7 Top Security Trends in Extended Reality to Keep an Eye on in 2021

Security and data governance in extended reality are becoming increasingly important for enterprises today. The demand for XR solutions is growing, prompting companies to rethink how they safeguard their data.

Extended reality devices, software, and systems rely on vast amounts of data to create immersive, hyper-realistic, and personalized experiences. Protecting this data is essential to prevent financial losses, business disruptions, and ensure compliance with standards in an immersive environment.

Here are the key XR security trends to watch this year, based on our assessment of the current extended reality market:

1. The Growing Focus on Ethics and Privacy

Privacy and ethics are critical concerns in extended reality security. These devices collect a significant amount of personal data about users, raising ethical and privacy issues. Regulatory bodies are starting to address the collection of user data for profiling purposes. Companies continue to invest in new data collection methods, prompting the need for regulations to govern this data.

2. Extended Reality Vendors Update Security Features

Vendors are enhancing security features in response to new risks identified by consumers and regulators. Enhanced biometric scanning and physical security measures are being implemented in XR devices. Transparency around data protection efforts is also increasing, though more work is needed in this area.

3. Extended Reality Security, AI, and Deepfakes

The integration of AI in extended reality poses threats such as the creation of hyper-realistic deepfakes. Criminals could exploit detailed user data collected by XR devices to create convincing deepfakes, leading to security risks and social engineering attacks in immersive environments.

4. Extended Reality Security and Digital Twins

Digital twins offer valuable business tools but also pose security risks. Malicious actors could manipulate digital twins to disrupt systems, steal intellectual property, or engage in phishing attacks. Safeguarding digital twin assets is crucial to prevent data breaches.

5. Innovations in Extended Reality Security and AI

AI presents both risks and benefits in XR security. AI tools can help detect security breaches and monitor user behavior in immersive environments. Implementing AI-based security solutions can enhance data protection in XR applications.

6. New Services Emerge for Extended Reality Security

Third-party companies are developing endpoint management, access control, and secure development environments for XR applications. Metaverse service providers offer blockchain-enhanced environments for protecting digital assets, with potential insurance coverage for metaverse losses in the future.

7. Standards Continue to Evolve

Government and regulatory bodies are beginning to address compliance and security in the XR industry. Groups like the Metaverse Standards Forum are working towards creating safer virtual environments, supported by regulatory actions to enforce existing standards like GDPR and PCI.

The Future of Extended Reality Security

XR security is essential across various applications, and companies must prioritize data protection and user safety. Vendors will continue to introduce new security measures to support companies entering the XR revolution.