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Australia Bans DeepSeek on Government Devices Over Security Risks

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Australia has announced a ban on the Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek from all government devices, citing national security concerns. The government issued a mandatory directive requiring all federal agencies to prevent the use or installation of DeepSeek’s products, applications, and web services on government systems. Any existing instances of these services must also be removed, according to a statement released by the Department of Home Affairs.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke described DeepSeek as posing an “unacceptable risk” to government technology, with the ban being enforced to protect the nation’s security and interests. The move was made swiftly, responding to growing concerns regarding the startup’s potential vulnerabilities.

This ban does not apply to private citizens, only targeting government-operated systems. The decision follows a broader international trend, with several other countries, including Italy and Taiwan, also taking steps to restrict DeepSeek’s influence. Taiwan recently banned government departments from using the company’s services, while Italy imposed similar measures.

The launch of DeepSeek has raised alarms in the tech industry, particularly with its low cost and minimal hardware requirements compared to rival AI models. The startup’s emergence has led to significant market volatility, with global tech stocks experiencing declines as investors question the viability of Western investments in AI infrastructure.

Australia’s action is part of its broader efforts to tighten control over foreign technology, following its previous ban of the Chinese social media app TikTok on government devices two years ago over similar security concerns.

 

Losses from Crypto Hacks Surge to $2.2 Billion in 2024, Report Shows

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Funds stolen from cryptocurrency platforms by hackers surged by 21% in 2024, reaching a staggering $2.2 billion, according to a report from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis. This marks the fourth consecutive year in which crypto heists have exceeded $1 billion, with the number of incidents rising to 303 from 282 in 2023. In comparison, hackers stole $1.8 billion last year.

Surge in Crypto Hack Incidents

The rise in hacking activity comes amid a significant increase in the value of bitcoin, which has jumped 140% this year, surpassing the $100,000 mark. This surge in value has attracted institutional participation and notable support, including backing from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. As the digital asset market expands, the report highlights that illicit activities, including hacking and fraud, have also risen in tandem.

Majority of Hacks Target Centralized Platforms

The report indicates that compromises to private keys, which control access to users’ crypto assets, accounted for the majority of stolen funds. Most of the hacks targeted centralized platforms, which are particularly vulnerable to such attacks.

Among the most significant hacks were the theft of over $305 million from Japan’s DMM Bitcoin exchange in May and the loss of $235 million from India’s WazirX exchange in July.

North Korea’s Role in Crypto Hacks

One of the most concerning findings in the report is the dramatic increase in crypto hacking linked to North Korea, which more than doubled from 2023 to a record $1.3 billion in 2024. Chainalysis suggests that cryptocurrency is used by North Korea to circumvent international sanctions, though the country routinely denies any involvement in such cyber crimes.

Outlook for 2025

With the rise in crypto-related crimes, experts from Chainalysis warned that addressing fraud and other illicit activities will be a major challenge for the industry moving into the new year.