The Metaverse Will Have An Impact On Privacy & Security

The Metaverse can be described as a three-dimensional virtual space where users can engage in social interactions and also interact with their virtual surroundings using advanced human-computer interface (HCI) technology. In futurism and science fiction, it is often described as a hypothetical iteration of the Internet as a single, universal virtual world that is facilitated by the use of virtual and augmented reality headsets.

Essentially a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection, the Metaverse has engaged the attention of Mark Zuckerbergwho wants to dominate the evolution of social media. 

As virtual worlds and augmented reality platforms develop into the Metaverse, users and businesses swill be presented with entirely new categories of security risks and pitfalls. The concept of a 3D virtual environment where users can interact and socialize has existed for some time, but the Metaverse has moved to the centre stage since Facebook rebranded to Meta  and made a large bet on bringing the technology to both consumers and enterprises. Other technology companies have followed suit. 

Some experts predict that as the metaverse develops, security flaws that have not hitherto been considered by most will become common risks. If data privacy is a problem in today’s 2D, Web 2.0 world, then the embodied Internet of the Metaverse add a much more complex dimension to the challenge.  

The Metaverse is an immersive virtual reality version of the Internet where people can interact with digital objects and digital representations of themselves and others and can move more or less freely from one virtual environment to another. As it is an evolving technology, safeguarding privacy online is of utmost importance. Combined digital and genuine reality will generate vast amounts of information and we can expect many new ways to process and work with this data will be found. As a consequence, it is important to understand how to deal with various privacy issues that come along with this technology.

Regulation Of Data Privacy

Around 45% of the world’s population have access to Social Media and since governments have yet to develop meaningful restrictions or regulations regarding social media data use, it is impossible to estimate the amount of information that accumulates on users. 

In recent years we have witnessed an increase in phishing attempts, botnets, and malware distributed via social media for the purpose of collecting sensitive information. These challenges are unlikely to disappear with the advent of the Metaverse and we might have to prepare for the exact opposite, a world where our personal data will be more exposed than ever before. 

Furthermore, there is the issue of the Metaverse’ hardware and related devices to consider. Metaverse users will probably need to use different devices to collect data that have never been collected before:

  • In the current state of the development of the Metaverse, most proponents propose a new set of hardware technologies. In order to obtain the best results, an eyepiece will capture both eye and head movements in order to give the complete picture. 
  • Additionally, they will also collect data on facial reactions and hand movements. Besides fingerprints, this hardware will also be able to capture iris biometrics.

This new data will offer a variety of new insights, but it also poses a complex challenge when it comes to securing private information.

The Metaverse is not yet a major part of our reality, but many companies, including Google and Facebook, are busy working  to make it one. In this context it is important  to remember that security and privacy concerns will  will require heightened comprehensive attention.

I-HLS:       TechTarget:      XRToday:       JDSupra:       Brainly

You  Might Also Read: 

Industry 4.0 - Changing How We Live:

 

« Heriot Watt University Knocked Offline For A Week
Overcoming The Obstacles Caused By The Great Resignation »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Cyber Security Supplier Directory

Cyber Security Supplier Directory

Our Supplier Directory lists 6,000+ specialist cyber security service providers in 128 countries worldwide. IS YOUR ORGANISATION LISTED?

CYRIN

CYRIN

CYRIN® Cyber Range. Real Tools, Real Attacks, Real Scenarios. See why leading educational institutions and companies in the U.S. have begun to adopt the CYRIN® system.

Practice Labs

Practice Labs

Practice Labs is an IT competency hub, where live-lab environments give access to real equipment for hands-on practice of essential cybersecurity skills.

MIRACL

MIRACL

MIRACL provides the world’s only single step Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which can replace passwords on 100% of mobiles, desktops or even Smart TVs.

LockLizard

LockLizard

Locklizard provides PDF DRM software that protects PDF documents from unauthorized access and misuse. Share and sell documents securely - prevent document leakage, sharing and piracy.

Securezoo

Securezoo

Securezoo's mission is to simplify and enhance information security by providing trusted security guidance, products, and information to small and mid-sized businesses and security professionals.

GigaOm

GigaOm

GigaOm's mission is to provide enterprises with information and analysis to help them make better decisions about technology.

Zadara Storage

Zadara Storage

Zadara provide complete data backup and protection delivered as a fully-managed service.

CSA Events

CSA Events

Cloud Security Alliance conducts a series of conferences around the world. This listing provides a link to details of upcoming events.

Siepel

Siepel

Siepel manufactures high quality shielded rooms and anechoic chambers dedicated to TEMPEST, NEMP & HIRF.

Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA)

Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA)

KISA is committed to improving the competitiveness, reliability and security of Internet information and knowledge in Korea.

Boldon James

Boldon James

Boldon James are market leaders in data classification and secure messaging software.

US Venture Partners (USVP)

US Venture Partners (USVP)

USVP is a leading Silicon Valley venture capital firm focusing on early-stage start-ups that transform cybersecurity, enterprise software, consumer mobile and e-commerce, and healthcare.

NetSPI

NetSPI

NetSPI is an information security penetration testing and vulnerability assessment management advisory firm.

Cybermerc

Cybermerc

Cybermerc's services, training programmes and cyber security solutions are designed to forge collaborations across industry, government and academia, for collective defence of our digital borders.

Foretrace

Foretrace

Foretrace aims to prevent, assess, and contain the exposure of customer accounts, domains, and systems to malicious actors.

Vantea SMART

Vantea SMART

Vantea SMART have decades of experience in cybersecurity resulting in an approach of proactive prevention - Security by Design and by Default.

Trusted Cyber Solutions

Trusted Cyber Solutions

Trusted Cyber Solutions is an independent Cyber Security and Risk Management consultancy.

Aiden Technologies

Aiden Technologies

Aiden simplifies your IT process, giving you peace of mind and security by ensuring your computers get exactly the software they need and nothing else.

Novacoast

Novacoast

Novacoast helps organizations find, create & implement solutions for a powerful security posture through advisory, engineering, development & managed services.

Schillings

Schillings

Shillings defends your rights to privacy, reuptation and security. We fight passionately against breaches of your privacy, attacks on your reputation and threats to your security.