Curious Minds is where big questions meet everyday curiosity, exploring how science, technology, and imagination shape our world. From kids to grandparents, everyone can find something to spark their mind here.

If you think hacking is just about stolen passwords or leaked emails — think again. Today, the frontier has shifted from computers to cells, from stolen data to stolen DNA.

In this episode (Ep. 11): Join Ashwath on Curious Minds as we dive into the emerging world of cyberbiosecurity where digital breaches collide with biology itself. From the 23andMe data exposure that shook public trust, to academic demonstrations showing how malicious code can hide inside synthetic DNA, this episode unpacks how the “code of life” is becoming the next cybersecurity battlefield.

We’ll explore what experts fear most: how genetic data could be misused, how lab pipelines can be compromised, and how subtle vulnerabilities in DNA ordering systems could open the door to future bioterror risks. But it’s not all doom — we’ll also highlight the scientists, standards bodies, and innovators fighting to secure the biological future.

And here’s the takeaway — as biology moves deeper into the digital realm, protecting it isn’t just a scientific challenge. It’s a human one. From privacy to public health, the stakes have never been higher.

Stay curious, stay vigilant — because when life becomes data, security becomes survival.

Disclaimer:
This episode is crafted with the support of advanced AI tools to ensure clarity, smooth delivery, and an engaging listening experience. All information is drawn from credible, publicly available research, and any discussion of potential risks reflects the current understanding of subject-matter experts. This content is intended for educational and informational use only. It does not provide medical, legal, or policy advice, nor does it express political opinions or seek to influence any election. Listeners are encouraged to explore the referenced sources for further detail.

#CuriousMindsPodcast #Cyberbiosecurity #BiotechRisks #DNAHacking #DigitalBiology #GeneticPrivacy #Bioethics #FutureOfScience #Biosecurity #SyntheticBiology #23andMe #ScienceExplained #TechThreats #InnovationAndEthics #NewFrontiers

Sources

1. MIT Technology Review — Scientists Hack a Computer Using DNA (2017): https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/08/10/150013/scientists-hack-a-computer-using-dna/
2. Bio-IT World — Scientists Hack a Computer Using DNA (2017): https://www.bio-itworld.com/news/2017/08/10/scientists-hack-a-computer-using-dna
3. 23andMe Blog — Addressing Data Security Concerns: https://blog.23andme.com/articles/addressing-data-security-concerns
4. HIPAA Journal — 6.9 Million 23andMe Users Affected by Data Breach: https://www.hipaajournal.com/6-9-million-23andme-users-affected-by-data-breach/
5. UK ICO — 23andMe fined £2.31 million: https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2025/06/23andme-fined-for-failing-to-protect-uk-users-genetic-data/
6. Cyber BGU — This new cyberattack can dupe DNA scientists into creating dangerous viruses and toxins: https://cyber.bgu.ac.il/this-new-cyberattack-can-dupe-dna-scientists-into-creating-dangerous-viruses-and-toxins/