Updated 09:56 IST, January 28th 2025
DeepSeek: From Top-Rated App To Cyberattack Target In Days - Details
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, faces a cyberattack and website outages after its AI assistant becomes the top-rated free app on Apple's US App Store.

Chinese startup DeepSeek announced on Monday that it would temporarily limit new registrations following a cyberattack. The incident coincided with the startup’s AI assistant skyrocketing in popularity, becoming the top-rated free application on Apple's App Store in the US earlier the same day.
The cyberattack, coupled with website outages, marked the company’s longest downtime in 90 days. DeepSeek’s status page confirmed the resolution of login issues and application programming interface disruptions.
Game-Changing AI Assistant Challenges US Models
DeepSeek’s AI assistant, launched on January 10, has shaken the AI landscape. Built on the company’s proprietary DeepSeek-V3 model, the assistant claims to rival the most advanced closed-source models globally. Sensor Tower, an app data research firm, reported a surge in US downloads, fueling its sudden rise to prominence.
The DeepSeek-V3 model stands out for its efficiency, using significantly less data at a fraction of the cost of existing AI models. Last week, the company revealed that training the model cost less than $6 million using Nvidia’s H800 chips—less advanced than the products restricted by US export controls.
US Tech Executives Question Export Controls
DeepSeek’s rapid success has reignited debates about the effectiveness of US export controls designed to limit China’s AI capabilities. Despite restrictions, DeepSeek researchers claimed their model outperformed competitors using cost-effective resources.
Although some experts have disputed the company’s claims, the milestone underscores China’s growing prowess in AI.
DeepSeek: A Rising Contender in the AI Space
Founded in 2023 in Hangzhou, DeepSeek has emerged as a key player in the global AI race. While Chinese tech giants like Baidu pioneered large-language models, DeepSeek is the first to gain widespread acclaim in the US tech industry for competing directly with cutting-edge American models.
The startup’s rise is a turning point, challenging assumptions about the investments needed to compete in the AI space and highlighting China’s determination to close the gap in advanced technology.
(With Inputs From Reuters )
Published 09:56 IST, January 28th 2025