As China's DeepSeek AI Gets Hit By Large-Scale 'Cyberattack', Expert Flags Major Data Privacy Concerns

"While AI holds immense potential, we must remain vigilant about the risks associated with its rapid development and deployment," NordVPN's cybersecurity expert said.

DeepSeek can be accessed on desktop as well as a dedicated mobile app.

Source : Screenshot/DeepSeek

Chinese AI company DeepSeek has announced restrictions on new user registrations following large-scale cyberattacks, reported AFP on Tuesday, marking a significant development as the startup's chatbot surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT to become the top free app on Apple's US store.

The Hangzhou-based company cited "large-scale malicious attacks" as the reason for service disruptions and the temporary halt on new user sign-ups. The unexpected surge in demand and security issues comes amid DeepSeek’s rapid rise, as it positions itself as a formidable competitor to established global AI leaders like Nvidia and OpenAI.

DeepSeek's advanced generative AI capabilities have drawn attention for matching Western rivals at a lower cost. 

The startup's meteoric success has shaken the tech market, contributing to a dip in shares of AI-linked US companies. Despite its popularity, concerns about privacy and data security loom large.

DeepSeek Security: Expert Flags Privacy & Risks

Cybersecurity expert Adrianus Warmenhoven from NordVPN emphasised the dual nature of AI advancements, highlighting both opportunities and risks.

"The emergence of startups like DeepSeek presents both opportunities and security concerns for users. It is critical to approach interactions with such platforms with a degree of caution, especially given the data privacy laws that vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another," Warmenhoven said.

He further underscored concerns about China's stringent data oversight regulations. "DeepSeek, being a Chinese AI startup, operates within a regulatory environment where government oversight of data is stringent. This raises potential risks concerning data collection, storage, and usage," he warned.

Warmenhoven highlighted additional challenges, including the opaque nature of AI model training and the potential for misuse of user interactions. "Users should consider whether their interactions or uploaded data might inadvertently contribute to machine learning processes, potentially leading to data misuse or the development of tools that could be exploited maliciously," he noted.

With the increasing sophistication of AI platforms, the risks of cyberattacks also rise. "As AI platforms become more sophisticated, they also become prime targets for hackers looking to exploit user data or the AI itself. With the rise of deepfakes and other AI-driven tools, the stakes are higher than ever," Warmenhoven cautioned.

How To Safeguard Yourself?

To safeguard against these threats, Warmenhoven advised users to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures, carefully review platform terms and conditions, and stay informed about data storage practices.

"While AI holds immense potential, we must remain vigilant about the risks associated with its rapid development and deployment, particularly when engaging with companies in jurisdictions where data privacy norms differ significantly from those in the West," he concluded.

As DeepSeek navigates both its newfound success and cybersecurity challenges, the unfolding situation underscores the need for heightened awareness around privacy and security in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.