Exploring the Security Risks of VR and AR

In an era where innovative technologies are emerging left, right, and center, two of the most influential in recent years are experiencing exponential growth. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are immersive technologies that have now firmly integrated into numerous industries.

As these technologies have become more prevalent in our personal and professional lives, they bring with them security and privacy challenges that are hard to overlook.

In addition, recent VR/AR security threats (such as the Quest VR attack on Meta) could certainly diversify and multiply if left unmitigated. Organizations and individuals must address these VR and AR risks proactively if they are to leverage these technologies to witness firsthand the benefits they can offer.

Understanding VR and AR: A Brief Overview

Before exploring the security implications, it’s essential to drill down exactly what both VR and AR technologies entail.

VR creates an entirely immersive digital environment that encompasses the user’s real-world surroundings. VR headsets are common products that present a computer-generated interface that replaces their physical environment. AR is slightly different; it involves overlaying digital information (visual, auditory, or sensory) onto the real world, enhancing what users see, hear, and feel. Smartphone apps or glasses are examples of AR products that augment a user’s environment without directly replacing it.

Similarly, Mixed Reality (MR) products project 3D digital content that is both responsive and spatially aware, with users interacting with and manipulating virtual and physical items. The umbrella term for VR, AR and MR is extended reality (XR), which, as a market, grows with each passing year. Recent statistics suggest the global XR market is projected to reach a $1.06 billion valuation by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) rate of 32.9% from this year alone.

Security Considerations for VR and AR

Today, VR and AR are firmly intertwined within personal gaming applications, retail and design visualization tools, education, and sports like golf and football. In turn, they show increasing promise for the future of these industries and for enhanced user experiences.

However, ignoring prevalent security and privacy risks in VR and AR would be incredibly naive, and with cyber threats so prolific and sophisticated these days, it’s important to address the technologies themselves, what risks are present, and how to prevent them from escalating.

With VR and AR becoming more sophisticated and widely adopted, they present unique security challenges that extend further than enterprise-wide cyber security. Some of the key risks are outlined below.

1. Data Privacy and Collection

VR and AR devices collect and store vast data sets to function. This can include biometric, spatial, behavioral and location data, all stemming from voice patterns, room layouts, user interactions and preferences, among others.

Opportunistic cybercriminals may seek to gain access to this data for malicious purposes, perhaps uncovering sensitive or private information or physical location. As such, robust data protection measures must be enforced to safeguard user and company privacy in compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

2. Identity Theft and Impersonation

Users often create avatars or digital representations of themselves when using virtual or augmented reality devices and applications. These credentials could be stolen to uncover sensitive information, make unauthorized transactions or manipulate avatar behavior to cause damage or spread misinformation. Strong authentication methods and safety training will prove crucial in safeguarding users and mitigating these types of risks.

3. Malware and Vulnerable Applications

VR and AR platforms are also susceptible to malicious software (malware), ransomware, and similar vulnerabilities within incumbent applications. Malicious VR and AR overlays could mislead users, distort their perceptions, access sensitive data, seize control over devices, and lock users out. Vulnerabilities can be exploited, which then gain unauthorized users access to integrated and connected systems. Patching, security audits, and robust application upgrades are essential to maintaining application integrity.

4. Social Engineering and Phishing

VR and AR present new opportunities for social and digital interaction, but these also create social engineering attack vectors. Attackers could create convincing phishing scenarios within virtual environments, steal passwords, exploit users’ trust and natural instincts to manipulate them, and use AR to overlay misleading information, potentially guiding users to malicious links or files. Filling skills gaps, providing regular cyber security education about social engineering and phishing attacks and reinforcing this knowledge with strict security policies will help mitigate such attacks.

5. Intellectual Property and Data Theft

VR and AR are often used in product design, prototyping, and other sensitive or financial business processes. The rise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), now firmly integrated within financial processes and services, has created several new risks for intellectual property and data theft. Unauthorized access to virtual design spaces could unveil trade secrets or lead to sensitive information leakage. Stringent access control, encryption, and real-time monitoring procedures will be essential to protect sensitive information from entering the public domain unlawfully.

Mitigating VR and AR Security Risks

It may be easy to feel daunted and exasperated when looking at VR and AR security risks, but there are several strategies that organizations can implement to ensure they do not cause any undue harm.

1. Implement Strong Data Protection Measures

• Use robust encryption for data at rest and in transit.
• Implement data minimization practices to collect only necessary information.
• Regularly audit data storage and management practices to ensure industry and regulatory compliance.

2. Enhance Authentication

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for VR/AR applications and devices.
• Use advanced authentication methods like biometrics where appropriate, considering the unique capabilities of VR/AR devices.
• Regularly review and update access control policies to ensure least privilege principles are maintained.

3. Conduct Security Assessments

• Perform security testing on VR/AR applications and infrastructure.
• Conduct code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities.
• Stay informed about emerging VR/AR threats and vulnerabilities.

4. Develop Stringent Security Policies

• Create clear guidelines for the use of VR/AR technologies.
• Establish protocols for handling sensitive information in virtual environments.
• Develop incident response plans that address VR/AR-specific scenarios.

5. Prioritize Education and Awareness

• Train employees on the security risks associated with VR and AR systems.
• Regularly update training materials to address new threats and best practices.

6. Collaborate with Vendors and Industry Partners

• Work closely with VR/AR vendors to ensure their products meet your security requirements.
• Share threat intelligence and collaborate on developing security solutions specific to VR/AR.

VR and AR will continue to evolve in the coming months and years, with groundbreaking solutions potentially emerging at a moment’s notice. Business operations can undoubtedly be taken to new heights with the strategic adoption of these technologies, but that should not come at a risk to users’ security and privacy.

A methodical and proactive stance will help organizations manage and oversee the embedding of VR/AR into business processes and services. As with any technological advancement, security must firmly remain at the epicenter of implementation to ensure safe, productive, and meaningful results.

Understanding these security considerations and prevention methods is just the start; organizations must take an objective view of their current infrastructure and controls to assess whether they are truly doing enough. If they are to witness the wealth of advantages that immersive VR/AR technologies promise, they must be willing to adapt and enhance their security controls to ensure they can offer tangible business benefits and keep sensitive data secured.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this guest author article are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of Tripwire.