In an era where innovative technologies are popping up left, right and centre, two of the most influential in recent years are experiencing massive growth. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are immersive technologies that are now firmly integrated into various industries.
As these technologies have become more common in our personal and professional lives, they bring with them security and privacy challenges that are hard to ignore.
Additionally, recent VR/AR security threats (such as the Quest VR attack on Meta) could multiply and multiply if left unmitigated. Organizations and individuals must proactively address these VR and AR risks if they are to leverage these technologies to directly see the benefits they can offer.
Understanding VR and AR: An Overview
Before examining the security implications, it is essential to know exactly what VR and AR technology is.
VR creates a fully immersive digital environment that incorporates the user’s real environment. VR headsets are common products that present a computer-generated interface that replaces their physical environment. AR is a little different; it involves overlaying digital information (visual, audio or sensory) on the real world, enhancing what users see, hear and feel. Smartphone apps or glasses are examples of AR products that complement a user’s environment without directly replacing it.
Similarly, Mixed Reality (MR) products design 3D digital content that is both responsive and spatially aware, with users interacting with and manipulating virtual and physical objects. The general term for VR, AR and MR is augmented reality (XR), which, as a market, grows with each passing year. Recent statistics indicate that the global XR market is expected to reach a valuation of $1.06 billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 32.9% from this year alone.
Security considerations for VR and AR
Today, VR and AR are firmly intertwined in personal gaming applications, sales and design visualization tools, education, and sports like golf and soccer. At the same time, they show growing promise for the future of these industries and for a better user experience.
However, ignoring common security and privacy risks in VR and AR would be incredibly naive, and with cyber threats so abundant and sophisticated these days, it’s important to address the technologies themselves, what the risks are , and how to stop them from increasing.
As VR and AR become more sophisticated and widespread, they present unique security challenges that extend beyond enterprise-wide cyber security. Some of the main risks are described below.
1. Data Privacy and Collection
VR and AR devices collect and store large data sets to operate. This can include biometric, spatial, behavioral and location data, all derived from voice patterns, room design, user interactions and preferences, among others.
Cybercriminals may try to access this data for malicious purposes, perhaps searching for sensitive or private information or a physical location. Therefore, strong data protection measures must be implemented to protect user and company privacy in accordance with regulations such as GDPR and CCPA.
2. Identity Theft and Impersonation
Users often create avatars or digital representations of themselves when using virtual or augmented reality devices and applications. These credentials could be stolen to find sensitive information, conduct unauthorized transactions or manipulate avatar behavior to cause damage or spread false information. Strong verification procedures and safety training will be essential in protecting users and reducing these risks.
3. Malware and Vulnerable Applications
VR and AR platforms are also prone to malicious software (malware), ransomware, and similar vulnerabilities within current applications. Malicious VR and AR overlays could trick users, distort their views, access sensitive data, seize control of devices, and lock users out. Vulnerabilities can be exploited, and then unauthorized users can gain access to integrated and connected systems. Packaging, security checks, and robust application updates are critical to maintaining application integrity.
4. Social Engineering and Phishing
VR and AR provide new opportunities for social and digital interaction, but these also create social engineering attack vectors. Attackers could create convincing phishing scenarios within virtual environments, steal passwords, exploit users’ trust and natural instincts to manipulate them, and use AR to cover up false information, a could lead users to malicious links or files. Filling skills gaps, providing regular cyber security education about social engineering and phishing attacks and reinforcing this knowledge with strict security policies will help reduce such attacks.
5. Intellectual Property and Data Theft
VR and AR are often used in product design, prototyping, and other sensitive business or financial processes. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which are now firmly connected to financial processes and services, has created a number of new risks for intellectual property and data theft. Unauthorized access to virtual design spaces could reveal trade secrets or lead to the leakage of sensitive information. Strict access control, encryption, and real-time monitoring procedures will be necessary to protect sensitive information from illegally entering the public domain.
Reducing VR and AR security risks
It can be easy to feel scared and nervous when looking at the security risks of VR and AR, but there are a number of strategies that organizations can implement to ensure that they don’t no harm.
1. Implement Strong Data Protection Measures
- Use strong encryption for data at rest and in motion.
- Implement data reduction practices to collect only necessary information.
- Regularly review data storage and management practices to ensure business and regulatory compliance.
2. Increase Verification
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for VR/AR applications and devices.
- Use advanced authentication methods such as biometrics where appropriate, considering the unique capabilities of VR/AR devices.
- Regularly review and update access control policies to ensure least privilege principles are adhered to.
3. Conduct Security Assessments
- Conduct security testing of VR/AR applications and infrastructure.
- Conduct code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Stay informed about emerging VR / AR threats and vulnerabilities.
4. Develop Strict Security Policies
- Create clear guidelines for the use of VR/AR technologies.
- Establish protocols for handling sensitive information in virtual environments.
- Develop incident response plans that address specific VR/AR scenarios.
5. Prioritize Education and Awareness
- Train employees about the security risks associated with VR and AR systems.
- Regularly update training materials to address new threats and best practices.
6. Collaborate with Vendors and Business Partners
- Work closely with VR/AR vendors to ensure their products meet your security requirements.
- Share threat intelligence and collaborate to develop security solutions specific to VR/AR.
VR and AR will continue to evolve in the months and years to come, with innovative solutions that could emerge immediately. No doubt business operations can be taken to new heights with the strategic adoption of these technologies, but that should not be a threat to the security and privacy of users.
A proactive and proactive attitude will help organizations manage and monitor the implementation of VR/AR in business processes and services. As with any technological advancement, security must remain firmly at the heart of implementation to ensure safe, productive and meaningful results.
Understanding these security issues and prevention methods is just the beginning; organizations need to take a balanced view of their current infrastructure and controls to assess whether they are really doing enough. If they are to see the wealth of benefits that immersive VR/AR technologies promise, they must be willing to adapt and enhance their security controls to ensure they can deliver tangible business benefits and sensitive data to keep secure.
Editor’s note: The views expressed in this guest author article are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views of Tripwire.
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