DeepSeek iOS App Exposes Users to Multiple Security Risks, Including Unencrypted Data Transmission
Security Flaws in DeepSeek iOS App
- Security Issues: Multiple security flaws have been identified in the DeepSeek iOS app, a popular AI chatbot. These include sending unencrypted data over the internet and using an outdated encryption method (3DES).
- Previous Concerns: The app previously faced scrutiny for exposing sensitive information, including chat history, in an unsecured database. This raised privacy concerns from Italian and Irish regulators and prompted US officials to investigate potential national security implications.
- Data Risks: Even seemingly innocuous data can be combined to de-anonymize users, as demonstrated by the Gravy Analytics data breach. The app collects a wide range of data that could identify high-value targets for espionage.
- Company Response: A social media company offered bonuses to employees who agreed not to use DeepSeek on personal or professional devices.
- Expert Opinion: Security researchers recommend against using the app due to significant privacy and security risks. 9to5Mac advises users to remove the app from their devices until these issues are resolved.