23andMe says hackers saw data from millions of users

This illustration picture shows a saliva collection kit for DNA testing displayed in Washington, DC. Of the 6.9 million accounts hacked, 5.5 million contained information on genetic matches and may have also included birth dates and locations if provided by users, according to 23andMe. — AFP

SAN FRANCISCO: Personal genetics firm 23andMe on Dec 5 confirmed that hackers using stolen passwords accessed the personal information of about 6.9 million of its members.

While the hackers were only able to get into about 14,000 accounts, or 0.1% of its customers, they were able to see information shared by genetically linked relatives at 23andMe, a spokesperson said in reply to an AFP inquiry.