NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The personal data of millions have been accessed by hackers through their 23andMe accounts — a genetic testing company where people trace their family history.
Hackers accessed accounts that used the same username and passwords for other websites, and then exploited the features that allow users to see information about their relatives.
Overall, 23andMe said only about 14,000 accounts were hacked, but the relatives feature gave the hackers access to millions of people's personal data.
A 23andMe spokesperson said the "DNA Relatives" profiles of more than 5 million customers was accessed without permission. Which has information such as names, birthdays, and zip codes, according to CNN, as well as other predicted relationships and the DNA percentage users share with their matches.
More than a million customers had their "Family Tree" profile information accessed, which is a limited subset of the Relatives profile.
The company said this hack happened back in October and then an investigation was launched.
The company acknowledged the hack in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission Friday.
Users who have been affected are still being notified. In the meantime, all users are being asked to change their passwords and enable two-step verification to prevent this from happening again.
Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
