UK Watchdog is $3.1 million for data security violations
UK regulators on Tuesday fined £231 million ($3.1 million) for a company’s privacy violation. Major data breach in 2023.
The intelligence committee’s office says that the genetic testing company that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US failed to implement “appropriate” security measures to protect the personal information of users in the UK. The UK fine comes after a joint investigation by the ICO and the Canadian Privacy Commissioner’s Office.
In a statement, British Information Commissioner John Edwards called the violation “deeply damaging” and pointed out that it exposed sensitive personal information, including the family history and health status of thousands of people in the UK.
“Their security systems were inadequate,” Edwards said. “The warning signs were there and the company was slow to respond, making people’s most sensitive data vulnerable to exploitation and harm.”
In 2023, cybercriminals violated the 23andme system using “”Qualification Attack“This includes firing online accounts with a huge set of usernames and passwords stolen in previous unrelated attacks. Over the course of several months, intruders were able to oust the personal data of over 6.9 million people, including around 155,000 UK residents.
The ICO said Tuesday at the time of the violation, 23andMe does not require additional verification, such as biometric indicators or codes sent to the phone, to access user accounts that violate UK law. I then changed my practice to turn on two-factor authentication by default.
Increased costs associated with violations and the decline demand for its services were key factors in 23andMe’s decision. Files for bankruptcy protection earlier this year. The move also led technology and legal experts to wonder about the future security and privacy of consumer genetic samples and vast collections of personal data.
The bid from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to buy most of the company’s assets for $256 million has been criticised, but the company has Finally it was on top last week According to the TTAM Research Institute, a nonprofit organization led by 23andme co-founder and former CEO Anne Wojcicki. The transaction is subject to final court approval and customary closure terms.