The Unseen Risks of Augmented Reality: Security Issues to Watch Out For
As augmented reality (AR) technology gains increased popularity, we are witnessing its disruptive impact across various industries. However, while AR has an endless array of potential applications, there are also security concerns that should not be ignored. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the unseen risks of augmented reality and the security issues to watch out for.
AR and the Security Risks Involved
AR devices such as smartphones, smart glasses, or handheld devices provide users with an enhanced view of the real world by overlaying digital information or objects onto it. While these functionalities offer unique and innovative ways of experiencing reality, they also raise security concerns that should worry organizations, businesses, and individuals.
One of the significant risks of AR is the potential for cybercriminals to exploit security vulnerabilities in AR apps and devices. Attackers can create fake AR apps with malware designed to steal sensitive user data or hijack device functionality. In some cases, these attacks may lead to unsecured access to crucial business assets, revealing business secrets or intellectual property.
Physical and Psychological Risks
AR devices and applications also come with significant physical and psychological risks. The most immediate threat is the potential to endanger people’s physical safety due to distractions caused by AR experiences. For instance, a driver’s vision may be impaired if valuable information overlays there view or pedestrians’ attention may be diverted from a busy street leading to accidents.
Moreover, there are cases where AR devices or applications are used to influence or manipulate users, exploiting vulnerabilities in their psychological states. These risks raise issues related to user privacy and freedom of choice and can lead to loss of trust, fraudulent behavior, and cyberbullying.
Protecting Yourself and Your Business
To safeguard against the security risks associated with AR, several best practices should be followed. Organizations need to implement robust security strategies for AR based apps and systems minimizing vulnerabilities and offer employee training, testing, and simulations. Similarly, individuals need to be cautious when downloading AR apps and ensure that the permissions granted to the apps are kept in check. It’s also worth noting that current security measures and tools may not fully consider the emerging risks that AR poses. Therefore, constant monitoring and updating of protection mechanisms are required to stay ahead of the security curve.
Conclusion
AR technology is rapidly evolving, and its impact on society is profound. However, like any disruptive technology, AR comes with new risks that need to be considered. In this article, we have highlighted some of the unseen security risks associated with AR and emphasized the need for individuals and organizations to take proactive measures to mitigate them. By staying informed and implementing robust strategies, we can minimize the threats and unleash the full potential of AR without putting ourselves and our businesses at risk.
