Unlocking the potential of cybersecurity behavior in the metaverse: Overview, opportunities, challenges, and future research agendas

Abstract

The metaverse, often referred to as the next stage of the Internet, is a virtual space that utilizes advanced technologies, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality, to enable real-time engagement and experiences beyond what can be achieved in reality. Cybersecurity behavior in the metaverse refers to the actions taken by individuals and organizations to protect themselves and their information from various cyber threats in virtual reality environments by implementing various cybersecurity measures. Research on cybersecurity behavior in the metaverse is still limited. This study offers an overview of cybersecurity behavior in the metaverse and identifies a range of potential opportunities. It also discusses the current and prospective challenges and suggests large-scale research agendas that can be examined in future research. The research agendas encompass extensive subject areas, such as security of the metaverse, influential factors, human behavior in the metaverse, virtual identity and access management, privacy, legal, and ethical issues, and cybersecurity education and awareness. This study offers a crucial and timely insight into cybersecurity practices in the metaverse, considering the advancement of metaverse technology.