Even if the topic “Metaverse or Metaversum” is still acknowledged with a shrug of the shoulders in many places, especially in Europe, its development is picking up speed, especially in the USA. The Metaverse requires an evolution in cybersecurity.
The well-known tech giants in particular are investing billions to turn the trend concept into a (virtual) reality. In addition to many opportunities, this new space also brings with it quite a few challenges ... one of which is cyber and data security.
Cyber attacks are also a reality in the metaverse
The Metaverse is a new reality and platform that brings both opportunities and challenges. Today's threats can persist in this new era and require appropriate security solutions. For example, an attacker could manipulate the environment so that the metaverse plays directly with our senses.
“With every new business opportunity comes new security challenges. Virtual assets will be the main target for cybercrime. Anna Chung, principal researcher at Unit 42, the cyberattack analysis team at Palo Alto Networks
Cyber security plays an important role in most companies. Enterprises need to work with their IT leaders, CISOs and CIOs to continuously develop new security strategies and identify the current threat landscape.
VR glasses and other IoT devices are vulnerable
In the early stages of development of the metaverse, IoT devices like smart glasses and virtual reality headsets will likely be the most common entry point for hackers. Since the metaverse is still in the early stages of development, attackers are actively developing new malicious tools and business models. We will also see risks related to identity theft, payment fraud and online security. The Metaverse will strengthen virtual identities and allow individuals to accomplish many tasks that were once confined to the traditional physical world. But it will also increase the pressure on account security and the authentication process.
Theft of virtual identities
If a virtual identity is compromised or misused, the damage is likely to be greater than before. This is because identity verification is difficult not only between platforms and users, but also between end users. How can a person ensure that the other end user is who they say they are? As a result, users may be at greater risk of fraud and other online security breaches related to social networking, commerce, or any form of interaction in the Metaverse.
Anna Chung, Unit 42, Palo Alto Networks (Image: Palo Alto Networks).
We cannot yet know for sure what impact the Metaversum platforms will have on security. However, we can assume that the next phase will be about protecting virtual assets like virtual currencies and preserving the ownership of virtual identities from a security perspective.
Never lose the security perspective
To be as prepared as possible, Palo Alto Networks advises companies not only to strengthen their defenses, but to make it harder for attackers to penetrate their systems. However, this is resource and time intensive. It's also important to be wary of copycats who use successful attacks as a blueprint for new attacks.
We also recommend that companies ensure that they do not make themselves vulnerable. This requires restricting access rights through regular audits, using multi-factor authentication and training employees.”
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About Palo Alto Networks Palo Alto Networks, the global leader in cybersecurity solutions, is shaping the cloud-based future with technologies that transform the way people and businesses work. Our mission is to be the preferred cybersecurity partner and protect our digital way of life. We help you address the world's biggest security challenges with continuous innovation leveraging the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, analytics, automation, and orchestration. By delivering an integrated platform and empowering a growing ecosystem of partners, we are the leaders in protecting tens of thousands of businesses across clouds, networks and mobile devices. Our vision is a world where every day is safer than the one before.