What is the Metaverse?
The Metaverse is a network of 3D virtual worlds that has the intention of furthering social connection and collaboration. The term ‘Metaverse’ is not a new concept. It appeared initially in a 1992 science fiction novel called Snow Crash. It is now just being realized. This virtual world will be entered into by using headsets where those part-taking will interact with other users in a computer-generated environment.
Why is it important?
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on January 30th, 2020, the world has been social distancing and so socialising has suffered. The Metaverse offers an opportunity to rekindle social interaction.
Not everybody feels optimistic about the metaverse, however. The investor of PlayStation for example thinks the Metaverse is pointless, but the likes of Microsoft have invested in it starting the journey of it going mainstream (Business Insider, 2022).
Why should we worry?
Soon other organisations will follow Microsoft into the Metaverse. Think for a moment about the hacking potential in the Metaverse. Digital Bank Mercobank wants to enter the Metaverse, for example (Pymnts, 2021). Does the Metaverse not leave organisations like banks vulnerable to cyber-attacks among other things?
Though the likes of digital exploration are evolutionary, the digital world can easily cause cyber-security vulnerabilities. This means even intellectual property will be more difficult to protect. Pymnts, 2021 had this to say:
Data that falls into the wrong hands can easily be turned into blackmail threats or fuel for a social engineering plot from a cyber-criminal. Furthermore, intellectual property can be harder to protect when people and companies are not only living lives in the real world but also in the metaverse.
What can be done?
Simple, cyber-security. There is no question that the Metaverse needs to be safe so cybercriminals cannot be left to their devices like cyberstalking, online harassment with impunity, and doxxing. Doxxing is when an individual searches for private information about individuals with malicious intent. This is like cyberstalking.
While this is scary, there are things to be done like trying to implement cyber-security systems like ISO/IEC 27001:2013.
What is ISO/IEC 27001:2013?
ISO/IEC 27001:2013 is an Information Security Management System. It sets out the requirements “for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an information security management system within the context of the organisation” (iso.org, n.d). Essentially, ISO/IEC 27001:2013 is a solution to securing any organisation in the Metaverse regardless of size or nature.
How do I get ISO/IEC 27001:2013?
Through organisations like WWISE. WWISE is an organisation that specialises in ISO/IEC 27001:2013 implementation. WWISE has been in business for over 11 years. We have never had a client fail an audit. With the Metaverse gaining increasing traction businesses might soon find that conformance to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 becomes a requirement to enter. Why not secure your business today and get a head start?
If you would like to know more about ISO 27001:2013 contact one of our consultants today on 08610 99473 or 021 525 9159 (Cape Town), or visit our website: https://www.wwise.co.za
Bibliography
Hamilton, I., 2022. The inventor of PlayStation thinks the metaverse is pointless. [online] Businessinsider.co.za. Available at: <https://www.businessinsider.co.za/playstation-inventor-metaverse-pointless-2022-1> [Accessed 20 January 2022].