便携式基因测序仪存在未知安全漏洞

Core Insights - Portable gene sequencers, widely used globally, have unknown security vulnerabilities that may lead to unauthorized access and alteration of private genetic data [1][2] - The research team identified three security flaws in the MinION sequencer produced by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, two of which allow unauthorized access to copy or modify DNA data [1] - The third flaw can cause service interruptions, leading to device malfunctions during sequencing [1] Group 1: Security Vulnerabilities - The MinION sequencer, priced at several thousand dollars, can operate globally and simplifies the previously complex and costly DNA sequencing process [1] - Despite software updates from Oxford Nanopore to address these vulnerabilities, risks remain if devices use outdated software or connect to insecure networks [1] - The potential for data breaches increases when the sequencer is connected to computers in uncontrolled environments, which may be infected with malware [1] Group 2: Regulatory and Safety Considerations - The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology has begun to differentiate between research and clinical applications of sequencers, indicating a growing emphasis on safety standards in the field [2] - The scientific community is urged to adopt a "safety-first" design philosophy to address emerging threats to genomic data as portable sequencing technology becomes more prevalent [2]