Issue Biological data arms races and state data hacks

Summary

Over the longer term, the report suggests that countries could enter a kind of arms race over biological data in pursuit of strategic and economic advantage. Some states might hack data for their own benefit along the way. The report explains that biological data is increasingly regarded as a valuable strategic resource for economic competitiveness by both businesses and states. As a link to acute risks, it raises the possibility that hostile states could hack NHS biodata databases for surveillance and strategic gain. The report sees large volumes of biodata as exposed to new and complex hacking techniques and stresses that data holders must keep strengthening their security.