Source URL: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/24/09/13/2152229/23andme-to-pay-30-million-in-genetics-data-breach-settlement?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: 23andMe To Pay $30 Million In Genetics Data Breach Settlement
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Summary: The text highlights a significant legal settlement involving 23andMe over a data breach, emphasizing crucial measures the company has agreed to implement regarding security enhancements and employee training. This situation is highly relevant for professionals in compliance, information security, and privacy sectors, given the implications for data protection and breach response protocols.
Detailed Description: The content details a lawsuit settlement involving 23andMe, a well-known genetic testing company, after a data breach that affected 6.4 million customers. This situation underscores several important topics for security and compliance professionals:
– **Settlement Details**:
– 23andMe has agreed to pay $30 million as part of a class action settlement.
– The settlement is pending judicial approval and includes cash compensation for affected individuals.
– Affected customers will receive payments within ten days of final approval.
– **Security Enhancements**:
– As part of the settlement, 23andMe will enhance its security measures, which include:
– **Credential-Stuffing Protections**: Implementing measures to prevent unauthorized access through credential stuffing attacks.
– **Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication**: Requiring all users to enable two-factor authentication to bolster account security.
– **Cybersecurity Audits**: Conducting annual audits to assess and improve cybersecurity practices.
– **Data Breach Response Plan**: Establishing and maintaining a comprehensive plan to respond to potential data breaches effectively.
– **Retention Policy**: Ceasing the retention of personal data for inactive or deactivated accounts, thereby minimizing potential risk exposure.
– **Training Initiatives**:
– 23andMe will provide an updated Information Security Program to all employees, including annual training sessions to ensure staff are aware of the latest security protocols.
– **Company’s Stance**:
– Throughout the settlement, 23andMe denies any wrongdoing or liability, maintaining that they did not fail to protect customer information.
This case underscores the growing importance of implementing robust security measures and maintaining a culture of security awareness within organizations, especially those handling sensitive personal data. It serves as a reminder of the legal and financial repercussions of data breaches, as well as the necessity for continuous improvement in security protocols and compliance with regulations surrounding data protection.