Category Archives: national security

DeepSeek R1: A New Chapter in Global AI Realignment

Fig. 1. DeepSeek and Global AI Change Infographic, Jeremy Swenson, 2025.

Minneapolis—

DeepSeek, the Chinese artificial intelligence company founded by Liang Wenfeng and backed by High-Flyer, has continued to redefine the AI landscape since the explosive launch of its R1 model in late January 2025. Emerging from a background in quantitative trading and rapidly evolving into a pioneer in open-source LLMs, DeepSeek now stands as a formidable competitor to established systems like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s proprietary models available on Azure AI. This article provides an expanded analysis of DeepSeek R1’s technical innovations, detailed comparisons with ChatGPT and Microsoft Azure AI offerings, and the broader economic, cybersecurity, and geopolitical implications of its emergence.

Technical Innovations and Architectural Advances:

Novel Training Methodologies DeepSeek R1 leverages a cutting-edge combination of pure reinforcement learning and chain-of-thought prompting to achieve human-like reasoning in tasks such as advanced mathematics and code generation. Unlike traditional LLMs that rely heavily on supervised fine-tuning, DeepSeek’s R1 is engineered to autonomously refine its reasoning steps, resulting in greater clarity and efficiency. In early benchmarking tests, R1 demonstrated the ability to solve multi-step arithmetic problems in approximately three minutes—substantially faster than ChatGPT’s o1 model, which typically required five minutes (Sayegh, 2025).

Cloud Integration and Open-Source Deployment One of R1’s key strengths lies in its open-source availability under an MIT license, a stark contrast to the closed ecosystems of its Western counterparts. Major cloud platforms have rapidly integrated R1: Amazon has deployed it via the Bedrock Marketplace and SageMaker, and Microsoft has incorporated it into its Azure AI Foundry and GitHub model catalog. This wide accessibility not only allows for extensive external scrutiny and customization but also enables enterprises to deploy the model locally, ensuring that sensitive data remains under domestic control (Yun, 2025; Sharma, 2025).

Detailed Comparison with ChatGPT:

Performance and Reasoning Clarity ChatGPT’s o1 model has been widely recognized for its robust reasoning capabilities; however, its closed-source nature limits transparency. In direct comparisons, DeepSeek R1 has shown parity—and in some cases superiority—with respect to reasoning clarity. Independent tests by developers indicate that R1’s intermediate reasoning steps are more comprehensible, facilitating easier debugging and iterative query refinement. For example, in complex multi-step problem-solving scenarios, R1 not only delivered correct solutions more rapidly but also provided detailed, human-like explanations of its thought process (Sayegh, 2025).

Cost Efficiency and Accessibility While premium access to ChatGPT’s capabilities can cost users upwards of $200 per month, DeepSeek R1 offers its advanced functionalities free of charge. This dramatic reduction in cost is achieved through efficient use of computational resources. DeepSeek reportedly trained R1 using only 2,048 Nvidia H800 GPUs at an estimated cost of $5.6 million—an expenditure that is a fraction of the resources typically required by U.S. competitors (Waters, 2025). Such cost efficiency democratizes access to high-performance AI, providing significant advantages for startups, academic institutions, and small businesses.

Detailed Comparison with Microsoft Azure AI:

Integration with Enterprise Platforms Microsoft has long been a leader in providing enterprise-grade AI solutions via Azure AI. Recently, Microsoft integrated DeepSeek R1 into its Azure AI Foundry, offering customers an additional open-source option that complements its proprietary models. This integration allows organizations to leverage R1’s powerful reasoning capabilities while enjoying the benefits of Azure’s robust security, compliance, and scalability. Unlike some closed-source models that require extensive licensing fees, R1’s open-access nature under Azure enables organizations to tailor the model to their specific needs, maintaining data sovereignty and reducing operational costs (Sharma, 2025).

