To Boldly Go Where no Metaverse has Gone Before: A Virtual Reality Check
Abstract
The metaverse may exert great power in virtual and real spaces and deliver significant economic and social benefits, but this power bears great risk of exploitation. This thesis explores security threats and implications for the homeland security enterprise with the widespread implementation of the metaverse. This thesis discusses the evolution of social media and online gaming, virtual reality, and the popularization of the metaverse. It reviews threats within the metaverse, including the transference of online criminal activity to the real world. A survey of user experiences in the metaverse demonstrates current security threats, including extremism, crimes against children, and financial crimes. Additional data from the Center for Countering Digital Hate validate these threats and the need to take preemptive action. The homeland security enterprise, emphasizing law enforcement and the intelligence community, should recognize the potential consequences of the metaverse and prepare for its mass-market success. This thesis recommends enhanced collaboration between industries to secure the metaverse against future threats.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1224758
Entities
People
- Madison K. Miller
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School