Google Ads Used To Spread Fake DeepSeek Malware - 1

Image by Solen Feyissa, from Unsplash

Google Ads Used To Spread Fake DeepSeek Malware

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a dangerous new malware campaign, which targets users of the popular AI chatbot DeepSeek-R1.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • Fake DeepSeek-R1 websites are spreading malware through Google Ads.
  • Victims download a malicious installer disguised as a chatbot.
  • Malware installs “BrowserVenom,” which hijacks and monitors web traffic

Cybersecurity researchers at Kaspersky report that attackers are using Google Ads to promote a fake version of the site, taking advantage of the model’s popularity to trick users into downloading harmful software.

The malicious ad directs users to ‘‘deepseek-platform[.]com’’ – a fake website that mimics the official DeepSeek site. Users who click the “Try now” button are presented with a fake CAPTCHA before being asked to download what appears to be the DeepSeek installer. The file, named ‘‘AI_Launcher_1.21.exe’’, is actually a sophisticated malware chain.

The installer opens a second fake CAPTCHA, then offers to install known AI tools like Ollama and LM Studio. But in the background, it runs hidden code that begins the infection. First, it tries to bypass antivirus software by excluding the user’s folder from Windows Defender. Then, it attempts to download more malware from another untrustworthy domain.

The final payload, known as BrowserVenom, modifies browser configurations to redirect all web traffic through proxy servers operated by the attackers. This allows them to monitor user data and online activities. The malware adds a fake certificate to the system while modifying browser shortcuts and settings in Firefox and Tor.

The researchers note that he attack has already targeted users in Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, India, Nepal, South Africa, and Egypt.

“As we have been reporting, DeepSeek has been the perfect lure for attackers to attract new victims,” researchers said. They warn users to double-check website URLs and certificates before downloading software, even from search results, to avoid falling into these traps.

OpenAI Turns To Google Cloud Despite AI Rivalry - 2

Image by Emiliano Vittoriosi, from Unsplash

OpenAI Turns To Google Cloud Despite AI Rivalry

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

In an exclusive report by Reuters , OpenAI has teamed up with Google to meet its expanding computing requirements.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • Deal reduces OpenAI’s reliance on Microsoft Azure.
  • ChatGPT threatens Google’s core search business.
  • Google Cloud gains a major client despite competition with OpenAI.

The deal between OpenAI and Google Cloud was finalized in May, after OpenAI shifted away from Microsoft Azure as its primary cloud infrastructure, as noted by Reuters.

The partnership comes at a time when OpenAI’s ChatGPT is considered one of the biggest threats to Google’s search dominance. However, both organizations put aside their competitive interests to support the substantial computing requirements needed for developing, and operating sophisticated AI models.

The deal “underscores the fact that the two are willing to overlook heavy competition between them to meet the massive computing demands,” Scotiabank analysts wrote, as reported by Reuters.

“Ultimately, we view this as a big win for Google’s cloud unit, but … there are continued worries that ChatGPT is becoming an incrementally larger threat to Google’s search dominance,” the analysis added,

Alphabet’s stock rose 2.1% after the news, while Microsoft fell 0.6%, observed Reuters.

The launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 triggered OpenAI to expand its infrastructure at a rapid pace. The company formed partnerships with Oracle and SoftBank to support its $500 billion Stargate project, and secured billions of dollars in deals from CoreWeave, as noted by Reuters. Additionally, OpenAI also plans to launch its own chip to reduce reliance on outside providers.

The acquisition of OpenAI as a customer demonstrates the increasing market demand for Google’s cloud services and in-house AI chips. But it also complicates things. Reuters however notes that the tech company faces difficulties in meeting cloud customer requirements, while its DeepMind division competes directly with OpenAI.

Reuter reports that OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft all declined to comment. While the AI race remains fierce, this partnership shows that even top competitors may have to collaborate, at least when it comes to computers.