The metaverse has been everywhere in the news lately, with businesses and other organizations openly embracing the new technology. Will the metaverse shape how we interact with each other in the future or will it be nothing more than a flash in the pan? Let’s find out!

What is Metaverse?

“Metaverse” is a portmanteau of the words “meta” and “universe”. It is a world that is mainly 3D, and supported by technologies such as augmented and virtual reality. The metaverse is looking to play a big part in the future of technology.

Some examples of metaverses in fiction have been featured in popular movies in recent years. If you have watched Ready Player One or Tron, you will have seen a version of the metaverse. If you are an anime fan, maybe you have watched Sword Art Online and their VR games. The characters in that series also enter into a metaverse.

Possibilities in the Metaverse

The metaverse of today is a metaverse of opportunities, with different companies trying to claim their own piece of the pie. Meta (formerly Facebook) is leading the way in testing the capabilities of the technologies we have right now.

The metaverse is a promising project, but we’re still in the “age of discovery” in regard to the technologies. There are a lot of ways the metaverse can enrich our lives. For example, for those who wish to work from home, the metaverse could be a great asset. In the metaverse, two people in completely different locations can meet, and although the meeting would be virtual, to them, it will truly seem as though they’re in the same room.

Fancy a game of basketball but it’s raining outside? If someone created a basketball game for the metaverse, you can just jump in and shoot some hoops! Want to visit lots of different countries? With the metaverse, you can travel anywhere!

The future is huge for the metaverse, especially if implemented the correct way.

Security Risks in the Metaverse

Although it isn’t here right now, one thing we know for sure is that there will be cybercriminals in the metaverse. They will try to steal people’s identities and scam people. Without proper safeguards, the metaverse will be a very dangerous place — no different from the internet today. Here are what we believe will be the most prevalent security risks in the metaverse:

1. Identity theft — The VR technologies that will power the metaverse will present new cybersecurity challenges. If the data that can be obtained by VR headsets and controllers —fingerprints, iris scans, and facial geometry data, for example — were to fall into the hands of cybercriminals, the fallout for the victims could be immense.
2. Social engineering attacks — In the metaverse, people are represented by their avatars. If a cybercriminal were to take control of your avatar, they could leverage the fact that your friends, family, and colleagues are familiar with it and use that trust to commit social engineering attacks on them.
3. Ransomware — Because the metaverse will require us to part with even more personal information than we’re used to — more than we already do when using the internet, the potential risks of ransomware will increase exponentially.

Safeguard Your Data Now and Beyond

Potential metaverse cybersecurity risks, particularly those concerning our personal data, are worrying, but they’re not a problem we currently face. However, if you want the best protection against identity theft today, Trend Micro ID Security is your best bet!

Available on Android and iOS, ID Security can monitor the internet and the dark web for all your most important personal data 24/7! If your data is leaked, you’ll be the first to know! Claim your Trend Micro ID Security 30-day free trial today!