A Prelude to Cybersecurity Challenges in the Metaverse

Abstract

The metaverse represents a transformative concept that has amassed substantial attention in recent years, with big corporations vying to gain hegemony over this domain. While revolutionizing the way we interact with and experience our environment, the metaverse unlocks a vast potential for cyber criminals and nation-states to take advantage of the present voids in its security. By analyzing existing literature and emerging trends, the authors delve into the uncharted territory of the metaverse, examining the ways in which users' digital avatars and assets are at risk- including poor security of NFTs, the scope for financial fraud, the dark verse, and social engineering, among other issues. This chapter provides insight into the real-world implications of cyber-attacks in the metaverse and examines the legal and ethical challenges of regulating cyber activity in virtual environments so that Law Enforcement Agencies, planners, and companies can navigate this field to create a safe virtual world for all.