Topics Tools Books & Guides Talk to Securafy

Knowledge Hub / IT Operations

IT Operations

DNA Testing Company Was Hacked And Data Was Breached

DNA Testing Company Was Hacked And Data Was Breached

Randy Hall By Randy Hall Updated Jul 2024 2 min read Share

Have you had your DNA tested by DDC (DNA Diagnostic Center)? If so be advised that the company was recently hacked and that the attackers were able to make off with data impacting 2,102,436 people.  According to the company's disclosure statement the breach occurred between May 24th and July 28th 2021 and the company's internal investigation into the matter was concluded on October 29th.

The hackers were able to exfiltrate the following data belonging to impacted customers:

  • Full Name
  • Account Password
  • Debit Card Number + CVV number
  • Credit Card Number + CVV number
  • And Financial Account Number

As bad as that sounds there is still a silver lining. The database that was compromised contained older backups spanning dates from 2004 through 2012 and none of the company's systems are making active use of that data. So the odds are very good that the account information is out of date.

In all probability the credit and debit card information are out of date too. So to be safe if you have used the service in the past it's best to review your account and closely monitor whatever credit/debit cards you had attached to your account with the company.

DDC has issued the standard apology to their customers along with a note outlining how much they value the privacy of their customers. That is all well and good.  It is small consolation for anyone whose data was compromised and it doesn't matter whether that data is current or not.

No doubt the company will follow the security recommendations that arise as a consequence of the investigation they're conducting with a third-party cyber security company. One would hope that at some point we'd start seeing fewer apologies after the fact and better security before. That is especially for a company involved with DNA testing. Here's hoping.

Join The Conversation

Have a question or perspective on this topic? Add it below.

Randy Hall

About The Author

Randy Hall · CEO & Founder

Randy Hall is the CEO and Founder of Securafy, with decades of experience helping organizations make smarter, safer decisions about technology.

A frequent speaker and instructor at national IT events, Randy has advised thousands of organizations, from startups and SMBs to large enterprises and U.S. government entities, on secure, practical technology adoption. He writes about the decisions business leaders are often expected to make without enough context, including cybersecurity, compliance, AI, cyber insurance, IT strategy, and business resilience.

Outside the office, you’ll often find Randy on Lake Erie enjoying time on his 38-foot Chris-Craft.

Writes about: Cybersecurity strategy, compliance, AI security, business resilience, cyber insurance, SMB risk, IT leadership

More From This Author →

Get Practical Cybersecurity Field Notes

Monthly cybersecurity, compliance, and IT strategy updates from Securafy, written for business owners who need clear next steps.

  • Practical security tips from our Cyber Security Drip series
  • The Securafy Times, our monthly roundup on compliance and IT strategy
  • Occasional updates on new tools, guides, and research
  • No spam — unsubscribe anytime