Welp MagazineCompanies need to focus on cybersecurity holistically in the metaverse to reduce concerns and protect user data at the highest level.
Many industries have been investing in their creative future meta-universe recently. The metaverse promises to connect people through their avatars in digital environments that look like the real world. That brings more sophisticated cyberattacks besides conventional phishing, malware, and hacking. The technologies behind the metaverse closely linked to Web 3.0, such as NFTs, virtual reality devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cryptocurrencies, will likely create a threat environment for both businesses and individuals.
Be ready for new cyberattack vectors
It is difficult to draw the risk landscape for such a technological concept in its early adoption stages. But experts already have a few specific examples of possible metaverse attacks. Collecting data from VR headsets, selling fake NFTs, sending malicious smart contracts, and accessing personal cryptocurrency wallets are a few potential ways to abuse users’ data in the metaverse. Juta Gurinaviciute, the Chief Technology Officer at NordLayer says: “As the metaverse is based on blockchain and does not operate under a lawmaking authority, there is no way to identify cybercriminals. At this point, we must start thinking about some questions that have no answers yet.”
To prepare for the future of the decentralized metaverse, companies need a major shift to deal with unknown cyber threats. “It is clear that the static approach to cybersecurity and data privacy is becoming a thing of the past. Today’s security paradigms will need to be redefined, reviewed, and reorganized to secure the metaverse. A holistic approach to security is something businesses should start practicing to prepare for the future of the metaverse,” adds Juta Gurinaviciute, the chief technology officer at NordLayer.
ZTNA adoption will increase
Cybersecurity solutions to the dangers of the metaverse have not yet been identified. But companies should start considering complete zero-trust network access (ZTNA) for user authentication. According to Juta Gurinaviciute, the chief technology officer at NordLayer, ZTNA solutions apply the idea of “trust nothing, validate everything” by bringing networking, security, and identity elements together. From the consumer point of view, VPN applications should be used to hide identity, location, and traffic in the metaverse.
