Inside the DeepSeek Cyber Attack Timeline and the Data Leak Fallout: Is Your Data Safe?

You may have heard about the Chinese AI company DeepSeek, established in 2023, which rose to sudden fame after releasing its R1 model on January 20, 2025. Topping US app charts and outpacing ChatGPT in downloads, the company soon fell victim to a massive cyberattack.

The earliest DeepSeek cyberattack was a DDoS assault starting January 3, escalating sharply by January 27 until registrations outside China were paused. To make matters worse, researchers also discovered a potential DeepSeek data leak exposing over a million records, raising urgent questions about whether user information was at risk. 

In this post, you’ll see when DeepSeek cyberattacks happened, how they unfolded, and why they matter to you. You’ll also learn about the Mirai-based botnets behind them, along with a database misconfiguration that left sensitive data unprotected.

When Did the DeepSeek Cyberattacks Occur? 

You might be wondering how DeepSeek went from a promising AI startup to a company under constant digital fire. The truth is that cyberattacks on DeepSeek happened over a series of crucial dates in January 2025, each wave more intense than the last.  

Early in the month, DeepSeek’s servers first felt the impact of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) tactics. By the final week of January, attackers were deploying botnets, and researchers uncovered more serious attempts to break into user accounts. 

DeepSeek’s own public statement emphasized that they were battling a “large-scale malicious attack” and that existing users could still log in while new registrations were temporarily on hold.

If you’re trying to piece together the chain of events, the table below sums up the most critical dates and details related to DeepSeek cyberattacks.

If you look at these dates closely, you’ll notice how each event built upon the previous one. Initial DDoS strikes overwhelmed DeepSeek’s infrastructure, but as the company responded, attackers moved on to more advanced methods like brute-force attempts and botnets.

By the end of January, the onslaught was widespread enough to draw global attention, and security experts were left asking how these threats could escalate so quickly and what it means for everyone using DeepSeek.

Also Read: DeepSeek vs ChatGPT: Which AI Model Reigns Supreme?

What Are the Main Types of Cyber Attacks that Targeted DeepSeek?

Security experts had their eyes on DeepSeek as soon as the first DDoS waves surfaced on January 3. In an interview, a researcher from XLab, a Chinese cybersecurity firm, noted that DeepSeek cyberattacks evolved from simple amplification tactics into application-layer assaults in less than a month. 

Wang Hui, a cybersecurity expert at QAX, also told CCTV (China’s state broadcaster) that “all the attack IPs were recorded, all are from the US.” While politicians debated whether foreign hackers were involved, DeepSeek’s team struggled to keep services online.

Below, you will find the main attack types uncovered by security experts. You’ll see when they were first detected and how they actually work. This will help you grasp the scale of what DeepSeek faced and why it all matters.

1. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

When Observed: Starting January 3–4, 2025
What Are They?

Imagine thousands of people rushing into a store all at once, preventing real customers from getting in. That’s how DDoS attacks work: hackers send huge amounts of traffic to overwhelm a website or server until it can’t function normally. Simply put, DDoS cyberattacks flood a target server or network with excessive traffic, rendering it unable to handle normal requests. 

In DeepSeek’s case, the earliest DDoS assaults used methods like NTP and SSDP reflection to amplify the volume of incoming traffic. While the company initially contained the damage, the onslaught grew more intense toward late January.

2. Application-Layer (HTTP Proxy) Attacks

When Observed: Late January (around January 27–28)
What Are They?

Application-layer attacks focus on how a browser communicates with a website. Instead of simply flooding the server with raw traffic, these attacks mimic normal requests for web pages or services. The server then tries to respond to each one, which quickly uses up resources and makes it hard to spot which visitors are authentic.

Simply put, this method targets actual web services and APIs with countless legitimate-looking requests. It’s harder to block because it can appear like real user activity. 

Around January 27, DeepSeek saw a surge in HTTP proxy attacks targeting its web and API services. Unlike regular DDoS floods, these requests looked real enough to trick defenses. This forced the company to curb new registrations for non-Chinese phone numbers, hoping to keep the platform stable for the users who had already signed up.

3. Botnet Attacks with Mirai Variants

When Observed: Late January (January 30)
What Are They?

A botnet is a group of hijacked devices — anything from home routers to smart cameras — that hackers command all at once. Instead of relying on one source of traffic, criminals use these compromised machines to strike from many locations simultaneously. It’s like trying to lock your front door while countless intruders keep appearing in different rooms.

In DeepSeek’s case, security experts at XLab spotted Mirai-based botnets, including HailBot and RapperBot, attacking on January 30. These botnets coordinated high volumes of traffic from infected devices around the world, pushing DeepSeek’s servers to their limits. The spike was so intense that researchers described it as a sign of a “professional” campaign, not just random hackers.

Also Read: Advanced AI Technology and Algorithms Driving DeepSeek

4. Brute-Force Attempts

When Observed: Primarily in Late January
What Are They?

A brute-force attack is exactly what it sounds like: criminals guess passwords over and over until one works. They rely on software to run combinations of letters, numbers, and special characters at high speed. Once they crack a valid login, they can pose as real users, read private messages, or even tamper with company data.

In late January, QAX cybersecurity specialists reported that attackers tried brute-force methods on DeepSeek’s login systems. If they had succeeded, they could have explored the platform’s internal tools or accessed user details. This threat added another layer of worry for the security team, which was already juggling various DDoS attacks.

5. Database Misconfiguration

When Observed: Revealed on January 29
What Is It? 

A misconfiguration happens when a company leaves a server or database open to the internet without proper protection. It isn’t a fancy hacking trick — it’s like forgetting to lock a filing cabinet full of sensitive records. Anyone who finds it can read or copy the data.

