Deleting Your 23andMe Data Isn't Enough — Make Sure You Do This First

Now that the genetic data company is filing for bankruptcy, here's how to protect yourself.

You probably don’t want your genetic data — which can reveal health information and at-risk medical conditions — out there for just anyone to see, but that is the fear for many folks right now as 23andMe, an online genetic testing company, announced it’s filing for bankruptcy.

The company has more than 15 million users who have used the service to learn more about their ancestral history and genetic health. Meaning, the company has lots and lots of valuable and highly personal data that is now at risk of being sold to another company, which is not a good thing.

The company has demographic data, in addition to potential information on your genetic health risks and mental health conditions.

Kevin Johnson, the CEO of Secure Ideas, a security testing and consulting company, worries about the wrong hands getting ahold of this health information. For instance, a health insurance company that gains access to this info could potentially refuse to cover your medical benefits after seeing your health risks, Johnson noted, and the same can be said for a life insurance company.

The clear best thing to do here is delete the data that 23andMe has on you, which has been suggested by many folks, including the California attorney general and the experts who spoke to HuffPost. But there is more to consider when it comes to this potential cybersecurity and health security risk. Here’s what experts say: