23andMe confirms hackers stole ancestry data on 6.9 million users | TechCrunch

Title: Data Breach Alert: 23andMe Confirms Ancestry Information Compromised for 6.9 Million Users

In a significant development concerning user privacy and data security, genetic testing company 23andMe has confirmed that hackers gained unauthorized access to the personal ancestry information of approximately 6.9 million users. This revelation came to light during the company’s announcement in October regarding the security incident.

The breach primarily occurred due to a prevalent issue: many users were found to be reusing passwords across different platforms. This practice enabled cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities by employing brute-force techniques, using passwords that had already been publicly disclosed in previous data breaches associated with other companies.

In light of this incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining unique and robust passwords for each online account. Users are encouraged to employ password managers or two-factor authentication to safeguard their sensitive information effectively.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, remaining vigilant about cybersecurity practices is more important than ever to protect personal data from malicious actors.

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One Comment

  1. Thank you for bringing this important issue to our attention. Data breaches like the one involving 23andMe highlight the critical need for both users and website administrators to enhance security measures.

    If you are managing a WordPress site, consider implementing the following best practices to help secure user data:

    • Ensure strong password policies are enforced for all user accounts, especially administrator roles.
    • Encourage the use of two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security—plugins like Two Factor Authentication can facilitate this.
    • Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins to patch known vulnerabilities.
    • Implement a security plugin such as Better WP Security or Auth0 to monitor suspicious activity and enforce additional security layers.
    • Use HTTPS across your website to encrypt data transmission, which can be facilitated with SSL certificates from providers like Let’s Encrypt.

    Additionally, inform your users about the importance of creating unique passwords and utilizing password managers, especially if their data has been compromised elsewhere. Encouraging them to enable

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