TECHNOLOGY AND AI
“ There is so much more to the metaverse than just a virtual space ”
DELOITTE
Serious cybersecurity issues of the metaverse Throughout the business and consumer worlds , a lot of people are talking about the metaverse . Andy Swift , Technical Director of Offensive Security at Six Degrees , says that a big concern is that if cybersecurity isn ’ t baked into the metaverse from the start , it may cause some serious issues . He lists some of his biggest concerns :
• Scamming in the metaverse Going back centuries , scammers have sought to use communication channels to exploit victims ’ trust . Just like with phone calls , letters and emails , metaverse users should be hyper aware of scammers , especially as it is in its infancy .
• Lack of regulations As far as I ’ m aware , there are no universally agreed upon and adhered to regulations in the metaverse Given its global nature , establishing jurisdictions and management will be tough . Users who fall foul of crime in the metaverse risk falling through the cracks if properly enforceable regulations remain absent .
• Extortion and impersonation We have no idea how criminals will seek to exploit the virtual and augmented reality functionality of the metaverse . They surely will , though . Maintaining control of your online identity may be challenging in the brave new world of the metaverse .
• NFT fraud Of all the products available in the crypto space , NFTs have possibly garnered the most coverage – and scepticism . But the fact is that people will want to buy NFT artwork and display it in the metaverse . What if the NFT provider is fraudulent and sells you a fake ? It ’ s unclear in the metaverse or otherwise how you can reclaim your money .
• New technology security hiccups The metaverse is less about new technology and more about the combination of existing technology . This could present unforeseeable cybersecurity gaps – just look at the patchy security history of some of our biggest social platforms , especially during their formative years .
• Risks to minors Like with many other types of online technology , the metaverse presents risks when it comes to controlling children ' s access to content . And when people are given the ability to present online personas that are completely different from them in real life , it ’ s safest to prepare for the worst . cybermagazine . com 83