Extended Reality (XR) technologies offer considerable benefits to companies looking to enhance productivity, collaboration, efficiency, and customer service. However, as the adoption of these technologies grows, concerns about XR data governance and security are increasing.
XR solutions, from mixed reality headsets to metaverse environments, rely on vast volumes of highly sensitive data. Without the right protections in place, companies risk falling victim to hackers, malicious actors, criminals, and even regulatory fines.
XR security solutions, from devices built with privacy and safety in mind, to intelligent systems for identity access management and endpoint control help mitigate risks. Here’s how you can choose the right XR data privacy and security systems for your business.
Step 1: Examine your XR Data and Strategy
The first step in comparing XR data security and privacy solutions, is understanding your threat landscape. There are various forms of extended reality devices to consider, each with their own unique risks. Augmented reality and mixed reality headsets, use sensors and spatial solutions to collect huge volumes of personal and environmental data.
The Apple Vision Pro alone includes 23 different sensors. Data collected by these sensors could allow criminals to create sophisticated deepfakes or commit acts of fraud against users. In the virtual reality landscape, criminals can gain access to immersive spaces and alter the information a user sees, creating a host of potential dangers. For instance, a criminal could use a virtual screen to convince a user to click on a link that installs malware onto their device.
On top of considering the various risks associated with your devices, you’ll need to think about how the data collected by these systems is stored. How are metaverse assets, avatars, and other sensitive information protected in the cloud, or within on-premises systems?
Step 2: Assess XR Data Compliance Standards
Once you assess your XR strategy, and the types of data your devices and systems will collect, the next step is identifying crucial compliance frameworks. Each industry comes with a distinct set of rules and guidelines to consider. In the healthcare space, information collected about patients and treatments needs to be managed and stored according to specific mandates.
If you’re using XR for customer support or sales, you may need to consider PCI guidelines and common data protection standards like GDPR. Identifying your compliance requirements will help you determine what types of XR data security solutions you need.
For instance, you might need to invest in advanced identity access management (IAM) technologies to restrict access to sensitive information. You may be required to choose XR and metaverse applications that allow you to choose the ideal data storage location.
Step 3: Remember the Basics of Cybersecurity
For many companies, the world of XR data management, privacy, and security can feel like unfamiliar territory. While this environment does present new threats, particularly around ethics and personal data privacy, it’s still exposed to many common threats.
XR tools are still part of the digital landscape we already know, connected to the internet and other devices through IoT technology. This means they can still benefit from standard cybersecurity best practices. Look for vendors that offer access to advanced security capabilities, such as end-to-end encryption for data shared over the cloud.
Make sure access controls are available for all users accessing both devices and software in the metaverse. Many vendors, from Meta, to Microsoft, and Unity, offer these solutions. Some vendors working specifically with companies in highly regulated environments can also offer security training and consultation services.
Step 4: Assess Vendor Security Innovations
As data privacy and security regulations evolve and XR devices and systems become more advanced, many vendors are beginning to deliver innovative new solutions. Meta, for instance, offers access to the Quest for Business subscription, which supports various security capabilities. It can integrate with endpoint device management applications and offers various user management tools.
Other innovators are experimenting with new developments in:
- Blockchain security: The blockchain is an essential element of the modern metaverse and a powerful tool for XR data and security. It can help companies protect digital assets, and track actions and changes in virtual worlds.
- Artificial Intelligence: While AI in the XR space presents some risks, it can also help boost security. Advanced AI and machine learning algorithms can rapidly identify and mitigate potential threats in immersive spaces.
- Edge computing: Cloud environments enabling edge computing in XR can also improve security. They not only reduce latency and the need for computing power, but minimize the distance data needs to travel to reach devices and computers, narrowing attack surfaces.
Step 5: Prepare for the Future of XR Data Security
Finally, it’s essential to think long-term when comparing vendors for XR data protection, security, and privacy solutions. The rise of spatial computing, artificial intelligence, and more advanced XR systems introduces new security threats.
Already XR tools collect huge volumes of data from users and environments. Going forward, vendors are planning on finding new ways to collect additional data. They’ll use spatial mapping tools to collect information about spaces. They’ll be experimenting with new physical sensors too. For instance, Apple is planning on building sensors that can track things like hydration and breathing rate.
The ability for systems to collect more information than ever before will undoubtedly lead to changes in regulatory standards and governance guidelines. With this in mind, ensure the companies you work with on your security strategy are prepared for what lies ahead.
Make sure they have a robust set of policies in place surrounding everything from ethical AI and XR use to data security, privacy, and access management.
Invest in the Right XR Data Security Strategy
Demand for extended reality isn’t going anywhere. By 2032, this market is expected to be worth a whopping 1,706.96 billion. Enterprises will undoubtedly continue to rely on immersive solutions to boost productivity, efficiency, and creativity in the workplace.
However, implementing these tools without a strategy for comprehensive data and user protection is dangerous. Make sure you’re prepared for the future of extended reality with a multi-faceted approach to keeping your organization safe.