Performance in Real-World Applications In practical applications, users on Azure have reported that DeepSeek R1 not only matches but sometimes exceeds the performance of traditional models in complex reasoning and mathematical problem-solving tasks. By deploying R1 locally via Azure, enterprises can ensure that sensitive computations are performed in-house, thereby addressing critical data privacy concerns. This localized approach is particularly valuable in regulated industries, where strict data governance is paramount (FT, 2025).

Market Reactions and Economic Implications:

Immediate Market Response and Stock Volatility The initial launch of DeepSeek R1 triggered a significant market reaction, most notably an 18% plunge in Nvidia’s stock as investors reassessed the cost structures underlying AI development. The disruption led to a combined market value wipeout of nearly $1 trillion across tech stocks, reflecting widespread concern over the implications of achieving top-tier AI performance with significantly lower computational expenditure (Waters, 2025).

Long-Term Investment Perspectives Despite the short-term volatility, many analysts view the current market corrections as a temporary disruption and a potential buying opportunity. The cost-efficient and open-source nature of R1 is expected to drive broader adoption of advanced AI technologies across various industries, ultimately spurring innovation and generating new revenue streams. Major U.S. technology firms, in response, are accelerating initiatives like the Stargate Project to bolster domestic AI infrastructure and maintain global competitiveness (FT, 2025).

Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and Regulatory Reactions:

Governmental Bans and Regulatory Scrutiny DeepSeek’s practice of storing user data on servers in China and its adherence to local censorship policies have raised significant cybersecurity and privacy concerns. In response, U.S. lawmakers have proposed bipartisan legislation to ban DeepSeek’s software on government devices. Similar regulatory actions have been taken in Australia, South Korea, and Canada, reflecting a global trend of caution toward technologies with potential national security risks (Scroxton, 2025).

Security Vulnerabilities and Red-Teaming Results Independent cybersecurity tests have revealed that R1 is more prone to generating insecure code and harmful outputs compared to some Western models. These findings have prompted calls for more rigorous red-teaming and continuous monitoring to ensure that the model can be safely deployed at scale. The vulnerabilities underscore the necessity for both DeepSeek and its adopters to implement robust safety protocols to mitigate potential misuse (Agarwal, 2025).

Geopolitical and Strategic Implications:

Challenging U.S. AI Dominance DeepSeek R1’s emergence is a clear signal that high-performance AI can be developed without the massive resource investments traditionally associated with U.S. models. This development challenges the long-standing assumption of American technological supremacy and has prompted a strategic reevaluation among U.S. policymakers and industry leaders. In response, initiatives such as Microsoft’s Stargate Project are being accelerated to ensure that the U.S. maintains its competitive edge in the global AI arena (Karaian & Rennison, 2025).

Localized AI Ecosystems and Data Sovereignty To mitigate cybersecurity risks, several U.S. companies are now repackaging R1 for localized deployment. By ensuring that sensitive data remains on domestic servers, these firms are not only addressing privacy concerns but also paving the way for the creation of robust, localized AI ecosystems. This trend could ultimately reshape global data governance practices and alter the balance of technological power between the U.S. and China (von Werra, 2025).

Conclusion and Future Outlook:

DeepSeek R1 represents a watershed moment in the global AI race. Its technical innovations, cost efficiency, and open-source approach challenge entrenched assumptions about the necessity of massive compute power and proprietary control. In direct comparisons with systems like ChatGPT’s o1 and Microsoft’s Azure AI offerings, R1 demonstrates superior transparency and operational speed, while also offering unprecedented accessibility. Despite ongoing cybersecurity and regulatory challenges, the disruptive impact of R1 is catalyzing a broader realignment in AI development strategies. As both U.S. and Chinese technology ecosystems adapt to these shifts, the future of AI appears poised for a more democratized, competitively diverse, and strategically complex evolution.

