The U.K. data protection watchdog fined 23andMe £2.31 million ($3.1m) for failing to protect U.K. residents’ personal and genetic data prior to its 2023 data breach.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) fined 23andMe for not having additional verification steps for users to access and download their raw genetic data during the cyberattack.
Hackers stole private data of over 6.9 million users during a months-long campaign by accessing thousands of accounts using stolen credentials.
23andMe did not require multi-factor authentication, breaking U.K. data protection law according to the ICO.
Over 155,000 U.K. residents had their data stolen in the breach.
23andMe implemented mandatory multi-factor authentication for all accounts in response to the fine.
The ICO is in contact with 23andMe’s trustee after the company filed for bankruptcy protection.
A hearing on 23andMe’s sale is expected later on Wednesday.