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DNA testing service data breach impacting 2.1 million users

DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) has revealed that hackers managed to access highly sensitive and personal data of users including payment card data.


The Fairfield, Ohio-based DNA testing service DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) has disclosed a data breach in which sensitive personal and financial data of more than 2.1 million (2,102,436) customers/users has been stolen by hackers.

What happened?

According to the company’s blog post, the data breach was detected on August 6th, 2021 but the details of which have only been shared today on November 30th, 2020.

SEE: DNA testing website MyHeritage hacked; 92m user accounts stolen

The notification further reveals that the breach allowed hackers to access one of its archived databases containing the personal information of users between 2004 to 2012.

The impacted database was associated with a national genetic testing organization system that DDC acquired in 2012. This system has never been used in DDC’s operations and has not been active since 2012 – Therefore, impacts from this incident are not associated with DDC, the company said in its blog post.


What information was stolen?

In its reporting to the Office of the Maine Attorney General, DNA Diagnostics Center has shared some alarming details. The company has revealed that hackers managed to access highly sensitive and personal data of users including the following: 

  1. Full names
  2. Social Security number
  3. Financial account numbers
  4. Credit/debit card numbers along with their Pin or CVV codes.

Although it is unclear whether the stolen Pins or CVV codes were hashed or in plain-text format, the breach indicates that impacted individuals were not only exposed to identity theft-related scams but their banking details are also at risk.

SEE: Ancestry.com’ RootsWeb breach: 300,000 plaintext accounts leaked

If you are among the 2.1 million impacted customers of the data breach, you are eligible for complimentary credit monitoring services through Experian. Additionally, DNA Diagnostics Center will be sending you a breach alert notification explaining how you can sign up for free credit monitoring for impacted individuals to protect against identity fraud. 


Word of advice

Hackread.com recommends victims remain alert and keep an eye on their accounts on DNA Diagnostics Center. Moreover, monitor your bank statements for suspicious transactions that may take place using stolen payment cards. 

Also, don’t forget to alert your bank of the breach so authorities can take adequate measures to protect your payment card information from misuse.

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