FDA alerts providers to cyber vulnerability in DNA sequencing devices

The Food and Drug Administration last week alerted health care providers and laboratory personnel to a cybersecurity vulnerability affecting the Universal Copy Service software in certain Illumina medical devices used to sequence DNA for clinical diagnostic use or research. According to the FDA, an unauthorized user could exploit the vulnerability to take control of the device remotely; alter settings, software or data on the device or customer’s network; or affect or breach genomic data results. Customers should review the company’s April 5 notice, immediately install the software patch and contact the company at techsupport@illumina.com if they suspect their device has been compromised. For more on the vulnerability, see the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency's April 27 advisory.