DNA testing Veritas Genetics reports data breach

Veritas Genetics, a DNA testing startup based in Danvers, Massachusetts, is reporting a data breach affecting its customer-facing portal. Founded in 2014, Veritas offers whole-genome sequencing for $599, providing insights into a wide array of diseases and conditions

The breachresulted in unauthorized access to some customer information. The specifics of the attack, number of affected individuals or any details about stolen information were not disclosed by the company, only mentioning that a "handful" of customers were affected.

Veritas Genetics has initiated a forensic investigation to determine the extent of the breach and plans to notify potentially impacted customers upon its completion. The company is also considering legal actions against the perpetrator(s).

Veritas Genetics claims that the compromised portal did not contain any test results or medical information.

This incident and the major 23andme incident raises broader concerns about the security capabilities of health startups, especially those handling sensitive DNA and genome information.