Cryptocurrency analysts name metaverse as the main cyber threat in 2023

Researchers at a cybersecurity company have published a report titled «Consumer Cyber Threats: Forecasts for 2023,» in which they predicted what attack methods hackers will use. Analysts consider virtual reality to be the biggest threat, where the number of scams and cyberattacks will increase.

According to the researchers, in 2023, hackers will make more active use of metaverse, where it is easy to impersonate anyone, hiding their true identity. Users have been warned about possible fraudulent schemes, viruses, ransomware, and phishing. It is also believed that the number of virtual crimes will increase with the growth of metaverse, which will reach $ 50 billion by 2026.

Experts believe that violence and sexual harassment will become a serious problem in virtual reality. Currently, there are no mechanisms that can 100% protect users from potential attackers. However, there are cases where criminals have been punished for violence in the metaverse. For example, a South Korean resident was sentenced to 4 years in prison for creating and distributing sexual content with minors in virtual reality.

the 30-year-old offender encouraged underage victims to take pictures and videos of their naked bodies and send them to him. According to law enforcement agencies, the South Korean met minors in metaverse, where he hid his real identity and age. After receiving the desired media, he distributed them in virtual reality.

As for NFTs and cryptocurrencies, security researchers have identified them as the main targets of hackers. It is believed that fraudsters will use any method to take over the accounts of metaverse players or encourage them to make scam transactions. Therefore, users were advised to continue to be as cautious as possible online.