About The Author:

Jeremy A. Swenson is a disruptive-thinking security entrepreneur, futurist/researcher, and seasoned senior management tech risk and digital strategy consultant. He is a frequent speaker, published writer, podcaster, and even does some pro bono consulting in these areas. He holds a certificate in Media Technology from Oxford University’s Media Policy Summer Institute, an MSST (Master of Science in Security Technologies) degree from the University of Minnesota’s Technological Leadership Institute, an MBA from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a BA in political science from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. He is an alum of the Federal Reserve Secure Payment Task Force, the Crystal, Robbinsdale, and New Hope Community Police Academy (MN), and the Minneapolis FBI Citizens Academy. You can follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

References:

  1. Yun, C. (2025, January 30). DeepSeek-R1 models now available on AWS. Amazon Web Services Blog. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/deepseek-r1-models-now-available-on-aws/
  2. Sharma, A. (2025, January 29). DeepSeek R1 is now available on Azure AI Foundry and GitHub. Microsoft Azure Blog. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/deepseek-r1-is-now-available-on-azure-ai-foundry-and-github/
  3. Waters, J. K. (2025, January 28). Nvidia plunges 18% and tech stocks slide as China’s DeepSeek spooks investors. Business Insider Markets. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/nvidia-tech-stocks-deepseek-ai-race-nasdaq-2025-1
  4. Scroxton, A. (2025, February 7). US lawmakers move to ban DeepSeek AI tool. ComputerWeekly. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366619153/US-lawmakers-move-to-ban-DeepSeek-AI-tool
  5. FT. (2025, January 28). The global AI race: Is China catching up to the US? Financial Times. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://www.ft.com/content/0e8d6f24-6d45-4de0-b209-8f2130341bae
  6. Agarwal, S. (2025, January 31). DeepSeek-R1 AI Model 11x more likely to generate harmful content, security research finds. Globe Newswire. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/01/31/3018811/0/en/DeepSeek-R1-AI-Model-11x-More-Likely-to-Generate-Harmful-Content-Security-Research-Finds.html
  7. Karaian, J., & Rennison, J. (2025, January 28). The day DeepSeek turned tech and Wall Street upside down. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/the-day-deepseek-turned-tech-and-wall-street-upside-down-f2a70b69
  8. von Werra, L. (2025, January 31). The race to reproduce DeepSeek’s market-breaking AI has begun. Business Insider. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://www.businessinsider.com/deepseek-r1-open-source-replicate-ai-west-china-hugging-face-2025-1
  9. Sayegh, E. (2025, January 27). DeepSeek is bad for Silicon Valley. But it might be great for you. Vox. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://www.vox.com/technology/397330/deepseek-openai-chatgpt-gemini-nvidia-china

Mastercard’s Strategic Cyber, AI, and Blockchain Acquisitions: RiskRecon, CipherTrace, and Recorded Future

Fig. 1. Master Buys Recorded Future Infographic.[1]

Minneapolis—

Mastercard has long been a leader in the payments industry, known for its global network and cutting-edge financial solutions. However, in recent years, Mastercard has expanded its focus beyond traditional payments to include a broader suite of digital security, risk management, and compliance services. This shift is evident in its key acquisitions of RiskRecon, CipherTrace, and Recorded Future, each of which bolsters the company’s position in the fintech and cybersecurity ecosystems. By integrating AI, advanced analytics, blockchain, and enhanced compliance capabilities, Mastercard has emerged as a more competitive and savvy player in today’s rapidly evolving cyber and fintech landscapes.

1. RiskRecon (Acquired in December 2019):[2]

RiskRecon is a cybersecurity firm that specializes in third-party risk assessment. The company uses AI-driven analytics to help businesses understand and manage their cybersecurity exposure by continuously monitoring the cyber risk of vendors and partners.

Acquisition Details:

  • Date: December 2019
  • Cost: Undisclosed, but estimates place it around $150-200 million.
  • Company Size: A relatively small firm but highly influential in cybersecurity monitoring.

