How to Join the Metaverse Securely | VeePN Blog (2024)

What is the metaverse?

The metaverse is an immersive virtual reality where users can interact with each other digitally in real time. Right now, it’s considered one of the potential versions of the Internet future, as it offers more captivating, interconnected, and adaptive experiences.

Now, how does the metaverse work? In a nutshell, the metaverse creates a realistic 3D space where humans are presented as avatars. However, it’s still hard to provide a more precise definition of this concept, as it continuously evolves. The thing is that the metaverse isn’t a technology but rather a way to interact with digital innovations, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain.

The metaverse is now mostly associated with gaming since such platforms open up excellent opportunities to implement its core ideas. But let’s not forget that Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, keeps investing billions of dollars into metaverse-related technologies. Apparently, he is convinced that it’s set to transform how people shop, play, socialize, and generally spend time online.

With that said, let’s dive deeper into the main specifics of the metaverse.

Key specifics of the metaverse

Here are the main features of the metaverse (or rather its current state and nature – again, things may change tremendously in the future).

• Immersive experience. The metaverse offers a unique dive into an all-embracing digital environment. Technologies like VR and AR allow users to immerse themselves in virtual reality, experiencing haptic, social, and visual interactions. Simply put, it’s like actually being inside a game, marketplace, or workspace rather than interacting with it from outside.
• Seamless movement. With digital avatars, users can move inside the metaverse, explore it, and interact with other people. Theoretically, the metaverse should consist of multiple interconnected applications letting you travel from one place to another without interruptions, move objects, socialize, use digital currencies, and more (these features are still far from ready to enjoy, though).
• Decentralized nature. The metaverse doesn’t belong to a certain organization or company. Instead, it’s a common space that can be tailored to specific user needs and used autonomously. Thanks to blockchain technology, users can securely store their data, identities, and digital assets.
• Internal economy. The metaverse can serve as a huge digital marketplace, where users can buy, sell, and trade using cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). It allows for blockchain-based transactions, making all participants involved in a decentralized economic system.
• Social connections. As with any other digital environment, communication is at the core of the metaverse. People can interact with each other through text and voice chats, group meetings, and gaming activities.
• User-generated content (UGC). The metaverse’s content is created directly by users, not by developers. This feature makes the metaverse a customizable and ever-evolving reality where everything, including new environments and digital assets, depends on those participating in it.

Sounds intriguing, right? But remember, the metaverse is at its early stages of development, meaning that many of these aspects are still not perfect (or even don’t exist yet). Still, this virtual world is already here, with millions willing to join it. So, what can you do in the metaverse for now? Let’s clear things up.

What can you do in the metaverse in 2024?

Here are a few things you can already do in the metaverse.

• Create a custom avatar. Your avatar is a fictional character representing you in the metaverse. You can choose any desired appearance, including body, hairstyle, gender, and so on.
• Make virtual real-estate investments. You can buy and sell virtual buildings and “land parcels” in the metaverse, using digital assets.
• Collaborate with colleagues. It’s also possible to join your co-workers in digital meeting rooms and shared spaces. You can work in the metaverse, using various collaboration tools, VR keyboards, whiteboards, and more.
• Meet new people. Use VR technology to meet friends from other parts of the world and interact with them in a more immersive way than on usual social media platforms.
• Enhance your shopping experience. The use of VR in the metaverse also allows you to explore the items in virtual reality before making a purchase.
• Trade NFTs. You can access unique blockchain-based digital artworks in the metaverse to make your trading experience more exciting.
• Jump into VR gaming. As mentioned, the metaverse is currently the most popular among gamers. You can enjoy online games empowered with virtual reality or trade in-game assets with other players.

Also, it’s important to note that while the huge interconnected metaverse environment that has caused so much buzz isn’t available yet, you can get an idea of what it’ll probably be like. Below, we will overview the most popular platforms with virtual environments you can join in 2024.

7 best metaverse platforms so far

Here’s a brief look at the existing metaverse platforms.

1. Minecraft

In this popular game, players can create 3D blocks and use them to build their own digital worlds. Create anything you wish, be it a haunted castle, a futuristic city, or an animal farm. Besides, it’s possible to interact with other gamers, create communities, and discover the array of metaverse possibilities.

