They manage to introduce malware into DNA for the first time

Tests have been underway for some time to use DNA as a form of digital data storage. It is a very controversial practice that generates enormous division. Although these tests and experiments are ongoing. Now they have accomplished something never seen before.

They manage to introduce malware into DNA for the first time

A team of researchers from the University of Washington has successfully introduced malware into DNA for the first time. A historical moment in this type of study. And the team of researchers has wanted to share the way in which they have managed to introduce malware into a synthesized DNA chain.

DNA malware

First of all you have to understand what DNA sequencing consists of. It is a system that is a set of biochemical methods and techniques whose purpose is to determine the order of nucleotides (A, C, G and T) in a DNA oligonucleotide.

Using an identical process it is possible to store digitial information in DNA. Or in the case of this experiment, malware or malicious code is introduced with which a computer can be infected. When a sequencing machine analyzes the DNA, the computer will be infected by said malicious code. This is cause for concern, as there are experts who point out that cyber criminals will be able to encode the malicious code into malware and send it to the lab. And in this way, being able to access the computers and have their control.

The researchers wanted to highlight the enormous security that exists in this field. Although they wanted to comment that they do not believe there are measures to prevent malware stored in DNA. But, at the same time they wanted to point out that there is still a lot and there are many obstacles for cybercriminals to control a technology like this.