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by cthulhujr 2925 days ago
It will be an interesting day when millions of people have their detailed genetic profiles compromised. I'm not entirely sure how much useful data is gathered by these DNA test sites today, but I can easily imagine a future where data from human samples is a prime target for hackers. Perhaps more valuable than login credentials.
2 comments

Forgot your password? Submit your DNA fingerprint to prove your identity.

Definitely better and definitely scarier than the current "security question" technique.

>Definitely better

You can change a security question. You can't change your DNA.

Biometrics are usernames, not passwords.

I thought you could "replace" your DNA with a bone marrow transplant? I am most definitely not a scientist.
You could replace the DNA of your bone marrow that way, and maybe the DNA of any blood cells that happen to be made by that bone marrow, but most of your body will still have the old DNA.
That's not better. You leave DNA everywhere you go, in the form of skin flakes and hair.
Perhaps they could even clone people against their will. Talk about "identity theft!"
I'm a huge privacy advocate, but honestly, I wouldn't care about this as much as using my genetic material against me (e.g. for job or insurance screening). A person is not their DNA.