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CCC Analysts Warn of Digital Failures, AI Risks, and Ransomware
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
What
During the 39C3, CCC experts delivered a stark assessment of IT security, emphasizing the escalating risks from AI-driven "Enshittification" and the ongoing ransomware crisis. They argued that despite technological advancements, fundamental security practices like backups remain critical, while expressing skepticism about ambitious government initiatives.
Where
Primarily Germany, with discussions impacting its government (Bundesinnenminister, BKA) and industry, and referencing an idea from Israel.
When
Disclosed at the 39th Chaos Communication Congress (39C3) in late 2023/early 2024.
Key Factors
- •The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) advocates for "Backup Games" or competitions to foster a positive culture around data recovery, recognizing good backups as the "Last Level of Defence" against ransomware.
- •Experts express skepticism regarding Germany's proposed "Cyberdome" concept, a fully automated digital shield inspired by Israel, questioning its feasibility against complex "informatische Angriffe."
- •Concerns are raised about the "Enshittification" of digital services escalating with "Agentic Add-ons" (autonomous AI bots) and the potential for massive RAM consumption by future AI systems.
Takeaways
- →Organizations must prioritize and regularly test their backup and recovery procedures, potentially adopting gamified approaches to improve readiness against ransomware.
- →Policymakers should critically evaluate highly automated cybersecurity defense concepts like the "Cyberdome" and focus on foundational IT hygiene and user education.
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