HQ/EMEAFind out how we can help your business
The sudden fame of DeepSeek AI has attracted numerous threat actors as it immediately gained a massive user base.
The latest reports revealed that hackers exploit the platform’s popularity by spreading malware through falsely sponsored Google adverts.
Threat actors use DeepSeek as a lure to bait careless Google searchers.
Based on research, the hackers use sponsored Google search results to offer DeepSeek. The ad would entice unwary users to click it, especially if they are looking for the platform.
Cybercriminals can bypass Google’s protections against fraudulent advertisements, outbidding actual firms and ranking higher in sponsored search results. Hence, they can introduce their malware-laden ads to the public without risking discovery and takedown.
On the other hand, users should avoid clicking on sponsored search results and verify the advertiser by reviewing the details behind the URL to confirm if it is the actual brand owner.
The researchers also discovered fraudulent sponsored Google advertising written in other languages, including Hebrew. Users should also consider installing an ad-blocker to ensure that they only receive standard search results and if they do not want to see sponsored adverts.
However, this incident is not the only issue DeepSeek has received in the past months.
Earlier this year, the Italian Data Protection Authority requested that DeepSeek clarify its data collection, sources, aims, legal basis, and storage, citing potential hazards to user data.
The Chinese-owned company’s software was pulled from the iPhone software Store and Google Play Store in Italy, where it was the most popular free app. The reason for the removal is unknown. Still, it could be a defensive step in response to the Data Protection Authority’s investigation.
In the US, a Texas Governor banned DeepSeek, a Chinese AI business, and the Chinese-owned social networking applications RedNote and Lemon8 from all state-issued smartphones in February.
This Chinese AI-powered chatbot has quickly garnered popularity with millions of users. Texas is the first state to ban these apps, but some states could follow suit if the software still shows signs of compromise that would endanger users.
