As we take a deeper dive into learning how to secure the metaverse, we must first examine its various competence. Let's start by splitting access to the metaverse into two categories.
Category 1 is Hardware and Category 2 is Software.
In this chapter, we'll focus on the significant hardware components of the metaverse and their security challenges. The first level of devices under Hardware are the computer systems that form the essential architecture for accessing the metaverse. . This could be your personal computer, laptop, gaming hardware, or any other computer you use to access any metaverse world.
Networks,computers, servers, and other systems are prone to hacking due to open ports and insecure elements built into the design of these devices. Device manufacturers definitely consider this one designing the circuit boards, open ports, and other levels of access.
However,vulnerabilities can still exist, as cyber criminals constantly try to expose flaws within technology design and exploit them. Hackers are so clever that they use extensive scanning to identify any device on a network to find a way to get into a network. In one case, hackers broke into the computers of a casino by exploiting a Wi-Fi enabled thermometer on a fish tank in the casino.
And there are many other examples like this. If you are using your computer to access the metaverse, you must ensure that your computer has adequate protection from intruders and hackers.
Akey piece of security software that is mostly built into your operating system or can be purchased as an add-on is a firewall. A firewall is basically a software that blocks any malicious attack on your computer.
Make sure you have a firewall and other necessary elements to completely secure your personal files from any cyberthreats. Today, more advanced hardware firewalls are available to secure networks from the public internet. If you are going to spend any time on the metaverse, I suggest you look into an external hardware firewall in addition to what your computer software firewall may have.
If you're accessing the metaverse from home or your workplace, you will likely use the Wi-Fi connection or an ethernet connection to access the internet. It is essential to secure any router vulnerabilities that may grant hackers and bots access to your systems and your network at a local level.
You can begin by routinely changing the default administrator passwords of your network devices and ensure that you follow the protocols to keep your passwords complex and securely stored. It goes without saying that you should only allocate guest Wi-Fi access to outsiders and not share your internal network passwords. This will keep any compromised devices from accessing your systems.Remember, all it takes is a few minutes for rogue viruses or hackers to infiltrate your network.
Researchers at Rutgers University recently published new research on virtual reality headsets highlighting the possibility of major privacy leakage known as eavesdropping attacks. Researchers compared various virtual reality headsets available in the market and found that headsets with built-in motion sensors could record subtle speech associated facial dynamics to steal sensitive information communicated via voice command, including credit card data and passwords.
Following essential security protocols will become more necessary than ever in order to keep yourself and your privacy safe. Here are a few best practices for securing your hardware.
Number one, ensure your hardware is up to date with manufacturer patches and updates.Number two, disconnect hardware and switch it off when not in use. Numberthree, use caution when connected to unsecured networks and devices. And last,but not least, do not share passwords or other sensitive data with anyone insecurity.
Manufacturers of metaverse hardware must also warn users of potential threats and vulnerabilities and provide support in case devices and equipment get hacked or broken into. Unlike the computer industry, the metaverse is beyond just using a device to access a network.
It is a complex network of virtualized 3D environments connected to external devices, as well as our financial information and endless amount of data points generated through user participation. Access to these data points by third parties and even metaverse operators is a highly critical topic. In the next chapter, we'll discuss protecting digital assets, wallets, and more.
