Virtual Reality and Security Risks

Prof. Thomas A. Furness III, an inventor, professor, and virtual reality pioneer based in the United States, participates in Risk Roundup to discuss Virtual Reality. Known for his contributions in developing human interface technology, Prof. Furness has earned the title, “Grandfather of Virtual Reality.”

Virtual Reality and Security Risks

It is said that everything that we know about our reality comes by way of our senses. We, humans, have a multitude of senses and our human nervous system has a specific sensory nervous system, and a sense organ, dedicated to each sense.

If the senses like taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing; and the associated perception systems are there, right from the day we are born, then the entire experience of human reality is perhaps simply a combination of sensory information and our brain’s sense-making mechanisms for that specific information.

Does this mean that the world we know is perhaps purely a simulated reality?
What would happen if we present our senses with made-up information about cyberspace, geospace, and space (CGS):
Would the perception of reality in CGS also change in response to the simulated CGS feed?
Would being presented with a version of CGS reality that isn’t there, but is perceived as real, bring us a transformative potential?
Would living in an imaginary world help us solve complex problems that we face in cyberspace, geospace, and space?

Virtual Reality technologies bring promising potential. While they are currently used to stimulate virtual worlds in gaming (largely) and education (some places); when we are able to combine them with physical elements, sensory stimulation, and more; Virtual Reality will likely become an alternate universe with tremendous potential.

All signs point to a future filled with Virtual Reality. The potential applications are expected to be beyond count. Amidst that, it is important to evaluate the perils of Virtual Reality applications that are emerging across nations as we march forward with the promise and potential of Virtual Reality technologies.

Time is now to talk about Virtual Reality risks!

For more please watch the Risk Roundup Webcast or hear Risk Roundup Podcast

About the Guest

Prof. Thomas A. Furness III is an inventor, professor, and virtual reality pioneer based in the United States. Known for his contributions in developing human interface technology, Prof. Furness has earned the title, “Grandfather of Virtual Reality.” He is a Professor in the University of Washington Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, and the founder of the Human Interface Technology Lab at the University of Washington and its sister labs at the University of Canterbury and University of Tasmania.