But note that the VR possibilities in Minecraft are somewhat limited, as this feature is only available in a so-called Living Room, where the gameplay is fixed on the virtual screen in front of a player.

2. Roblox

Roblox is the ultimate virtual universe where you can create your own virtual worlds and interact with others. Roblox offers an entertaining and highly immersive experience for gaming fans. Also, it has become a place where brands like Nike and Gucci let customers explore their products.

3. Pokémon Go

Technically, Pokémon Go is not the metaverse, as this famous video gaming with a physical world uses AR technology. Still, considering its immersive nature and the potential impact of AR on the future of the metaverse, it’s definitely worth a try.

4. Decentraland

This example of metaverse provides access to a virtual world where you can buy and sell real estate, using Decentraland’s own crypto coin. This Web3 platform is based on blockchain technology and uniquely combines gaming and crypto-trading experiences.

5. Second Life

This multimedia platform was launched back in 2003, which makes it the very first attempt to introduce something similar to the metaverse. Basically, a person can live their “second life” by creating an avatar and interacting with a vast, active community. It also allows you to create various objects, play adventure games, and more.

6. Fortnite

Released in 2017, Fortnite has become a massive hit with a huge international community joining an immersive metaverse experience. This battle royale game lets users implement their creative ideas, while famous brands can also test the opportunities of the latest technologies. On top of that, famous singers and bands like Travis Scott, Billie Eilish, and Grimes performed their virtual shows on this platform.

7. Nvidia Omniverse

Unlike many examples of gaming platforms giving us a hint of what the metaverse will look like, The Nvidia Omniverse serves the needs of 3D design specialists. They can collaborate, use various tools, and join common spaces to share knowledge and ideas.

Now that you’re familiar with some decent examples of current immersive platforms, it’s time to find out how to gain access to the metaverse.

How can we attend the metaverse?

First of all, let‘s figure out what you need to join the metaverse. Here are the essentials:

• Stable Internet connection: The metaverse provides access to virtual reality with lots of participants, meaning that it might be traffic-intensive. So if you want to maximize your experience, it’s crucial to have a good connection quality when joining the metaverse.
• A relevant device: In some cases, a smartphone or tablet may be enough to enter a metaverse platform. But to explore the full capabilities of virtual reality, you will need a powerful gaming laptop or a PC.
• A VR headset: You don’t necessarily need a VR headset to join the metaverse. But again, if you strive for a fully immersive experience, it’s highly recommended to get one. Also, it’s worth mentioning that some metaverse platforms won’t function without it (for example, Meta’s Horizon won’t work without the Oculus Quest 2 headset). Some platforms may also require you to use augmented reality glasses.
• Digital assets: As said, some metaverse platforms allow for making digital purchases using cryptocurrencies and assets like NFTs. You may need those to unlock the full capabilities of a particular platform.

All in all, remember that the metaverse is still not a single virtual environment, so navigating through different platforms comes with specific requirements and rules. Below, we will discuss the most common steps one needs to take to join the metaverse with or without a VR headset.

How to join the metaverse with a VR headset

Getting familiar with the metaverse using a VR headset, such as Oculus Quest 2, gives you a more enticing experience. This technology adopts built-in sensors to track your journey through a 3D environment, while hand controllers make it easier to navigate the immersive digital world.

Here’s how to enter the metaverse with the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset:

1. Adjust your VR headset. Download the Oculus application on your device and create an account.
2. Choose your preferred metaverse platform. Opt for the virtual reality application that suits you best and download it.
3. Find the application in your device’s app menu. Next, open the app to get started.
4. All set! Dive into the metaverse of your choice and have fun.

Now, what if you don’t have a VR headset in place? In that case, you’ll need an alternative method to join the metaverse.

How to join the metaverse without a VR headset

Many metaverse platforms, including Decentraland, Roblox, Minecraft, Sandbox, Pokémon Go, and Fortnite, allow you to explore virtual worlds without a VR headset. For example, here’s how to join Decentraland if you don’t have a specialized gadget:

1. Open the Decentraland website and click Jump In at the top right corner of the window.

2. Create your account and pick an avatar. Also, you can choose between Play as a guest and Play with your wallet options (if you choose the second option, you will use a crypto wallet, such as MetaMask or Fortmatic).

