In what could possibly be a sci-fi plot in a movie is now a reality, as researchers hack a computer using synthetic DNA. A research team at the University of Washington revealed hackers were able to encode malware into a short strand of DNA. They programmed the virus to launch on its own when run through the DNA sequencing system, which it enabled it to take control of the computer, where it can read future DNA sequences or even alter generic data. The results, therefore, indicate that it is technically possible to use DNA as a way to transfer malware and attack vulnerabilities in the sequencing computer program. Past research has already shown that it is possible to transfer data using DNA. In 2016, Microsoft and the University of Washington demonstrated a technique for storing and retrieving digital images using DNA. However, many fear of potential problems in the future with new possible ways to hack.
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ORIGINAL SOURCE: Dispatch Weekly
