myheritage
Latest
A security breach opened up access to a genealogy site’s DNA profiles
A security breach changed the permission settings on millions of profiles in GEDmatch, a DNA database used by genealogists.
How secure is DNA testing?
Scientists only mapped the human genome 16 years ago, but today you can get a basic test of your genetic code from Walgreens. It's estimated some 26 million people have already sent their spit to direct-to-consumer DNA-testing companies, and the number is predicted to multiply to 100 million by 2021.
23andMe, Ancestry and others agree to genetic privacy guidelines
A number of genetic testing companies, including 23andMe and Ancestry, have signed onto a set of guidelines that aim to address consumer privacy concerns, the Washington Post reports. The privacy best practices, drafted alongside the Future of Privacy Forum, state that companies should acquire "separate express consent" from customers before handing over their individual-level information -- like genetic data and personal information -- to certain third parties. It also says companies should disclose how many requests for information they receive from law enforcement. MyHeritage, Habit and Helix have agreed to the voluntary guidelines as well.
MyHeritage admits 92 million user email addresses were leaked
MyHeritage is the latest company to suffer a security breach after a researcher found a file containing email addresses and hashed passwords for more than 92 million users. The researcher alerted MyHeritage to the breach Monday. The data includes account details for users who signed up to the genealogy and DNA testing service by October 26th last year.
Genealogy service's DNA test helps you find your roots
Genealogy services are all about tracing your family's history, so it makes sense for one of these services to identify your genetic history, doesn't it? MyHeritage sure thinks so. It's introducing a $79/£79 MyHeritage DNA kit that offers a detailed look at not only your ethnic roots, but your geographic connections as well. Are you from eastern Europe, or northern Africa? You might just find out when your swab test results are ready in 3 to 4 weeks. Your report will even show you potential DNA matches with others, in case someone else is a distant relative.