Strategic Value:

RiskRecon’s technology allows Mastercard to offer enhanced cyber risk management services to its business customers. The acquisition integrates AI-driven analytics to assess security risk levels, providing organizations with continuous monitoring of third-party systems, enabling early detection of vulnerabilities, and helping to avoid costly breaches.

For Mastercard, integrating RiskRecon offers:

  • Enhanced cybersecurity: Real-time risk assessments ensure the security of financial transactions.
  • Improved compliance: RiskRecon’s platform ensures businesses adhere to international regulations and frameworks for data security.
  • Fraud avoidance: By continuously scanning systems for vulnerabilities, Mastercard helps its customers avoid fraud or breaches stemming from third-party risks.

2. CipherTrace (Acquired in September 2021):[3]

CipherTrace is a blockchain analytics firm that helps organizations monitor and secure cryptocurrency transactions. Given the growing adoption of digital assets, CipherTrace provides tools for detecting fraud, tracing illicit transactions, and ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

Acquisition Details:

  • Date: September 2021
  • Cost: Estimated at $250 million.
  • Company Size: Medium-sized firm with a specific focus on cryptocurrency compliance and fraud detection.

Strategic Value:

The acquisition of CipherTrace positions Mastercard as a key player in the emerging blockchain space. By integrating CipherTrace’s tools, Mastercard is equipped to:

  • Secure cryptocurrency transactions: Provide greater transparency in blockchain activities, reducing the risks of fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities.
  • Enhance anti-money laundering (AML) compliance: CipherTrace’s tools help organizations comply with strict AML regulations, a significant concern with cryptocurrency.
  • Support blockchain adoption: As cryptocurrency becomes more mainstream, Mastercard ensures its networks are prepared to support digital asset transactions securely.

This acquisition directly ties into Mastercard’s strategy of offering fraud avoidance and enhanced compliance in the evolving digital economy. As blockchain technology continues to mature, Mastercard is well-positioned to support safe and compliant transactions in the cryptocurrency space.

3. Recorded Future (Acquired in Sept 2024):[4]

Recorded Future is an intelligence company specializing in real-time threat intelligence. By using machine learning and AI, Recorded Future aggregates and analyzes data to provide businesses with insights into potential cyber threats before they can cause damage. They currently has more than 1,900 clients, which span 75 countries, according to Mastercard. Those customers include 45 national governments as well as more than half of the companies in the Fortune 100, the payments firm said.

Acquisition Details:

  • Date: Sept 2024
  • Cost: Approximately $2.65 billion. Yet Mastercard was one of the key investors via an equity stake acquired through Insight Partners in 2021.
  • Company Size: Large, globally recognized threat intelligence company.

Strategic Value:

Recorded Future’s AI-driven threat intelligence adds another layer of security to Mastercard’s offerings:

  • Proactive cybersecurity: Recorded Future’s data and analytics can identify emerging threats before they impact Mastercard’s networks or those of its partners.
  • Advanced analytics and AI: Mastercard gains access to an enormous database of threat indicators, allowing the company to leverage AI to detect patterns and anticipate future threats.
  • Fraud prevention: Real-time threat intelligence makes it easier to stop fraud before it happens, protecting customers from financial loss.

By incorporating Recorded Future’s threat intelligence capabilities, Mastercard is enhancing its ability to prevent cyberattacks and protect the integrity of its global payments infrastructure.

Comparing Mastercard to Visa and American Express:

Mastercard’s acquisitions of RiskRecon, CipherTrace, and Recorded Future have significantly differentiated it from competitors like Visa and American Express.

  • Visa has also invested heavily in cybersecurity and compliance but lacks the comprehensive focus on third-party risk management (RiskRecon) and blockchain analytics (CipherTrace) that Mastercard now possesses. While Visa has ventured into cryptocurrency through partnerships and blockchain experimentation, it hasn’t yet integrated a firm like CipherTrace, which is critical for cryptocurrency compliance and fraud detection.
  • American Express, while focused on fraud prevention and customer experience, hasn’t made as aggressive a push into the cybersecurity and blockchain spaces as Mastercard. Amex remains a leader in traditional fraud detection and financial services but lacks the AI-driven intelligence and blockchain transparency that Mastercard has through Recorded Future and CipherTrace.

