Fake DeepSeek Installers are Infecting Your Device with Dangerous Malware
The hype around DeepSeek has become a hot commodity for cybercriminals, who are now exploiting this trend to spread malware and compromise user devices. Researchers from McAfee Labs have sounded the alarm on how they discovered cybercriminals setting up various websites, offering different versions of DeepSeek for download. The victims, often unsuspecting users, stumble upon these malicious sites through search engines, a tactic known as SEO poisoning.
When victims reach these websites and download the software, they are infected with a "cocktail of malware", ranging from keyloggers and password stealers to coin miners. These malicious variants can steal sensitive information, including banking credentials and cryptocurrency wallet details, rendering the infected computer useless for any other purpose. In some cases, victims are even invited to download a DeepSeek app or program, while in others, they are tricked into executing a CAPTCHA that downloads a malware dropper.
One particularly cunning tactic observed by McAfee involves websites displaying CAPTCHAs that can be "solved" by copying and pasting a command into the Run program on Windows. This is a clear indication of a malicious website, as legitimate CAPTCHAs will never ask users to execute such an action. To stay safe, it's essential to remain vigilant at all times.
In this digital age, hackers have mastered the art of exploiting current trends to distribute malware. Similar campaigns were observed when Chat-GPT was first released, affecting both Windows and Android devices. Major events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the Olympic Games, World Cup, and others, have also been exploited in the past.
The Covid-19 pandemic, Russo-Ukrainian war, and US presidential elections have all served as platforms for information theft, malware distribution, and wire fraud. In recent times, hackers have continued to adapt their tactics, taking advantage of unsuspecting users' desire to stay up-to-date with the latest technology.
As a seasoned journalist covering IT and cybersecurity topics, I urge you to take necessary precautions to protect yourself from such malicious attacks. Stay informed about the latest security threats and always scrutinize links before clicking on them. By doing so, you can minimize your risk of falling victim to these cybercrimes.
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