The metaverse is an online world where users interact as virtual avatars within virtual spaces, and it is quickly gaining momentum. It has single-handedly changed the internet from a 2D to a 3D experience. In the metaverse, the lines between the real world and the virtual world become blurred. If securing your data and safety were complicated on the traditional internet, it is even more complex in the metaverse.
People Aren’t Necessarily Who They Say They Are
The metaverse and all its components make it easy to maintain anonymity. While this may make you feel as though your “real life” is safe, it also makes it easier for cybercriminals to lure you in and encourage you to fall prey to their scams. Whenever you interact with anyone in a virtual world, you need to understand that they may not be who they say they are, even if you feel you’ve done your due diligence in protecting your information.
The Recent LinkedIn Crypto Scams
Recently, scammers used the networking platform, LinkedIn, to lure investors into cryptocurrency schemes. The scammers pose as a professional with a fake profile and reach out to LinkedIn users. They start off with some small talk, and then when the timing feels right, they propose an offer to make money through crypto investments. The scammer will invest several months into the relationship to build trust while the user invests money in a site controlled by the scammer, and then the scammer drains their account. LinkedIn users who have fallen prey to this scam have lost significant sums of money. LinkedIn is currently working with the FBI to address this issue, and LinkedIn has removed more than 32 million fake accounts from the platform within the past year.
Keeping Yourself Safe Online
There are ways to experience both the traditional internet and the new virtual world while keeping yourself safe. Common sense will often be the first step, but you need to be more careful than that to keep yourself safe online.
- Limit your social circle inside virtual worlds to your acquaintances and people with whom you already have some kind of relationship with. If you don’t know someone in real life, you don’t know them. A history of online communication is not a substitute for knowing who someone really is. Faking an online identity and investing time into building a relationship is not difficult for scammers to do-it’s their “job”.
- Only purchase hardware devices from verified manufacturers who use premium solutions that come with top-notch security protocols. Hardware devices that are unprotected can have serious consequences. Hackers will be able to spy on you through your hardware, without your knowledge. Invest in verified manufacturers with top-notch security protocols.
- Decide for yourself whether you are prepared to expose your personal information in order to experience all the innovations of the metaverse. Companies will have the ability to better understand you and tailor your experience to who you are. However, it can be scary to think that all your biometric data can be accessed by strangers.
The most valuable tip for safely experiencing the metaverse is to use common sense and always be on the defensive. Be selective about which devices, apps, and websites you use, and be extremely careful about who you trust. Take time to read the user agreements thoroughly instead of merely skimming, or even skipping them. Finally, be smart about who you share your information with and be cautious when interacting with other people or companies within the metaverse. Anonymity is easy when you’re face to face with a virtual avatar and not an actual person, and their anonymity can be dangerous to your security. AccuShred cares about your safety online, and we regularly share tips on how to protect your personal data. Check out our blog or contact us to learn more.