On January 29, security researchers at Wiz stumbled upon an openly accessible ClickHouse database containing chat logs, API secrets, and more than a million records. They found chat logs, operational metadata, and over one million lines of sensitive information. 

Even though this wasn’t a direct attack, it posed a major risk because anyone stumbling upon it could have taken valuable or personal data.

Also Read: Top 7 Cybersecurity Threats & Vulnerabilities

How Did the DeepSeek Data Leak Happen?

You might be wondering how a company that grabbed headlines for its AI breakthroughs could leave a database wide open. On January 29, researchers at Wiz revealed a major misconfiguration in DeepSeek’s ClickHouse database. 

As you know now, this wasn’t an outside hack or a brute-force breach; it was a security lapse that allowed sensitive information to slip through the cracks.

Below is a breakdown of how the leak unfolded and why it raised alarm:

• Discovery by Wiz: Wiz researchers were analyzing DeepSeek’s external setup when they found an unprotected ClickHouse instance. They immediately alerted the company, which secured the database soon after.
• What Was Exposed: According to Wiz, the data included chat transcripts, system details, and backend metadata. Some records contained API keys, which could give attackers direct access to DeepSeek’s internal services.
• Possible Risks: An exposed database can lead to identity theft, unauthorized API use, and deeper infiltration into corporate systems. If attackers had accessed or downloaded the data before it was locked down, user information could be at risk.
• Why It Happened: Rather than a sophisticated hacking method, the root cause was poor configuration. Leaving a service open to the internet without proper authorization is a simple but dangerous mistake.
• DeepSeek’s Response: The company restricted public access to the database within an hour of being notified. It remains unclear whether any malicious parties discovered the leak earlier, but security experts continue to monitor for signs of misuse.

Also Read: Is Cyber Security Easy to Learn? : Tips to Become A Cybersecurity Expert

What Do the DeepSeek Cyberattacks and Data Leaks Mean for Users?

You might be asking whether the cyberattacks on DeepSeek could affect your personal data. 

Here’s the blunt truth: every single AI platform – including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Perplexity – handling large amounts of user data carries similar risks, from stolen credentials to leaked chat logs

That said, many users are concerned about whether their information was compromised after a series of DDoS attacks, botnet incursions, and the discovery of an open database. Although DeepSeek acted quickly to patch vulnerabilities and restrict new registrations, the risk of data exposure remains. 

Below are the key points you should be aware of now:

• Possible Credential Theft: Attackers who attempted brute force could potentially gain access to user accounts. If successful, they might view private data or impersonate users.
• Exposure of Personal Details: With a publicly accessible ClickHouse database, chat logs, and API keys, there’s a chance some personal information was left visible to unauthorized parties. Even if attackers never found it, the data existed on an unprotected server.
• Service Interruptions: Multiple DDoS waves forced DeepSeek to limit new registrations and occasionally affected site reliability. Existing users might have noticed slow or unavailable services during peak attacks.
• Privacy Concerns: Chat histories and operational data were among the records discovered in the misconfigured database. Although DeepSeek secured it after being notified, the event highlights vulnerabilities in storing and handling user data.
• Ongoing Investigations: Cybersecurity firms like XLab, QAX, and Wiz are continuing to watch for any signs that stolen information is being used or traded. DeepSeek has not yet confirmed whether external parties accessed the leaked data.

Also Read: AI-Driven Cybersecurity: How AI Helps Protect Your Data?

How Can Users Protect Themselves from Future Cyber Attacks?

You may be wondering what you can do right now to avoid the pitfalls that struck DeepSeek. Although no platform is totally secure, you can take steps to reduce your exposure. 

Below are some actions that can strengthen your defenses against the cyberattacks.

• Set Strong, Unique Passwords: Choose passwords that are at least twelve characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Using a password manager helps you keep track of multiple logins.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, add an extra security step to your login process. Apps that send a one-time code to your phone or email make it harder for attackers to break in.
• Stay Alert for Phishing Attempts: Think twice before clicking email links or giving out personal information. Legitimate services will never ask for sensitive details through unexpected messages.
• Review Account Activity Often: Log in to your user settings to see recent sign-ins or unusual actions. If you spot any unfamiliar devices or changes, update your password immediately.
• Update Apps and Devices: Install security patches as soon as they become available. Outdated software can leave a door open for malicious actors, so turn on automatic updates if you can.
• Limit the Data You Share: AI platforms may ask for information to improve their services, but it’s best to provide only what is truly necessary. The less personal data you put out there, the safer you are if a breach occurs.

Also Read: What is Cybersecurity? Definition, Types, Career, Job Roles & Salary

Conclusion

DeepSeek cyberattack ordeal shows how quickly things can escalate when an AI platform gains global attention. You’ve seen how the attacks unfolded, the methods hackers used, and how a simple misconfiguration exposed critical data. 

It may seem alarming, but these events also highlight what you can do to stay safer. When you pick strong passwords, keep an eye on your login history, and limit the details you share, you reduce the chances of falling victim to similar threats.

DeepSeek’s situation is a reminder for every platform and user that security is never automatic. With new risks emerging every day, it’s up to you to remain watchful, follow proven practices, and stay informed.

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Reference Links:
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/chinese-ai-startup-deepseek-overtakes-chatgpt-apple-app-store-2025-01-27/ 
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/27/deepseek-cyberattack-ai
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/sensitive-deepseek-data-exposed-web-israeli-cyber-firm-says-2025-01-29/ 
https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/deepseek-china-us-cyberattack-blame-b2688962.html