The security challenges posed by AI platforms and smart assistants are becoming a growing concern. A recent cyber attack targeting the Chinese artificial intelligence platform DeepSeek has highlighted the vulnerabilities of these technologies, emphasizing the need for users to know how to deal with these platforms to keep their data safe and private.
The cyber attack on DeepSeek
DeepSeek, an emerging artificial intelligence platform that has received widespread attention thanks to its advanced and low-cost model, has been subjected to a large-scale cyber attack. This attack disrupted the registration of new users and is believed to be a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack and has targeted the application programming interface (API) and its chat platform. Although existing users are still able to access the platform, this incident raises broader questions about the security of AI platforms and the potential risks that users may be exposed to.
This attack comes against the backdrop of the rapid rise of the DeepSeek application, which surpassed ChatGPT to become the first artificial intelligence application on the App Store, attracting the attention of users, hackers, and potential competitors alike.
Cybersecurity researchers have been able to detect some vulnerabilities in the platform. For example, KELA cybersecurity company reported that it managed to hack the DeepSeek system, which allowed it to produce malicious outputs, such as: designing ransomware, generating fake and sensitive content.
This incident indicates that the development of artificial intelligence platforms is accompanied by an evolution in security threats; these vulnerabilities not only expose users to possible misuse but also confirm the growing need to strengthen cybersecurity measures.
The main security risks facing artificial intelligence platforms
The DeepSeek incident is not something new or unexpected. Artificial intelligence platforms and smart assistants such as ChatGPT have become primary targets of cyber attacks due to their widespread use, and the possibility of accessing large amounts of data when hacked. The most prominent security threats that artificial intelligence platforms may be exposed to include:
Leaking personal information: Some AI platforms require users to provide personal information such as name and email, which may be vulnerable to hacking.
The possibility of exploiting artificial intelligence to produce malicious content: researchers were able to hack some models, which allowed them to produce malicious output, such as instructions for making malware or carrying out illegal activities.
Phishing attacks: attackers may exploit artificial intelligence to create disguised phishing campaigns or fraudulent attacks based on social engineering.
Exploitation of APIs( APIs): hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in APIs to gain unauthorized access to user data or platform functionality.
Automated malware development: attackers may use vulnerable AI platforms to automate malware development processes.
Tips for protecting yourself from the dangers of using artificial intelligence platforms
Although the responsibility for securing AI platforms lies primarily with developers, users should take proactive measures to protect their personal information and minimize risks when using these platforms.
Here are some practical tips that you can follow when using any AI platform to ensure that your data is kept safe:
Limit the amount of personal data you provide to the platform, and share only what is necessary to use the service.
Avoid linking sensitive accounts, such as your primary email or financial accounts, to AI platforms.
Make sure that each password is associated with a powerful and unique AI platform. And you can use a password manager to help create and remember strong passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible; it adds an extra layer of protection even in the event of password theft.
Do not click on links or reply to suspicious emails claiming to be from AI platforms, and check the source of the message before entering any sensitive data.
Review the activity history of your accounts on artificial intelligence platforms to detect any suspicious login attempts.
Follow the official announcements of the platform to find out the latest security updates.
Read the privacy policies carefully to find out how the platform handles your data. Verify that the platform adheres to strong encryption standards to protect your data.
Install antivirus software on all devices used to access artificial intelligence platforms.
Artificial intelligence platforms are powerful and influential tools, but their use is associated with security risks. The DeepSeek incident is a clear example of how hackers exploit these technologies in harmful ways. Therefore, there is a need to take preventive measures, such as caution when sharing information, and the use of strong passwords, and these measures can help users protect their data from possible threats.