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AXEL News Update

Axel News May 2021

It’s an exciting time for AXEL. Here are our top recent news items:

  • AXEL Go featured in Arizona Attorney magazine
    • AXEL Go was featured in Arizona Attorney, discussing the importance of protecting client data and how AXEL Go offers the best file-sharing and storage software for legal professionals.
  • AXEL Go now available on legal tech marketplace Theorem
    • AXEL is committed to providing innovative and secure legal tech to the legal community. That’s why AXEL Go, the file-sharing and cloud storage platform, is now available through Theorem. Store, share, and collect vital documents securely with AXEL Go.
  • AXEL’s Q&A with The Florida Bar
    • AXEL General Counsel Dave Kaplan sat down with The Florida Bar to discuss data security, AXEL Go, and its practicality for all legal professionals. Continuing its strong relationship with the legal community, AXEL is proud to offer 20% off AXEL Go to members of The Florida Bar. Click here to receive the offer.
  • AXEL Go’s features now available in Outlook
    • AXEL Go is now available through Microsoft AppSource. Outlook users can simply download the app to receive AXEL Go’s signature security features. Download the app here.

This page will be updated regularly as the company grows and our technology matures. Please check back soon for more AXEL news!

AXEL Events

AXEL regularly hosts events to educate people on topics such as data security, decentralized technology, digital privacy, and more. Upcoming events include:

  • Summit for Corporate Governance – August 12, 9AM PT. AXEL is excited to be a sponsor of the Summit for Corporate Governance. The conference is focused on modern issues facing boards of directors, and includes panels with sitting directors, legal professionals and law school faculty.
  • TECHLAW.FEST – September 22-24. AXEL is virtually attending 2021 TECHLAW.FEST. Learn about new and innovative legal tech and how AXEL offers security solutions to legal professionals with AXEL Go, the secure file-sharing and storage software.

Our most recent past events were:

  • Connecticut Legal Conference – AXEL sponsored a session at the Connecticut Legal Conference, discussing the importance of data security for all legal professionals.
  • State Bar of Nevada Annual Bar Conference –  AXEL is proud to be a featured Exhibitor at the State Bar of Nevada’s Annual Bar Conference held in San Diego, California. We highlighted AXEL Go; our secure, private file-sharing and online storage platform. Nevada attorneys saw how they can meet their ethical obligations to data security by using AXEL Go.

The History and Modern Uses of Encryption

Codebreaking has long been a staple of futuristic sci-fi movies. So many times when we go to the movie theater, we’ll see a sunglasses-donned man typing furiously at his computer, trying to break a seemingly unbreakable computer code. And more often than not, the man cracks the code in just a matter of seconds, showing the audience just how astute the man is. However, this stereotypical portrayal of hackers and codebreaking, thankfully, is not grounded in reality.

In the real world, encryption technologies are much more complicated than Hollywood likes to present. No single hacker is ever breaking modern encryption technology by themselves, thanks to its incredible security in the modern-day. But, what exactly is encryption? It’s certainly used as a cybersecurity buzzword, but what about encryption actually keeps your files safe? 

Well, simply put, encryption is a code. A user enters legible information, known as plaintext, and then encryption software encodes the plaintext into ciphertext, an illegible string of characters. It can be a code as simple as A=1, B=2, C=3 and so on, or something as complicated as AXEL Go’s 256-bit encryption. After the translation from plaintext into ciphertext, only authorized members with a “key”, a piece of information that decrypts encoded information, can translate the ciphertext back to readable plaintext. This relatively simple process has revolutionized cybersecurity, allowing an extra, vital layer of protection between someone’s information and unauthorized users.

The History of Encryption

Some may believe that encryption started with the invention of the computer. However, the practice of encoding information has been popular (and necessary) long before the Digital Revolution. Encryption was first used by Ancient Greeks and Egyptians to conceal secret information. In fact, the earliest known example of encryption was found in ancient Mesopotamia, when a scribe used symbols to hide a formula for pottery glaze[1]. Later, this method was used to protect military secrets and strategies, a practice still used today. 

Centuries later, encryption technology became much more advanced. By the beginning of World War II, encrypted communications during war was the norm for all nations. The Axis powers used an Enigma machine, an encryption device that used rotating wheels to scramble plaintext into ciphertext. However, the Allied powers quickly learned how to decrypt these messages through brute force, using computers to try all combinations until the key was discovered[2]. Although computers were just in their infancy during World War II, the successful decryption of the Enigma machine highlighted just how powerful and secure computers can be, especially in the field of encrypted communications.

Following the Allied victory, encryption technology advanced exponentially. Computers gained more and more processing power, making encryption devices, such as the Enigma, artifacts of the past. Now, computers have become so powerful that brute force attacks simply are not feasible. For example, the United States military and AXEL Go use the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which contains a 256-bit sized encryption key. While 256 bits may not seem like a lot, this means that there are 2256 possible key combinations, or 1.158 x 1077 combinations. To put this number in perspective, there are only an estimated 7.5 x 1018 grains of sand on Earth[3]. It’s safe to say that modern-day encryption is incredibly secure.

How is Encryption Used Today?

