Organizations have begun to explore the metaverse and its capabilities, according to a survey by Tenable, an exposure management company based in Columbia, Maryland. The survey found that 58% of companies plan to conduct business in the metaverse within a year, while 23% have already ventured into the metaverse.

Tenable surveyed 1,500 IT, cybersecurity and DevOps professionals in the US, Australia and the UK for the report. It examined how organizations approach the opportunities and challenges associated with building, securing and participating in the metaverse. It also offered insights into the risks and rewards of investing in this new technology.

“As with any new business opportunity, first movers have the advantage and the risk,” said Bob Huber, chief security officer and head of research at Tenable. “The foundation of the cybersecurity program must be solid before making a big leap into largely unknown territory and drastically expanding your attack surface.”

Meanwhile, more than half (55%) of respondents said their organization would need to invest in training their current employees about safe cybersecurity practices to support their investment in the metaverse.

Skills needed would include UI/UX designing, 3d modeling, blockchain and gaming development, cybersecurity and software development.

In addition, 32% were concerned about the lack of experienced security professionals needed.

According to the report, less than half of respondents feel confident in their ability to curb threats in this new environment, as the metaverse poses both new and legacy cybersecurity risks and challenges. In addition, 87% of the survey respondents favor regulating the metaverse.