GUEST ESSAY: The promise and pitfalls of using augmented reality– ‘AR’ — in cybersecurity – Source: www.lastwatchdog.com

By Iam Waqas

Augmented reality use cases have become prevalent in our society.

The technology, which first emerged primarily in the world of gaming and entertainment, now promises to reshape our reality with interactive information and immersive experiences. In short, AR is undoubtedly a groundbreaking technology that will reinvent how we interact with the digital world.

Related: Is the Metaverse truly secure?

However, before we get too carried away, it is crucial to explore the symbiotic relationship between AR and cybersecurity.

This is primarily because AR is still relatively new and a rapidly evolving technology, which ultimately means that it is bound to bring about unprecedented opportunities, challenges, and even risks to cybersecurity.

Are there any applications of augmented reality in cybersecurity?

While exploring the impact of every new form of technology on cybersecurity, there comes the unpleasant thought of looming cyberthreats. There is no doubt that AR will bring a new wave of sophisticated cyberattacks that may transform the dynamics of the cybersecurity world. However, looking at the brighter side, the immersive nature of this technology can also make it applicable in various cybersecurity domains.

Quite like how pilots use AR simulation in training, cybersecurity professionals can use AR-enabled training simulations that immerse them in hyper-realistic scenarios, offering hands-on cyber defense training and education. For example, AR-based training programs can simulate a phishing attack, allowing users to learn detection methods and experience the process of neutralizing the threat. It could also help users identify various cybersecurity attacks, whether they are types of spoofing, phishing, social engineering, or malware.

Waqas

Apart from the training aspect, AR technology can also be used to enhance threat detection in real-time. Since threat detection often requires analyzing complex, multi-layered patterns, AR can help SOC professionals and cybersecurity analysts interact with this data visually, making it easier to identify anomalies and weak points in security protocols. With AR interfaces, alerts for potential threats could be flagged and displayed on-screen as layered icons, instantly allowing personnel to assess risks and prioritize responses.

Possible challenges

Integrating AR in cybersecurity may come with several benefits, but it is not without its own set of challenges. Foremost among these are privacy and security concerns. Since AR programs rely on collecting and processing a significant amount of data, using them in cybersecurity training would mean exposing them to sensitive information. Most of the data fed to AR modules could include images of secure environments, system layouts, and other confidential information. Therefore, unauthorized access to cybersecurity-centric AR technology could lead to serious security breaches.

Apart from the security and privacy concerns, another main challenge is the implementation cost. There is no doubt that AR technology, especially AR glasses and other custom-built training application systems or modules, can be expensive. For an organization planning to integrate AR into its cybersecurity infrastructure, it is necessary to consider the cost of integrating AR with existing infrastructure and whether the benefits justify the investment.

Are there any security risks involved?

Although the use of AR technology in cybersecurity might seem promising, there is a high chance that these technologies could become a funnel for live cyberattacks. One significant risk is the potential for the technology to become a host to sophisticated social engineering attacks.

Additionally, there is a possibility that cybercriminals might misuse AR technology to create convincing deepfakes, duping gullible victims into revealing sensitive information.

Privacy risks

Another major area of concern is that AR devices collect vast amounts of data when in use, specifically tracking, GPS, and mapping information. Malicious actors could gain unauthorized access to this information and track an individual without their knowledge.

Furthermore, the advent of AR can also lead to digital vandalism. To overlay digital objects in the real world, AR technology must process live images through a device. Without proper protocols in place, criminals could hijack these overlays to digitally prank or vandalize a user’s space, potentially causing mental distress or even physical incidents.

Is using AR in cybersecurity worth it? – A summary

The future of AR technology in cybersecurity looks promising, particularly as the technology becomes more affordable, advanced, and accessible. The convergence of AR with cybersecurity could further enhance its impact, providing proactive threat detection with predictive capabilities for identifying potential attack vectors before they occur.

AR in cybersecurity is still an emerging field, yet it holds tremendous promise for redefining how organizations approach threat management, incident response, and training. As AR technology continues to evolve, its role in cybersecurity will likely expand, equipping professionals with powerful tools to address the dynamic challenges of digital security. However, for the technology to reach its true potential, it is crucial for developers to address the security risks associated with it and to mitigate them as much as possible.

About the essayist: Iam Waqas is a cybersecurity blogger and the Founder of DontSpoof, a dedicated project focused on cybersecurity awareness and phishing prevention.

November 12th, 2024 | Essays | Top Stories