Biopharming: The Production of Pharmaceuticals
The term pharming is a portmanteau of "farming" and "pharmaceuticals," referring to the process of genetically engineering plants and animals to produce medically useful compounds. Also known as molecular pharming or biopharming, this process involves inserting a gene into a host organism to produce a desired protein or molecule. This method offers a potentially cost-effective and scalable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
The Process of Biopharming
- Gene Identification: Identify and isolate the gene for the desired therapeutic protein.
- Transgene Creation: Combine the gene with a promoter to control its expression.
- Genetic Modification: Insert the transgene into a host cell, such as a fertilized egg or plant cell.
- Organism Development: Grow the modified cell into a genetically engineered organism.
- Protein Harvesting: Collect and purify the protein from the host organism's tissues or secretions.
Applications and Advancements in Biopharming
Biopharming has numerous potential applications, including the production of antibodies, vaccines, enzymes, hormones, and blood proteins. Notable examples include using genetically engineered organisms to produce antibodies for cancer and infectious diseases, edible vaccines in crops, enzymes for genetic disorders, insulin, blood clotting factors, and anticoagulants. The first FDA-approved drug from a genetically engineered animal, the anticoagulant ATryn, was produced in transgenic goats.
Cybersecurity Pharming: A Digital Threat
Beyond its biotech meaning, pharming is also a major cyber threat. It's a malicious practice where cybercriminals redirect a user's web traffic from a legitimate website to a fake one to steal personal and financial information. This is particularly dangerous because it reroutes traffic silently without requiring the user to click a malicious link.
How Cybercrime Pharming Works
Cyber-pharming primarily uses two methods:
DNS Cache Poisoning
In a DNS cache poisoning attack, hackers corrupt the Domain Name System (DNS) server's cache, which translates website names into IP addresses. This causes the server to direct users to fraudulent websites, potentially affecting thousands of users. The corrupted information can spread to other servers, amplifying the attack.
Malware-Based Pharming
This method involves infecting an individual's computer with malware, often a Trojan horse, which alters the computer's local host file. The host file maps domain names to IP addresses, so the altered file redirects the user's browser to a fake website, even if the correct URL is typed. This type of attack is persistent and difficult to detect.
Comparison: Biopharming vs. Cybercrime Pharming
| Feature | Biopharming (Molecular Farming) | Cybersecurity Pharming |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | To produce high-value pharmaceuticals using genetically modified organisms. | To steal sensitive information by redirecting internet traffic to fraudulent websites. |
| Target | Host plants, animals, or microorganisms that can be genetically engineered. | Individual computer users or DNS servers, which can affect many users. |
| Method | Genetic engineering to insert a transgene, allowing for the expression of a therapeutic protein. | Malware infection, DNS cache poisoning, or DNS hijacking to redirect traffic. |
| Risks | Concerns about cross-pollination affecting other crops, potential for allergic reactions in humans, and animal welfare issues. | Identity theft, financial fraud, data breaches, and reputational damage for affected companies. |
| Relevance to Pharmacy | Advances the development and potentially lowers the cost of complex biopharmaceuticals. | Poses a major threat to online pharmacies and patient data security, requiring robust cybersecurity measures. |
Protecting Against Cybercrime Pharming in Pharmacy
Given the growth of online pharmacy services, protecting against cybercrime pharming is essential. Key preventative measures include:
- Check for HTTPS and SSL: Look for
https://and a padlock icon in the URL, indicating a secure connection. - Use Reputable DNS Servers: Utilize trusted DNS services that support DNSSEC.
- Employ Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: Keep security software updated and run regular scans.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to accounts.
- Educate Staff and Patients: Train individuals on recognizing signs of a pharming attack.
Conclusion
In summary, the word pharming relates to pharmacy in two distinct ways. Biopharming is a biotechnological method for producing pharmaceuticals in genetically engineered organisms, offering potential cost savings. Cybercrime pharming, conversely, is a digital threat that redirects users to fake websites to steal data, necessitating strong cybersecurity practices. Understanding both meanings and implementing protective measures is crucial for navigating the modern landscape of medicine and technology.
