Illumina to Pay $9.8M for Security Vulnerabilities in Genomic Sequencing Systems
9 months ago
- #genomic sequencing
- #False Claims Act
- #cybersecurity
- Illumina Inc. agreed to pay $9.8 million to settle allegations of violating the False Claims Act by selling genomic sequencing systems with cybersecurity vulnerabilities to federal agencies.
- The settlement covers the period from February 2016 to September 2023, during which Illumina allegedly failed to address cybersecurity flaws in its software and falsely claimed adherence to cybersecurity standards.
- The U.S. government accused Illumina of not incorporating proper cybersecurity measures in software design, development, and monitoring, and misrepresenting compliance with international and national cybersecurity standards.
- Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate emphasized accountability for federal contractors in adhering to cybersecurity standards, especially concerning sensitive genetic information.
- The settlement resolves a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act, with the whistleblower, Erica Lenore, receiving $1.9 million as her share.
- Multiple agencies, including the Justice Department’s Civil Division, DCIS, HHS-OIG, and others, collaborated in the investigation and settlement process.
- The claims resolved are allegations only, with no determination of liability.