Mastercard’s comprehensive approach, combining cybersecurity (RiskRecon and Recorded Future), blockchain analytics (CipherTrace), and AI-enhanced threat intelligence, puts it ahead of both Visa and American Express in terms of securing digital transactions and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Conclusion—A Well-Rounded Competitive Advantage:

In today’s fintech landscape, the convergence of cybersecurity, compliance, AI, and blockchain is crucial for payment processors to remain competitive. Mastercard’s strategic acquisitions of RiskRecon, CipherTrace, and Recorded Future provide a holistic solution to the growing challenges of cyber threats, cryptocurrency fraud, and AML compliance. These moves not only strengthen Mastercard’s existing payment network but also position the company as a leader in digital security.

By diversifying its portfolio and incorporating advanced technologies, Mastercard has gained an edge over competitors like Visa and American Express, especially in the areas of fraud avoidance, enhanced compliance, and cryptocurrency security. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Mastercard remains at the forefront of the financial industry, well-prepared for the future of digital payments and the ongoing battle against cybercrime.

About the Author:

Jeremy A. Swenson is a disruptive-thinking security entrepreneur, futurist/researcher, and seasoned senior management tech risk and digital strategy consultant. He is a frequent speaker, published writer, podcaster, and even does some pro bono consulting in these areas. He holds a certificate in Media Technology from Oxford University’s Media Policy Summer Institute, an MSST (Master of Science in Security Technologies) degree from the University of Minnesota’s Technological Leadership Institute, an MBA from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a BA in political science from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. He is an alum of the Federal Reserve Secure Payment Task Force, the Crystal, Robbinsdale, and New Hope Community Police Academy (MN), and the Minneapolis FBI Citizens Academy. You can follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

References:

[1] N, Balaji. “Mastercard Buys Recorded Future for $2.65 Billion.” 09/12/24. https://cybersecuritynews.com/mastercard-buys-recorded-future/

[2] Miller, Ron. “Mastercard acquires security assessment startup, RiskRecon.” Techcrunch. 12/23/19. https://techcrunch.com/2019/12/23/mastercard-acquires-security-assessment-startup-riskrecon/

[3] Mastercard. “Mastercard acquires CipherTrace to enhance crypto capabilities.” 09/01/24. https://www.mastercard.com/news/press/2021/september/mastercard-acquires-ciphertrace-to-enhance-crypto-capabilities/

[4] Alspach, Kyle. “5 Things To Know About Mastercard Acquiring Recorded Future”. CRN. 09/13/24. https://www.crn.com/news/security/2024/5-things-to-know-about-mastercard-acquiring-recorded-future

The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks: Lessons Learned for Security and Investigation

On September 11, 2001, the United States faced one of its darkest days. Today, we remember the lives lost and the lessons learned. Nineteen terrorists, linked to the extremist group al-Qaeda, executed a coordinated series of attacks on American soil. Four commercial airplanes were hijacked: two were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, one crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, was downed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers fought the hijackers.[1]

The tragic events unfolded over the span of just a few hours, forever changing the course of U.S. history. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, including civilians, first responders, and passengers on the hijacked planes. The attack had devastating human and emotional costs, along with far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences. Today, a memorial stands at Ground Zero in New York City, honoring the victims and reminding future generations of the impact of terrorism.

Timeline of the Attack:

  • 8:46 AM: American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
  • 9:03 AM: United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower.
  • 9:37 AM: American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon.
  • 9:59 AM: The South Tower collapses.
  • 10:03 AM: United Airlines Flight 93 crashes in Pennsylvania.
  • 10:28 AM: The North Tower collapses.