3. Done! You’re now ready to discover the metaverse, play, purchase real estate, and trade digital assets.

Okay, now you know how to access the metaverse with or without a VR headset. However, it’s also critical to mention that innovative virtual reality comes with certain security pitfalls. Let’s take a look at the most significant metaverse risks to watch out for.

Main metaverse cybersecurity risks

Just like with any other online platform, the metaverse isn’t 100% safe. Some of the most notable metaverse security issues include the following:

• Identity theft. Cybercriminals may try to expose your digital identity in the metaverse by compromising your confidential data. The possible cyber-threats leading to such an outcome include account hacks, stolen passwords, phishing, and malware distribution.
• Cyberbullying. Virtual worlds provide an innovative space not only for entertainment, work, and education, but also for malicious and offensive behavior. Threats like cyberbullying and stalking aren’t new, but they may evolve and get even more dangerous, especially when kids and teenagers are involved.
• Social engineering tricks. Malicious actors often apply various deceiving techniques, such as phishing emails and messages, to make users click on spoofed links or reveal their personal details on shady websites. And metaverse platforms aren’t an exception here. A scammer can impersonate a legit service, requiring you to take some urgent steps (for instance, claiming that your password is about to expire) only to get their hands on your credentials.
• Crypto hacks. Since the metaverse is closely related to blockchain-based technologies, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs, one should also be aware of the associated cybersecurity risks. Considering that the world of crypto is relatively new, some protection measures are still far from perfect, leaving space for cybercriminals to act. Some of the most widespread examples of crypto hacks include Bitcoin scams, fake investment schemes, and pump-and-dump tricks.

Now that we’ve discussed the main risks of using the metaverse, let’s explore the most effective ways to stay protected and enjoy virtual reality safely.

How to protect yourself in the metaverse

You don’t need any special software or technical skills to enhance your safety in the metaverse. Just follow these basic security tips and best practices to browse such innovative platforms with peace of mind.

• Don’t overshare your data. When using the metaverse, don’t share your confidential information, such as real address, name, and financial details, with people you don’t know. The same rule applies to common social media platforms, gaming sites, online forums, and so on.
• Create strong and unique passwords. When creating a password for your metaverse account, make sure it’s a unique combination of at least 14 characters (including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols). Also, never use the same password for several accounts, as it often results in password-stuffing attacks.
• Shield yourself from phishing attacks. Remember that an email or message sent by a legit-looking service or platform may turn out to be a scam attempt. Always check the sender’s address, don’t click on suspicious links, and avoid downloading unverified files on your device.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA). This measure will provide an extra security measure, ensuring that no one else can access your metaverse account, even if they know your password.
• Use legitimate metaverse platforms. Choose a metaverse platform that is 100% legit and secure. You might bump into some shady websites or evil clones impersonating real services. Using such a sketchy site puts you at risk of data theft, malware, and other dangers.
• Use a virtual private network (VPN). A premium VPN service is an essential cybersecurity tool for those who strive to explore the metaverse for several reasons. First, it hides your IP address and other sensitive data from third parties, making your Internet presence more private and secure. And second, it encrypts your traffic, making it much harder for hackers and snoopers to compromise you online.

Safeguard your metaverse experience with VeePN

Need a simple and affordable tool to protect yourself in the metaverse? Try VeePN! Our reputable VPN service comes with a bunch of important features to strengthen your defenses whatever you’re up to online:

• AES-256 encryption: Take advantage of the most advanced encryption standard to date – protect your confidential info and prevent third parties from snooping on you.
• NetGuard: Stay away from phishing links, DDoS attacks, public Wi-Fi threats, and other common Internet challenges. Minimize cybersecurity risks and browse the metaverse securely.
• Kill Switch: Protect your private info from unwanted leaks even when your VPN connection is down. VeePN Kill Switch interrupts your VPN connection to prevent your sensitive data from being exposed.
• Antivirus and Breach Alert: Activate the VeePN’s Security Bundle in your web account to gain ultimate protection online. Get timely notification when your data is at risk with Breach Alert and remove malware from your device with Antivirus.
• Compatibility with all major devices. VeePN is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as gaming consoles, smart TVs, and Wi-Fi routers. Moreover, a single subscription covers up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Explore the metaverse safely and keep your private data protected! Try VeePN now with a 30-day money-back guarantee or test our premium features with a free trial.

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.