Internet Safety in the "Metaverse"
The digital world is constantly changing, and it can be so hard to stay on top of everything that is happening. This article should give you some insight into what the “Metaverse” is.
What is the Metaverse?
In simple terms, the Metaverse is an immersive virtual world in which people interact through their avatars (digital icons or figures which represent that individual.) It can be accessed through virtual reality devices (such as VR headsets) that allows users to interact with other users’ virtual avatars in real-time.
It’s said that the Metaverse blurs the line between actual reality and digital reality. It will probably represent a mix of the characteristics of today’s social media and gaming platforms, but it will be even bigger and more complex.
Digital avatars and virtual reality headsets provide deeper insights into users’ real lives than today’s social media services do. This aspect of the Metaverse and the data it creates will also give cybercriminals various new opportunities to act on.
The Dark Side of the Metaverse
Harm in the Metaverse may feel much more real and painful than it does on the platforms we are currently using and may even become a traumatizing experience. It will be the users’ responsibility to figure out how to make the Metaverse safe for everyone.
Along with well-known phishing scams, the Metaverse will likely raise entirely new types of cybercrime. The Metaverse will involve the use of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTS), which makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals. What is more, devices such as virtual reality headsets can be easily hacked if left unprotected. Sensitive data captured through these devices may be used for criminal purposes, and intellectual property might become harder to protect.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Cybercrime?
Unfortunately, new technologies are often introduced before security concerns are addressed or can even be identified. For now, we don’t know how to make the Metaverse a safer place. There will likely always be a certain level of anonymity that will protect criminals, and the Metaverse community will have to actively work together to make the space safe for everyone.
Increased regulation of the internet is not an answer, as the control of the internet by authorities would simply be unethical. Being educated about the ways you are using the internet and taking crime prevention measures, such as installing security software, remains the best way to stay safe online. You can check out other internet safety tips by reading these blog posts.
