A Chinese hacking group has successfully automated cyberattacks using an AI system called DeepSeek, which can scan for vulnerabilities, select exploits, and launch attacks without human intervention. Researchers at Unit 42, a division of Palo Alto, observed the AI-driven campaign, noting that the attackers used an open-source framework called Hermes Agent to integrate DeepSeek and carry out the attacks. The Chinese-speaking actor, known by the handles knaithe and KnYuan, demonstrated a high level of sophistication in leveraging AI to streamline their hacking operations1. The use of DeepSeek enabled the attackers to efficiently identify and exploit vulnerabilities, highlighting the potential for AI-powered cyberattacks to become a significant threat. This development matters to cybersecurity practitioners because it shows that AI can be used to scale and automate hacking campaigns, making it harder to detect and respond to these types of attacks.