Next generation sequencing under attack: investigating insider threats and organizational behaviour

Next generation sequencing (NGS) has become a cornerstone of modern genomics, enabling high-throughput analysis of DNA and RNA with wide applications across medicine, research, and biotechnology. However, the growing adoption of NGS technologies has introduced significant cyber-biosecurity risks, particularly those arising from insider threats and organizational shortcomings. While technical vulnerabilities have received attention, the human and behavioral dimensions of cybersecurity in NGS environments remain underexplored. This study investigates the role of human factors and organizational behavior in shaping cyber-biosecurity risks in NGS workflows. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining survey data from 120 participants across four countries with statistical analyses including chi-square tests, cross-tabulations, and cluster analysis. The study assessed cybersecurity training availability, employee engagement, training effectiveness, and awareness of insider threats. Findings reveal substantial gaps in training frequency and participation, with 36% of respondents reporting no access to NGS-specific cybersecurity training. Only a minority of participants felt confident in detecting cyber threats, and 32.5% had never applied cybersecurity knowledge in practice. Chi-square results indicate significant associations between training frequency and threat recognition, training relevance, and knowledge application. Cluster analysis further categorized organizations into “robust,” “moderate,” and “emergent” cybersecurity maturity profiles. The study offers an evidence-based framework to enhance cyber-biosecurity in NGS settings by addressing human-centric risks. It recommends role-specific training, frequent policy updates, and improved organizational communication to mitigate insider threats. These insights support the development of targeted interventions and policies to strengthen the cybersecurity culture in genomics organizations.