Attackers use DeepSeek as a lure for credential stealing.
Around 40 web domains are masquerading as DeepSeek to distribute the Vidar information-stealing malware and compromise cryptocurrency wallets.
According to Cybernews, threat actors are using the Chinese artificial intelligence platform as a lure for targets to visit purported DeepSeek-affiliated websites. The research by Zscaler’s ThreatLabz found that upon registration, the user would be redirected to a bogus CAPTCHA page that enables the delivery of Vidar malware.
This malware identifies sensitive files and obtains data from over a dozen web browsers, and sets sights on dozens of cryptocurrency extensions, such as those for Binance, Coinbase, and MetaMask.
Malicious websites crafted for the attack campaign were also tapped by attackers to conduct cryptocurrency pump-and-dump schemes and gift card scams, as well as to advertise a bogus gambling service, said Zscaler researchers.
Written by
Dan Raywood is a B2B journalist with 25 years of experience, including covering cybersecurity for the past 17 years. He has extensively covered topics from Advanced Persistent Threats and nation-state hackers to major data breaches and regulatory changes.
He has spoken at events including 44CON, Infosecurity Europe, RANT Forum, BSides Scotland, Steelcon and the National Cyber Security Show, and served as editor of SC Media UK, Infosecurity Magazine and IT Security Guru. He was also an analyst with 451 Research and a product marketing lead at Tenable.
