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- The metaverse is the next best thing on the internet
- Huge companies such as Facebook, Nike, and Microsoft are already investing in the metaverse
- Cybersecurity is going to be a challenge for this new technology
- Organizations and individuals can prepare through education and prevention
- The establishment of trust networks will be vital
Metaverse challenges
While the metaverse brings with it so much hype and expectation, understanding it better and learning its security vulnerabilities is critical. According to a fascinating recent study, most people don’t fully understand the metaverse. But one thing is clear: there will be challenges similar to those of the current real-world internet space – among them, cybersecurity. One lesson about new technologies is that they are often unveiled with privacy and cybersecurity as an afterthought. This has been apparent with IoT and other smart devices on the market. The metaverse will become fertile ground for scammers looking for people who are trying to get rich quickly. This is primarily because its infrastructure is heavily focused on nonfungible tokens and cryptocurrencies – the treasure troves that will attract criminals into the metaverse space. As much as the metaverse will provide business opportunities for companies, it will also leave openings for criminal activities such as spying. Typically, entry into the metaverse is through a headset, and access to it may result in a complete takeover of the user’s avatar by the criminal. On the other hand, avatars can alter the user’s appearance and access interactions, telecommunications, and meetings without the user’s knowledge. Identity security will also be a challenge as individuals leave trails of information. This is a significant challenge in the real world and may cross into the metaverse – the invasion of user privacy by corporations. The Cambridge Analytica scandal involving Facebook is a case in which an organization leveraged users’ personal information without consent. The metaverse will have more data for corporations to use unless the regulatory regime acts to provide more protection. Nonetheless, changing the necessary laws touching privacy and data security after introducing new technology has often been challenging. It may take some time for these laws to keep pace with the growth of the metaverse. Consider this: the average age of a senator in the US is 64 years, and this demographic may not fully grasp the concepts of the technology currently shaping the world. The big companies behind the metaverse can use their financial muscle to lobby lawmakers. However, the disconnect between the technological understanding of the generation of legislators and the current developments is a significant challenge. In the meantime, there are ways companies can prepare for the metaverse:Education and prevention
It’s anticipated that most company meetings will be in the metaverse, and failing to establish security measures will put firms at risk. Organizations can protect themselves by training staff and introducing up-to-date security and privacy measures. Firms will be ready for possible attacks with trained and knowledgeable staff who understand what is suspicious and how to keep safe. Understanding the risks inherent in online activity and deploying the right cybersecurity resources to protect yourself and your organization is key to remaining cyberresilient in this new age. It is an opportunity for organizations to beef up their cybersecurity and operations. Some companies make the mistake of investing in various advanced technologies and tools that current employees lack knowledge of, and this does nothing but expose the organization further. Here is a better way to go about it:- Hire skilled personnel who can disseminate knowledge to other members of the staff. Upskilling the current workforce by hiring the right people goes a long way toward preparing for the coming technological advances.
- Supplement the upskilling with expertise and tools from suitable security partners. This handles the question of investing and using the sophisticated equipment and technology needed to address emerging threats.
