward and business-friendly methodology for addressing cybersecurity challenges.
- Have you heard the one about Trump? Biden tries humour on the campaign trailon April 28, 2024 at 7:43 am
U.S. President Joe Biden is out to win votes by scoring some laughs at the expense of Donald Trump, unleashing mockery with the goal of getting under the former president's thin skin and reminding the ...
- DNA remark: Police register case against PV Anvar MLAon April 26, 2024 at 6:41 pm
Mannarkad: Police have registered a case against P V Anvar, MLA, in connection with his controversial remark demanding DNA test of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Anvar's comment at a recent election r ...
- DNA remark: Court tells police to file case against PV Anvar MLAon April 25, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Mannarkkad: A court here has directed the police to register a case against Nilambur MLA P V Anvar in connection with his controversial remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Anvar's comment at ...
via Google News and Bing News