U.S Navy Limits DeepSeek AI Over Cybersecurity Concerns

Three weeks ago a new AI service came to market called DeepSeek.  Competing with US AI startup ChatGPT, this Chinese AI startup is an advanced artificial intelligence system with capabilities ranging from data analysis to automated decision-making. Initial comparisons found it exceeding certain capabilities of ChatGPT models, leading many to predict an AI arms race.  However, we must ask ourselves, at this breakneck pace of innovation, using technology that Scientific America said could lead to  a “nuclear-level catastrophe”, aren’t we going just a little too fast for everyone’s comfort? 

Speed To Market is Leading to Critical Gaps in Security

The speed of innovation and rush to market was put in perfect dissonance last week when researchers at Wiz Research uncovered an exposed DeepSeek database on Jan 29th 2025. The exposed DeepSeek database was leaking sensitive data, raising serious concerns about AI security vulnerabilities. This discovery appears to validate the U.S. Navy’s decision to prohibit the use of DeepSeek, a move initially driven by security concerns that now seem strikingly prescient. The breach included proprietary datasets and potentially classified information, highlighting the risks of relying on AI tools without robust data protection measures. Compounding these concerns is the fact that DeepSeek is a Chinese-owned and operated AI startup, raising national security red flags over potential foreign access to sensitive U.S. data. This incident underscores the broader dangers of integrating foreign-controlled AI technologies into American business operations, where data security and national interests are at stake.

Why did the U.S. Navy Prohibit the Use DeepSeek AI?

The Navy’s decision to limit its usage stems from multiple cybersecurity concerns, including:

1. Data Security Risks – AI systems require vast amounts of data to function effectively. If not properly secured, sensitive military and governmental information could be vulnerable to breaches or unauthorized access.  This was proven true on Jan 29th as outlined above by Wiz security researchers.
2. Potential for Misinformation – AI models, particularly those relying on generative algorithms, may produce misleading or incorrect information. This is particularly concerning in high-stakes scenarios where accurate intelligence is paramount.
3. Lack of Transparency – Deep learning models often function as “black boxes,” meaning their decision-making processes can be difficult to interpret. Without clear visibility into how AI systems reach conclusions, trust in automated processes becomes a significant issue.
4. Adversarial Exploitation – Sophisticated adversaries could manipulate AI models through adversarial attacks, influencing outcomes and potentially compromising national security.

The Implications of AI in National Security

Artificial intelligence is becoming an indispensable tool in defense and intelligence operations. However, the rapid integration of AI into critical infrastructure raises fundamental questions about security, ethics, and control. The U.S. Navy’s restrictions on DeepSeek AI indicate a cautious approach that other government agencies and private sector organizations should consider adopting.

Key implications of AI in national security include:

• Enhanced Threat Detection – AI can identify patterns and anomalies in vast datasets, aiding in cybersecurity defense strategies.
• Autonomous Decision-Making – While AI can streamline decision-making processes, over-reliance on automated intelligence introduces risks that require human oversight.
• Ethical Considerations – The use of AI in military applications demands ethical guidelines to prevent unintended consequences, such as biased decision-making or loss of human control.
• Pace of Change Outstrips our Safety Controls – as outlined in the Scientific America article, as AI models move closer to AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) their capacity to learn and improve will outstrip the controls and safety measures us mere mortals place upon them.  AI systems with safety measures to prevent them from performing harmful acts have found ways to break out of their control mechanisms with logic loopholes.  What will happen when they can think faster and better than humans have the capacity to place safeguards and controls around them?

Best Practices for Secure AI Deployment

Organizations, both governmental and private, must prioritize cybersecurity when integrating AI into their operations. Here are some best practices for AI security:

1. Implement Robust Access Controls – Restrict access to AI tools and their training data to prevent unauthorized use.
2. Regular Security Audits – Conduct frequent assessments to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate potential risks.  These must include scans and testing to identify unintended exposures as found in the publicly accessible DeepSeek database.
3. Human Oversight & Validation – Ensure that AI-generated outputs are verified by human experts to prevent reliance on flawed or manipulated data.
4. Adversarial Testing – Simulate cyberattacks on AI models to understand their resilience against potential exploits.
5. Ethical AI Guidelines – Develop clear policies regarding AI governance, accountability, and ethical considerations in sensitive applications.

Conclusion

The U.S. Navy’s prohibition of DeepSeek AI highlights the escalating challenges of securing AI technologies in business operations. While AI offers transformative potential, its rapid development introduces new risks, as the rush to adopt emerging tools often leads to overlooked vulnerabilities and costly mistakes. The pace of change itself has become a risk, with security gaps widening when caution is sacrificed for speed. To safeguard national interests and maintain cybersecurity resilience, organizations must prioritize responsible AI deployment, proactive risk management, and continuous oversight. Staying informed and enforcing rigorous best practices will be essential to navigating the complex intersection of AI, security, and national defense in the years ahead.