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Privacy Tip #509 – Genetic Information of Military Members Compromised

By Linn Foster Freedman on September 24, 2026
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In November 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs entered into an agreement with Baylor Genetics to provide nationwide pharmacogenomic (PGx) and germline genetic testing services across the VA healthcare system. The partnership allowed VA providers to use advanced precision diagnostics to tailor treatment plans for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, minimize side effects of medication, and screen for hereditary cancer risks. In doing so, Baylor Genetics processed lab samples and genetic insights for thousands of service members as part of this federal healthcare initiative.

On June 15, 2026, Baylor was the victim of a cyberattack, which compromised the sensitive health and personal information of over 30,000 veterans, including their names, dates of birth, lab results, medical testing details, health insurance information, and partial Social Security numbers. The VA has been working with Baylor to notify the affected individuals, and free credit-monitoring services are available for impacted veterans.

If you receive a breach notification letter, it is always worthwhile to follow the instructions in the letter and sign up for services offered.

Photo of Linn Foster Freedman Linn Foster Freedman

Linn Freedman practices in data privacy and security law, cybersecurity, and complex litigation. She is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Financial Services Cyber-Compliance Team, and chairs the firm’s Data Privacy and Security and Artificial Intelligence Teams. Linn focuses her…

Linn Freedman practices in data privacy and security law, cybersecurity, and complex litigation. She is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Financial Services Cyber-Compliance Team, and chairs the firm’s Data Privacy and Security and Artificial Intelligence Teams. Linn focuses her practice on compliance with all state and federal privacy and security laws and regulations. She counsels a range of public and private clients from industries such as construction, education, health care, insurance, manufacturing, real estate, utilities and critical infrastructure, marine and charitable organizations, on state and federal data privacy and security investigations, as well as emergency data breach response and mitigation. Linn is an Adjunct Professor of the Practice of Cybersecurity at Brown University and an Adjunct Professor of Law at Roger Williams University School of Law.  Prior to joining the firm, Linn served as assistant attorney general and deputy chief of the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Office for the State of Rhode Island. She earned her J.D. from Loyola University School of Law and her B.A., with honors, in American Studies from Newcomb College of Tulane University. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Read her full rc.com bio here.

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  • Posted in:
    Health Care and Life Sciences, Privacy and Cybersecurity
  • Blog:
    Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Insider
  • Organization:
    Robinson & Cole LLP
  • Article: View Original Source

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