Hackers Use DeepSeek R1 To Generate Malware And Steal Data - 1

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Hackers Use DeepSeek R1 To Generate Malware And Steal Data

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

DeepSeek R1, China’s advanced AI model, has quickly gained recognition for its reasoning abilities, positioning it as a challenger to AI leaders like OpenAI. However, hackers from cybersecurity firm KELA demonstrated that DeepSeek R1 is not only “highly vulnerable” but also “easily bypassed.”

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • DeepSeek R1 was jailbroken by KELA to create malicious malware and harmful content.
  • The model generated code to steal credit card data and distribute malware.
  • DeepSeek openly displays reasoning steps, increasing its vulnerability to exploitation.

KELA’s AI Red Team successfully jailbroke DeepSeek in various scenarios, exposing its potential for malicious misuse. One particular jailbreak, known as the “Evil Jailbreak,” has been used to bypass the safety mechanisms of other AI models in the past, and it was equally effective against DeepSeek R1.

KELA demonstrated that when prompted to generate malware, DeepSeek R1 provided detailed instructions on how to create and distribute infostealer malware that could steal sensitive data like passwords, and credit card numbers.

The AI generated detailed instructions and code to extract sensitive financial data and transmit it to remote servers. It also recommended underground marketplaces for trading stolen information.

KELA also reported that the AI suggested methods for distributing the malware and explicitly mentioned platforms like Genesis for trading compromised credentials.

DeepSeek’s vulnerabilities extend beyond malware. The model produced step-by-step guides for creating explosives, toxins, and untraceable weapons. It also fabricated private information, such as alleged details about OpenAI employees, including names, emails, and salaries—despite no credible source supporting these claims.

Unlike competitors like OpenAI’s GPT-4, which hides reasoning steps during sensitive queries, DeepSeek openly displays its thought processes. This transparency, intended to enhance user understanding, has also made it easier for hackers to exploit its weaknesses, the researchers say.

At the time of publication, DeepSeek had not responded to Forbes ‘ request for comment.

Apple iPhones To Support Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell Coverage in the U.S. - 2

Photo by Rui Silvestre on Unsplash

Apple iPhones To Support Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell Coverage in the U.S.

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Apple, Starlink, and T-Mobile have been discreetly working on a partnership to provide satellite Internet service through iPhones in the United States.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • Apple’s new iOS 18.3 update will enable T-Mobile users in the United States to access Starlink’s satellite connection
  • T-Mobile launched a beta direct‑to‑cell satellite service that now includes iPhones.
  • Musk confirmed that the service will support music and podcast streaming, as well as low-resolution image viewing in remote areas.

According to Bloomberg, Apple and Starlink have been developing and testing the new satellite communication alternative on the latest iPhone software, which was released on Monday. This will allow users to experience satellite coverage.

T-Mobile had previously announced a beta direct‑to‑cell satellite service to provide coverage in areas in the U.S. where cell towers can’t reach and suggested it would be only an option for Samsung mobiles.

Now, besides its partnership with Globalstar to send emergency messages using satellite connection, Apple will join T-Mobile’s program to access Starlink’s service.

Medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation. Next generation constellation will do medium resolution video. https://t.co/yfDPbkgSJH — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2025

The new iOS 18 operating system also updates its Apple Intelligence Notification summaries, now warning about errors and including only news headlines and not summaries as the default option, as reported by MacRumors . Many iPhone users had been getting inaccurate news alerts generated by Apple’s AI, and multiple companies, publications, and organizations, urged the tech giant to remove the feature.