It’s exciting to explore new digital spaces and opportunities! And you can’t talk about what’s new with all things digital without also talking about the metaverse. Whether you’re venturing into the metaverse for entertainment or professional purposes, there’s a ton to learn and do.
Is it safe, though? It’s not yet known how much information things like virtual reality (VR) headsets can collect from users. The truth is, the metaverse could actually make it way easier for cybercriminals to steal information and take advantage of curious users who are just trying out something new.
We don’t think you need to avoid the metaverse altogether; in fact, avoiding it may become impossible in the coming years. What we are saying is to not jump in too quickly without examining the cybersecurity risks.
What is the Metaverse?
It’s difficult to explain what exactly the metaverse is while it’s still in development. Can you imagine going back in time and trying to explain the internet to someone in the early 1990s, when it was just starting to gain traction in everyday households?
In the simplest terms, though, the metaverse is an online world where users interact as virtual avatars within virtual spaces. The metaverse essentially brings the internet to life, making it three-dimensional. This 3D space is usually explored using VR headsets.
Within the metaverse, users are able to explore virtual replicas of real-life places. You can interact with coworkers in a virtual boardroom without ever leaving your home office! You can also “visit” landmarks halfway across the world, or play “in-person” games with friends who live thousands of miles away.
In the metaverse, the lines between the real world and the virtual world become blurred. It’s intriguing, to say the least. But what does that mean when it comes to privacy and safety?
How to Safely Experience the Metaverse
If you thought securing your data was important on the traditional internet, it’s even more so in the metaverse. That’s because the way things work in the metaverse is infinitely more complex than anything we’ve known thus far. We simply don’t know all of the abilities and limitations of how data is shared, collected, and stored in the metaverse.
The metaverse might also make it easier for users to maintain anonymity. While this might seem like a good thing if you’re worried about keeping your information private, keep in mind that it could also work in the favor of cybercriminals.
Know the Threats
It’s important to know what the potential risks are while operating within the metaverse. After all, how can you protect yourself from something you’re not aware of?
Here are some factors to consider before donning that VR headset:
- Excessive data collection. In addition to collecting your personal information like email address and phone number, companies in the metaverse will be able to collect data about body language, biometric information and your social behaviors.
- Constant surveillance. Existing in the metaverse will require new devices like VR headsets, cameras, sensors and microphones. These devices can collect and store your information without your knowledge. Because the metaverse is so new, laws regulating what data these devices can and cannot collect haven’t fully been thought out yet.
- An abundance of endpoints. Each device in your home that connects to the internet opens up a new door through which cyberattacks can enter. Since the metaverse will require multiple devices and sensors, you’re making yourself even more vulnerable to data breaches.
- These factors might sound scary, but that’s exactly why awareness is important. When you know the cyberthreats that exist, you’ll be better equipped to safely experience the metaverse.
Invest in Cybersecurity Software
If you haven’t already, consider setting up a virtual private network (VPN) at your home. It’s a simple and inexpensive way to secure your home’s internet connection. A VPN works with your Wi-Fi connection to encrypt both incoming and outgoing data. This makes it more difficult for criminals to steal sensitive information.
You should also use a password manager. It will help you create and store hard-to-guess passwords, making it difficult for attackers to access your accounts. Password managers can also be used to encrypt your personal data like bank account information which makes it more difficult for criminals to steal.
Setting up a firewall is another way to promote cybersecurity at home. A firewall will prevent external threats from getting into your personal network. Think of a firewall like a security guard that protects each of your devices. The firewall determines which packets of data are allowed into your home network and which ones are threats that will be blocked.
Finally, in the age of the metaverse and cloud, multi-cloud threat detection is a budding cybersecurity measure that is becoming increasingly important. These cybersecurity solutions work to remove malware that has been identified, saving your devices and network from costly data breaches. If you spend a good portion of your time online, as most of us do, antivirus software is a no-brainer.
Proceed with Caution
Perhaps the most valuable tip for safely experiencing the metaverse is to use common sense and always be on the defensive. Be selective about which devices, apps and websites you use. Take some time to read the user agreements that you usually just skim or even skip altogether. And be smart about which companies you share your information with.
Be cautious when interacting with other people within the metaverse. As we mentioned earlier, anonymity is easy when you’re face-to-face with a virtual avatar and not an actual person.
The Metaverse is the Future
It’s normal to feel curious, confused and even excited about the metaverse because it’s still so new. This digital world is quickly gaining popularity and we’re confident it’s not going away any time soon. That makes it more important than ever to approach the metaverse with caution, and maybe even a bit of suspicion.
To secure and protect your data, always be aware of what information you’re sharing, and with whom. Do your research before connecting new devices or working with different virtual reality companies. And, above all, always proceed with a privacy-first mindset.
