AMERICANS who use a genetic testing company have been urged to delete their data after the firm was the victim of a data breach.
Biotechnology giant 23andMe appears to be facing an uncertain future after the cyber scare that hit in 2023 and the resignation of the entire board.
Top execs resigned from the board last month and came against a challenging financial performance backdrop.
In the last financial year, 23andMe reported a net loss of $667 million – compared to a net loss of $312 million the previous year.
Anne Wojcicki, the firm’s CEO, revealed she wanted the chain to go private.
The company appears to be in a state of uncertainty, and cyber experts have urged its customers to take action.
“If you have a 23andme account, today is a good day to login and request the deletion of your data,” Eva Galperin, the director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Federation, posted on X.
When it comes to a customer deleting their data, the process is explained on the 23andMe website.
Data can be deleted via a user’s account settings.
Alternatively, they can email the customer care team to request that their data be deleted.
However, customers have been warned that the process cannot be undone or canceled once it has been started.
The company told CBS it is committed to protecting users’ privacy.
In September, company execs agreed to pay out $30 million relating to a privacy dispute.
Court papers alleged millions of customers’ data was swiped, and some of it was uploaded onto the dark web.
A slew of lawsuits were submitted against the company over the breach.
Hackers carried out the breach using a technique known as “credential stuffing,” stealing usernames and passwords.
23andMe settlement
CHIEFS at the genetics company 23andMe have agreed to pay out $30 milllion in relation to a privacy dispute. The U.S. Sun has broken down the terms of the settlement below:
- A total of $30 million will be paid out.
- The settlement impacts customers whose data was stolen in 2023.
- Hackers used a tactic known as “credential stuffing” to target unsuspecting customers.
- Customers that use the same passwords for different accounts were vulnerable.
- Claimants will be able to apply for payments up to $10,000.
- Residents in some states, including Alaska, California, Oregon, and Illinois, will be able to apply for cash in accordance with state privacy laws.
- It has not been announced when payments will be issued.
Customers who have other accounts but use the same usernames and passwords were extremely vulnerable.
It’s not yet known how many customers will receive payments as the precise figures are being ironed out.
But it’s estimated that checks up to $10,000 will be issued.
Cash payments will also be administered to those whose health information was disclosed.
Chiefs at the 23andMe have welcomed the resolution.
“We continue to believe this settlement is in the best interest of 23andMe customers, and we look forward to finalizing the agreement,” the company said.
The 23andMe settlement is not the only payment Americans can claim.
Americans can file claims for up to $4,400 if they file they were impacted by a data breach that affected the pecan producer Green Valley.
And, Cash App users are in line to get a share of a settlement following a data breach.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
