Trojan virus masquerading as DeepSeek detected in China

(ECNS) -- The National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team/Coordination Center of China (CNCERT) said on Monday that a Trojan virus, masquerading as DeepSeek and targets Chinese Android users, has been detected by the Chinese National Computer Virus Collaborative Analysis Platform (virus.cverc.org.cn).

According to the CNCERT, the counterfeit app uses simplified Chinese to create an interactive interface, obviously targeting users in China.

Once activated on the mobile phone, the virus prompts users to update the device, leading to the installation of a fake DeepSeek app. This sub-installation package contains disguised malicious code. Users are then tricked into granting it permissions to run in the background and  access services, according to the CNCERT.

The malicious app executes unauthorized actions, including intercepting user messages, stealing contact information and application lists, and blocking uninstallation attempts. It has been identified as a new variant of a financial theft Trojan virus targeting mobile devices.

The CNCERT reminded the public that the app may be used for telecom fraud, thus posing a greater threat to user privacy and economic interests.