The Metaverse is Challenging Our Data Protection Best Practices

While the pandemic certainly brought virtual connections to the forefront of most of our minds, the world has been moving to a remote and virtual environment for some time. It is not uncommon to work remotely, hold meetings remotely, and effortlessly participate in a virtual environment with everything. However, with the increased reliance on technology, there is an increased risk. How can you keep yourself, your business, and your data safe in the metaverse?

What IS the Metaverse?

The metaverse may seem like a buzzword more than an actual concept. The metaverse is changing the way we interact with people and technology. The metaverse is an all-encompassing digital world that co-exists with the “real” world. The metaverse has been described as the 3D version of the internet. Your digital life is spent in the metaverse. You are interacting as a digital version of yourself with other digital versions of humans. This has been going on, to some degree, in the gaming industry for some time, and is beginning to transition into more and more of our everyday lives.

How the Metaverse is Changing the Way We Work

Businesses are rushing to “plant their flag”, so to speak, in the metaverse rather than risk being left behind or irrelevant. It is more and more likely that business is being done in the virtual and remote world than face-to-face. You will interact with co-workers in a boardroom without ever leaving your home office. There is no need for travel, no need for a separate office, no need for anything other than a virtual room. However, this has a great impact on data privacy and safety. The metaverse means constant surveillance, excessive data collection, and many entry points for hackers to access a world of data that was once only accessible offline.

Tips on How to Keep Your Company Data Safe in the Metaverse

It has been said that the weakest point in any organization from a cybersecurity perspective is the user. While anti-virus software is important, you also need to train your staff in cyber security best practices to keep your company data safe.

• Train Your Staff to Use Caution When Interacting

Know who you are talking to. Under the guise of an avatar, a deep fake can impersonate someone you trust and get information from you that puts your security at risk. Always verify that the person you are interacting with is the person you want to be interacting with.

• Prioritize Privacy over Ease of Use

Adding layers of privacy can add layers of hassle, but these layers are well worth any annoyances. Ease of use often means skipping essential security features. The risk is not worth it.

• Set up a VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help keep your business protected. Behind the walls of your VPN, you will have the control you need.

• Use a Password Manager

A password manager ensures that your employees understand the importance of unique and hard to guess passwords.

• Set up a Firewall

A firewall provides another layer of protection from those trying to penetrate your system to access your data.

• Invest in Cybersecurity

When it comes to interacting in the metaverse, your company will need to invest in cybersecurity. Just as you put locks on your office doors, filing cabinets, and homes, you will need to invest that same energy into protecting your property in the metaverse.

The metaverse is not complete, but it’s coming. The virtual world is waiting, and many companies are accepting the changes and making the leap. When you take your company into the future, be prepared to invest in protecting what you’ve built, and teach your employees how to do the same. For more tips on best practices for cybersecurity, check out our AccuShred blog.