Thanks to the advancement of technology and innovation, we are introduced to a new horizon, a technology trend called metaverse. Metaverse, in the sense of its application, is a technology trend that provides a virtual 3D spaces for people to socialise, collaborate, learn and play, similarly in the physical world and even experiences environment that is deem impossible physically. As metaverse is a combinatorial innovation that integrates various technologies and trends like virtual reality, digital twins and web3 to support its functionality, metaverse not only open doors for business opportunity but also one of the most concerning issues today – cybersecurity threats. With data being among the power house of metaverse, cybersecurity threats within the metaverse is definite.
While the word metaverse had appeared long ago, its adoption is still in the early stages. In other words, metaverse is evolving. Significantly, with so much uncertainties in metaverse make cybersecurity threats within metaverse appear in many forms thus establishing security within it is a complicated matter. What are the cybersecurity threats within the metaverse?
Identity theft
The most important essence in metaverse is that it involves avatars. Users (human) are able to create a figure of their preference to explore a certain virtual space. Specifically, an avatar in metaverse is both unique and secure as it carries personally identifiable information (PII) and other sensitive data that enables the user to make trading activities, work and as well receive healthcare. Cyberattack, however, is ever evolving. In a case where a cyberattack successfully gain access to an avatar, it may lead to identity theft event that can cause even bigger security issue, from reputational and relationship damage to individual safety.
Cyber-physical threat
Metaverse are most commonly applied in entertainment and gaming industry. Through the use of bodysuits, users will be able to have overwhelming experience in metaverse. Hacking activity on bodysuits can cause various impact malfunction bodysuit may become harmful to the users, biometric data stored in the bodysuits will be exposed to hackers. The adoption of metaverse has also slowly expand to heavy industries. This adoption allows industrial equipment to be controlled remotely through metaverse space interface. As useful as metaverse is, it has higher for risk for man-in-the-middle attacks.
Ransomware and Malware attacks
Trading in metaverse occurs with it owns currency, in the form of cryptocurrency, bitcoin or various non-fungible token (NFT). This practice make the attack surface to expand thus increases cybersecurity threats within the metaverse such as crypto-malware and ransomware attacks.
Cybersecurity threat will continue to elevate in the future as the world become more connected to the internet and data become the driving force in technology adoption. Enterprise and organisation leaders are responsible in making sure that they are embarking in the right empowering technologies, both that are powerful in enhancing business growth and security.
E-SPIN Group in the business of enterprise ICT solutions supply, consulting, project management, training and maintenance, for multinational corporations and government agencies across the region E-SPIN did business, since 2005. Please feel free to contact E-SPIN for your requirements and project inquiry. Other post you may be interested in:
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