What You Need to Know about the DeepSeek Data Breach

DeepSeek, founded by Liang Wenfeng, is an AI development firm located in Hangzhou, China. The company focuses on developing open source Large Language Models (LLMs) and specializes in data analytics and machine learning.

DeepSeek gained global recognition in January 2025 with the release of its R1 reasoning model rivalling OpenAI's o1 model in performance but at a substantially lower cost. The company also develops chatbot services, API integrations, and enterprise AI tools, positioning itself as a competitor to other leading AI firms. DeepSeek’s models are used for various purposes, including business automation, customer service, and software development.

In late January 2025, cybersecurity researchers at Wiz Research disclosed a major data breach involving DeepSeek. The breach exposed more than one million sensitive records, raising significant concerns about data security and privacy in the AI industry.

DeepSeek reportedly left a large database unprotected, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information. Wiz Research identified the exposed records, which included chat logs, system configurations, operational metadata, API credentials, digital software keys, backend details, and sensitive log streams. The database was publicly accessible, meaning anyone with an internet connection could retrieve the information.

According to Wiz Research, the breach stemmed from a misconfigured cloud storage instance that lacked proper authentication controls - an oversight commonly seen in cloud-based systems.

When Was the DeepSeek Data Breach?

The DeepSeek data breach was discovered by security researchers from Wiz on January 29, 2025. The researchers found an unsecured ClickHouse database containing sensitive information, including over one million records of user data and internal system logs.

How to Check if Your Data Was Breached

If you suspect that your data may have been compromised in the DeepSeek data breach, you may use websites that track public data breaches to identify if your data was leaked. Such websites include AmIBreached.com and HaveIBeenPwned.com. While DeepSeek has not officially disclosed the full extent of the breach, security researchers may add affected accounts to these services.

Also, you should monitor your email for notifications. If DeepSeek has your email on record, the company may send official breach notifications. Hence, check your inbox for any alerts regarding the incident. However, be cautious of phishing emails impersonating DeepSeek; therefore, verify the sender of a breach notification email before clicking on any links.

What to Do If Your Data Was Breached

While DeepSeek addressed the breach within a few hours of it becoming public, it is not certain if malicious actors accessed or downloaded any data before the issue was fixed. Hence, you should consider taking the necessary steps to protect yourself from cybercriminals.

If you suspect your data was leaked in the DeepSeek data breach, the first step is to change your passwords immediately if you reused your DeepSeek login credentials elsewhere. In addition, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts to add another security layer.

Also, be wary of opening or receiving unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls, as cybercriminals may use leaked data to send phishing emails or scam messages. In addition, regularly check your bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts for any unauthorized login attempts or transactions.

Are There Any Lawsuits Because of the DeepSeek Data Breach?

There are currently no publicly reported lawsuits filed against DeepSeek in connection with the January 29, 2025, data breach.

However, since the turn of the year, DeepSeek has faced scrutiny from other regulatory bodies. Its chatbot has been removed from app stores in a few countries, including Italy, with government authorities raising concerns about data and privacy. Also, regulators in Ireland, France, and South Korea have initiated investigations into how DeepSeek handles user data. The Australian government banned the use of DeepSeek in all government systems and devices due to security risks.

On February 3, 2025, the Belgian Data Protection Authority received a complaint regarding DeepSeek's data handling practices. While the specifics of the complaint have not been disclosed, this action may lead to an official investigation into potential violations of data protection regulations.

Can My DeepSeek Information Be Used for Identity Theft?

If your personal data was exposed in the DeepSeek data breach, it may potentially be used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities as cybercriminals typically exploit leaked data to gain unauthorized access to accounts, impersonate victims, or commit financial fraud.

Considering the sensitive information that may be accessed in the leak, including chat logs, system details, API secrets, and log streams, cybercriminals may use your data for phishing attacks, credential stuffing, and financial fraud.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself Online?

In order to protect yourself from cybercriminals online, consider taking the following:

• Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Create complex passwords that are difficult to guess, combining letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA on your accounts. This requires a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone in addition to your password.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and software applications to ensure you have the latest security patches and improvements.
• Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software to protect your devices from malicious threats.
• Use Secure Connections: Always use HTTPS connections when browsing websites, especially when entering sensitive information. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for online transactions or accessing personal accounts.
• Be Cautious with Emails and Links: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. Be wary of phishing emails that attempt to trick you into providing personal information.
• Limit Personal Information Sharing: Be mindful of the information you share online. Avoid sharing sensitive details such as your home address, phone number, or financial information.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your financial accounts, email, and other online services for any suspicious activity. Set up alerts for unusual transactions or logins.