Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for ways to slip past your defenses. Their latest move involves a convincing trick that takes advantage of the growing attention around DeepSeek, an emerging name in artificial intelligence. According to recent findings from Kaspersky, fake websites posing as DeepSeek AI are being used to distribute dangerous malware, and many businesses are at risk without even knowing it.
How Location-Based Tricks Help Malware Slip Through
These kinds of attacks aren’t entirely new. Hackers have long created lookalike websites to trick people into downloading harmful files. What makes this wave of attacks stand out is the use of location filtering. The fake DeepSeek sites scan a visitor’s IP address and tailor what they show based on where the user is located.
In practical terms, this means cybersecurity professionals might only see clean and harmless content, while people in targeted regions are shown links to malicious files disguised as AI tools. Cybercriminals are also using hijacked social media accounts, especially on X, to post links to these fake websites. Coordinated bots then boost the posts within specific areas, giving them more credibility.
It’s a clever trap, and one that’s proving effective. By the time someone realizes something is off, it’s often too late.
Why This Threat Feels Different and More Dangerous
What makes this campaign more concerning is the variety and quality of malware being used. Multiple hacker groups are running their versions of the scam, meaning no two attacks are the same. So far, security experts have identified several types of malicious software being distributed through these fake pages.
Some examples include tools that steal login credentials, others that use PowerShell scripts to access company systems, and more remotely. These files don’t look suspicious at first glance, and the overall appearance of the fake websites is far more polished than the clumsy phishing attempts we’ve seen in the past.
The use of geolocation filtering also means that these pages often fly under researchers’ radar. If a cybersecurity analyst can’t see the malicious version of the page, it’s much harder to report and shut down.
Steps You Can Take to Stay Safe
The good news is that you don’t need to be a cybersecurity professional to protect your business from this kind of scam. A little caution goes a long way. Here are a few ways you can avoid falling into the trap.
Be mindful of website links, especially when they’re related to AI tools. Always type the official web address directly into your browser instead of clicking a shared link.
Treat social media promotions with a healthy amount of skepticism. Just because a post has a lot of engagement doesn’t mean it’s trustworthy. Check the source before downloading anything.
Make sure your security software is current and functioning properly. Updated antivirus programs can catch a lot of these threats before they take hold.
Keep your team informed. Make cybersecurity a regular topic of conversation so everyone knows what to look out for.
AI is transforming how we do business, and cybercriminals are adapting just as quickly. The fake DeepSeek websites are a reminder that even the most exciting new tool can come with hidden risks. When in doubt, slow down and verify. A few extra seconds of caution can save you from a major headache later.
