Cyber Vulnerabilities in Next-Gen DNA Sequencing

Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS)—the engine behind personalized medicine, cancer diagnostics, infectious disease tracking, and cutting-edge genetic research—is increasingly at risk of cyberattacks, according to a new study published in IEEE Access.

Led by Dr. Nasreen Anjum from the University of Portsmouth’s School of Computing, this is the first in-depth analysis of cyber-biosecurity threats across the full NGS workflow. The study raises urgent concerns about potential vulnerabilities, from data breaches and privacy violations to the risk of biothreats stemming from malicious interference with sequencing processes.

A Hidden Weak Spot in Biotech

NGS plays a foundational role in modern biotechnology. It enables rapid, cost-effective sequencing of DNA and RNA, powering discoveries in cancer research, drug development, agriculture, and forensic science. But as NGS systems grow more complex and interconnected—spanning sample preparation, sequencing, data analysis, and interpretation—they also open up a wide array of potential security gaps.

“Our work is a wake-up call. Protecting genomic data isn’t just about encryption—it’s about anticipating attacks that don’t yet exist. We need a complete shift in how we secure the future of precision medicine,”
 

Dr. Nasreen Anjum, University of Portsmouth

Personal Data at High Risk

Unlike most data, genomic information is deeply personal. If compromised, the fallout could be severe—ranging from surveillance and discrimination to scientific fraud or national security risks.

“Genomic data is one of the most personal forms of data we have. If compromised, the consequences go far beyond a typical data breach,”
 

Dr. Mahreen-Ul-Hassan, Co-author, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University

The study identifies evolving tactics that cybercriminals could use to attack NGS systems. These include:

• Malware encoded in synthetic DNA

• AI-powered manipulation of genome data

• Re-identification attacks to trace individuals

These threats could disrupt research, violate privacy, or enable bioterrorism—posing far more than just IT challenges.

A Call for Urgent Collaboration

Despite the stakes, the field of cyber-biosecurity remains under-researched and poorly understood. The study emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts across disciplines—including computer science, bioinformatics, biotechnology, and cybersecurity—to build robust safeguards.

“Without coordinated action, genomic data could be exploited for surveillance, discrimination, or even bioterrorism. Current protections are fragmented, and vital collaboration between disciplines is lacking,”
 

Dr. Nasreen Anjum

“Our research lays the foundations for improving biosecurity by providing a single, clear list of all the possible threats in the entire next-generation sequencing process,”
 

Dr. Nasreen Anjum

Recommendations for a More Secure Future

To address the risks, the team offers several practical steps:

• Use secure sequencing protocols

• Encrypt storage and transmission of sensitive data

• Deploy AI systems to monitor for abnormal activity

• Educate stakeholders on cyber-biosecurity best practices

The study was a collaborative effort among researchers from Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Gloucestershire, Narjan University, and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University. It was funded by the British Council’s UK–Saudi Challenge Fund and a research grant from the University of Portsmouth.