The 9/11 Commission Report:[2]

The aftermath of 9/11 spurred a comprehensive investigation into how the attacks occurred and what failures enabled them. The 9/11 Commission Report, released in 2004, outlined critical lessons and provided recommendations to prevent future attacks. It focused on three key areas: the importance of collaboration, the need for enhanced information sharing, and the role of private sector innovation in improving national security.

1. The Power of Collaboration

Before 9/11, U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies operated in silos. The FBI, CIA, and other entities each managed their own investigations without significant interagency coordination. This fragmented approach hindered their ability to piece together warning signs that, in hindsight, could have potentially foiled the attacks. One of the most important lessons learned was the need for stronger collaboration across all government agencies.

Post-9/11, the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) was designed to foster better collaboration. DHS now coordinates efforts across different agencies, while the DNI serves as the head of the U.S. Intelligence Community, overseeing the work of multiple intelligence organizations. This structure has strengthened unity across federal and local government institutions.

2. Information Sharing as a Security Best Practice

Prior to the attacks, there was a critical failure in sharing information. Multiple agencies had pieces of intelligence about suspicious activities by some of the hijackers, but these data points weren’t shared in time to create a clear threat picture.

The 9/11 Commission Report emphasized the need for robust information sharing among agencies. The report also led to the creation of fusion centers where federal, state, and local agencies can share intelligence in real time. This collaborative approach has drastically improved the ability to detect and respond to potential threats, highlighting the importance of breaking down institutional silos and fostering a culture of openness among government bodies.

The USA PATRIOT Act, enacted shortly after 9/11, further addressed this issue by expanding the sharing of information between law enforcement and intelligence agencies, though it has also sparked ongoing debates about privacy and civil liberties. Yet it was abused in some cases, resulting in the overreach of phone and internet data surveillance by the NSA, which was rolled back during the Obama administration after Edward Snowed leaked these abuses.

3. Private Sector Innovation in Security

The private sector plays a crucial role in national security, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, surveillance technologies, and aviation security. The 9/11 Commission Report acknowledged that the private sector has the ability to innovate quickly and provide cutting-edge solutions to address security threats. In response to 9/11, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created to oversee airport security, with significant input from private companies on how to better screen passengers and cargo.

In the years following the attacks, advancements in biometric technology, data encryption, and surveillance systems have all stemmed from public-private partnerships. Companies have also played a role in developing cybersecurity frameworks to protect critical infrastructure from potential digital attacks, reflecting the growing interdependence between national security and technological innovation.

Memorial and Remembrance:

The legacy of 9/11 continues through memorials and acts of remembrance. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum was built at Ground Zero, featuring two large reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood, with the names of the victims inscribed in bronze. It serves as a place for reflection and remembrance, while the museum educates visitors on the events of that day and the lives lost.

Conclusion:

The 9/11 terrorist attacks were a defining moment in modern history. They highlighted vulnerabilities in U.S. national security, but the response led to transformative changes in how the nation collaborates, shares information, and innovates to protect itself. The lessons learned from the 9/11 Commission Report continue to shape security and investigation best practices, with collaboration, information sharing, and private sector innovation standing at the core of these efforts. These changes honor the memory of the lives lost and aim to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again. The private sector is critical to all of this.

About the Author:

Jeremy A. Swenson is a disruptive-thinking security entrepreneur, futurist/researcher, and seasoned senior management tech risk and digital strategy consultant. He is a frequent speaker, published writer, podcaster, and even does some pro bono consulting in these areas. He holds a certificate in Media Technology from Oxford University’s Media Policy Summer Institute, an MSST (Master of Science in Security Technologies) degree from the University of Minnesota’s Technological Leadership Institute, an MBA from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a BA in political science from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. He is an alum of the Federal Reserve Secure Payment Task Force, the Crystal, Robbinsdale, and New Hope Community Police Academy (MN), and the Minneapolis FBI Citizens Academy. You can follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

References:

[1] U.S. Gov’t.” The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Report)”. 2004.

[2] U.S. Gov’t.” The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Report)”. 2004.