Chinese state-linked hackers used artificial intelligence, including the DeepSeek model, to launch cyberattacks against more than 200 organizations worldwide in just 11 days, according to the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. The campaign hit governments and businesses, with at least nine organizations compromised.
The finding, reported first by NBC News, shows how AI is letting hackers operate at a scale that once required far more human effort. CrowdStrike tied the activity to a China-linked group and described the pace as unusually fast.
How the attackers used AI
According to CrowdStrike, the hackers relied on an AI tool called ARTEX, combined with a DeepSeek large language model and another model, to run their campaign. NBC News, citing the CrowdStrike report, said the operation illustrates how AI is reshaping the speed and reach of state-linked cyberattacks.
- ARTEX: an AI tool used by the attackers, per CrowdStrike
- DeepSeek: an LLM used alongside another AI model, according to the report
- 200+ organizations targeted in 11 days
- At least nine organizations compromised
- Victims include governments and businesses worldwide
