Abstract
Bioinformatics is a steadily growing field that focuses on the intersection of biology with computer science. Tools and techniques developed within this field are quickly becoming fixtures in genomics, forensics, epidemiology, and bioengineering. The development and analysis of DNA sequencing and synthesis have enabled this significant rise in demand for bioinformatic tools. Notwithstanding, these bioinformatic tools have developed in a research context free of significant cybersecurity threats. With the significant growth of the field and the commercialization of genetic information, this is no longer the case. This paper examines the bioinformatic landscape through reviewing the biological and cybersecurity threats within the bioinformatics pipeline. It is found that there are significant security deficits within existing bioinformatic databases. Additionally, it is found that there is a theoretical trojan threat posed by unverified malicious DNA sequences.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Shobha Vatsa
Document Type
Paper
Disciplines
Bioinformatics | Biology | Biotechnology | Databases and Information Systems | Information Security
DOI
10.25776/dnj6-b197
Publication Date
12-1-2023
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Included in
Bioinformatics Commons, Biology Commons, Biotechnology Commons, Databases and Information Systems Commons, Information Security Commons
A Review of Threat Vectors to DNA Sequencing Pipelines
Bioinformatics is a steadily growing field that focuses on the intersection of biology with computer science. Tools and techniques developed within this field are quickly becoming fixtures in genomics, forensics, epidemiology, and bioengineering. The development and analysis of DNA sequencing and synthesis have enabled this significant rise in demand for bioinformatic tools. Notwithstanding, these bioinformatic tools have developed in a research context free of significant cybersecurity threats. With the significant growth of the field and the commercialization of genetic information, this is no longer the case. This paper examines the bioinformatic landscape through reviewing the biological and cybersecurity threats within the bioinformatics pipeline. It is found that there are significant security deficits within existing bioinformatic databases. Additionally, it is found that there is a theoretical trojan threat posed by unverified malicious DNA sequences.