Cyberagentur Makes the Future Audible

Cyberagentur at the Long Night of Science: On July 3, 2026, it will host a live podcast and a “Kryptokalypse” reading in Halle (Saale).

On July 3, 2026, the Agentur für Innovation in der Cybersicherheit GmbH (Cyberagentur) will participate in the Long Night of Science in Halle (Saale) with two events. At the Melanchthonianum of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, it will combine current cybersecurity research with science communication and literary analysis of the future. Topics include: attacks involving and targeting artificial intelligence, as well as a reading from the near-future novel “Kryptokalypse” about quantum computers and Q-Day.

From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Cyberagentur will record a new episode of its podcast “Hitchhiking Through Cyberspace” as part of the Long Night of Science in Halle. Titled “AI Attacks and Is Attacked,” the episode explores the dual role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity. AI systems can be used as tools for cyberattacks. At the same time, their data, models, and technical interfaces create new vulnerabilities.

Podcast on AI and Cybersecurity

Marcel Roth speaks with Sebastian Karius from the Institute of Computer Science at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and Philippe Krajsic from the Cyberagentur. Karius works in the Computer Engineering research group. Krajsic is a research officer for key technologies in the Artificial Intelligence Division of the Cyberagentur.

The discussion focuses on current research questions: How can AI systems be manipulated? What risks arise from flawed or deliberately altered data? How can AI be used for attacks? And what technical and organizational approaches can enhance its security?

The audience can follow the creation of a podcast episode in real time and then discuss it with the guests. Host Marcel Roth is an editor and reporter at MDR SACHSEN-ANHALT and the resident host of the Cyberagentur podcast.

“Hitchhiking Through Cyberspace” explores research programs, technologies, and societal issues related to cybersecurity. New episodes are released regularly on the second Thursday of every month.

“Crypto-apocalypse”: Fiction Explains Research

From 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., there will be a reading from the upcoming near-future novel *Kryptokalypse*. Author Jens Hüttenberger will transport the audience to the year 2039.

The fictional company QuaaSE is launching the first publicly accessible ion-based quantum computer with 100,000 qubits. Companies and research institutions can use its computing power on a temporary basis. Physicist and logistics consultant Anaram sees great opportunities here for more efficient supply chains, new materials, and scientific progress. Mathematician Alice, on the other hand, warns of the risks. As a specialist in post-quantum cryptography, she knows that powerful quantum computers could break common encryption methods. The looming “Q-Day” would jeopardize financial transactions, internet connections, and confidential communications.

In addition to technical risks, the novel also explores social issues. These include unequal access to advanced technology, global interdependencies, changes in supply chains, and potential environmental consequences. Driven by her convictions, Alice becomes a hacktivist. Her decisions set in motion a chain of events with unexpected consequences.

A Dialogue Between Research and Literature

Jens Hüttenberger has been working as a copywriter and author for more than 25 years. He studied African Studies, Philosophy, and Ethnology. His awards include the 2023 German Prize for Online Communication and a nomination in the “Year of Advertising.” Since early 2026, he has been working in innovation management at the Cyberagentur.

Dr. Daniel Reiche, Head of the Quantum Technology Unit in the Key Technologies Division of the Cyberagentur, will participate in the subsequent discussion. He will provide context on the scientific foundations of the novel as well as the actual opportunities and risks posed by powerful quantum computers. Marcel Roth will also moderate this segment of the program.

With “Kryptokalypse,” the Cyberagentur uses science fiction as a tool for scientific foresight. Fiction makes it possible to examine technological developments and their potential societal consequences within a concrete scenario. This brings abstract research questions to life and makes them open to public discussion.

Both events will be recorded.