In the earlier days of encryption, cracking encryption keys was difficult, but not impossible. Now, however, cracking modern-day encryption technology is impossible without human error. That’s because it would take the world’s most powerful supercomputer millions of years to go through the number of possible key combinations in AES encryption[4]. Because of this incredible amount of security, encryption isn’t just used by governments any more. Any large company that stores customer data uses encryption as an extra layer of defense against unauthorized cybercriminals. With encryption, even if attackers gain access to a company’s data, they’d need a key to translate the ciphertext into legible plaintext. And as long as the encryption key is stored safely, no outsiders will be able to decrypt that data.

However, it’s important to note that not all encryption is built the same. In fact, there are two broad categories of encryption: Symmetric Key and Public Key. Symmetric Key encryption uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt the data. This simpler method is the most used, as it executes the encryption quickly[5]. Public Key, however, uses a public, shared key for encryption, and a different, private key for decryption. Because of the complex logic required for Public Key encryption, it is not as popular[5].

Unfortunately, some have begun to use the incredible power of encryption for less-than-savory reasons. Cybercriminals typically use encryption during ransomware attacks to encrypt the victim’s files. And because modern-day encryption is so secure, victims typically must either pay the ransom to the cybercriminals in exchange for the decryption key, or simply lose all of their encrypted files forever[6]. Even worse, the targets of these attacks can range from individuals to entire governments. That’s why it’s important to use cybersecurity strategies when handling any amount of shared cloud files. While encryption technology has done so much good in the fields of secure communications and cybersecurity, it has also been taken advantage of by criminals who wish to harm individuals and businesses for a quick buck.

Why Encryption Matters

From its humble beginnings in Ancient Mesopotamia to its complex usage today, encryption has been a useful tool for centuries because of one simple philosophy: Not everything should be public. Whether you’re handling your government’s top-secret documents or your grandmother’s top-secret pumpkin pie recipe, encryption is the best way to ensure secure communications. 

AXEL believes that privacy is a human right, and that your information ought to be protected. Put simply, we believe that you should control your data and who gets access to it. That’s why we created AXEL Go. AXEL Go uses AES encryption, blockchain technology and decentralized servers to ensure it’s the best file transfer software on the market. Whether you need cloud video storage or cloud file management, AXEL Go is the secure file hosting solution. In today’s Digital Age, secure file sharing is a necessity for businesses and individuals. If you’re ready to try the best file sharing app for PC and mobile devices, get two free weeks of AXEL Go here.

[1] “History of Cryptography.” Binance Academy. Binance Academy, August 24, 2021. https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/history-of-cryptography

[2] “Colossus.” The National Museum of Computing. Accessed November 23, 2021. https://www.tnmoc.org/colossus

[3] Dotau, Sean. “All You Need to Know about 2^256.” Talk Crypto Blog, April 8, 2019. http://www.talkcrypto.org/blog/2019/04/08/all-you-need-to-know-about-2256/

[4] Nohe, Patrick. “What Is 256-Bit Encryption? How Long Would It Take to Crack?” Hashed Out by The SSL Store, June 11, 2021. https://www.thesslstore.com/blog/what-is-256-bit-encryption/

[5] “Exploring the Differences between Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption: Cyware Hacker News.” Cyware Labs. Cyware, November 30, 2019. https://cyware.com/news/exploring-the-differences-between-symmetric-and-asymmetric-encryption-8de86e8a

[6] Johansen, Alison Grace. “What Is Encryption and How Does It Protect Your Data?” Norton, July 24, 2020.                   https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-privacy-what-is-encryption.html

Self-Driving Cars are Here. Are Businesses, Consumers, and Lawyers Ready?

The introduction of the automobile changed not only American transportation, but American culture as well. While automobiles had existed since the late 1800s, they were typically very expensive and unreliable. However, in 1908, Ford released the Model T, an automobile made for the middle class. Sold for a measly USD $850 (a less measly USD $23,000 in today’s dollars), the Model T rapidly gained popularity in the United States [1]. Ultimately, the introduction of affordable mass-market automobiles led to the car-centric transportation system the United States has today. For over a century, this system has persisted, with wide interstate highways and large parking lots dominating American cityscapes.

But even after a century of automobile innovation, relatively little has changed about the fundamentals of driving. At least one passenger must control the car at all times, and if they lose control, even for a split-second, there could be disastrous consequences. Now, in 2021, those fundamentals are beginning to change. With massive tech companies like Uber and Amazon investing heavily in this emerging technology [2], it’s fair to wonder: How soon will self-driving cars become the norm? And how will this eventual change affect tech, law, and culture?

History of Autonomous Vehicles

One of the first autonomous vehicles came just a few years after the popularization of the automobile. However, this car was far from a technological masterpiece, closer to a life-size RC car than an automotive revelation. In 1925, electrical engineer Francis Houdina paraded a driverless sedan with a massive antenna down the streets of New York City. He controlled the car via remote control in a trailing vehicle. Ironically, the car crashed into another automobile full of journalists during the parade [3]. Despite the embarrassing end to the initial showcase, radio-controlled cars became tourist attractions for the next decade. Spectators were amazed by driverless cars, and automobile companies noticed. In 1935, Chevrolet even advertised the benefits of self-driving cars in an automobile safety video [4]. Even when mass-market automobiles were just beginning to flourish, a future filled with autonomous vehicles was dreamt by consumers and automakers alike. However, while automobile companies continued research and development into self-driving cars, it amounted to little else but prototypes and tourist gimmicks.

Beginning in the early 2010s, these prototypes and gimmicks began to have legitimate functionality. Cars manufacturers began to include features that were previously limited to autonomous vehicle prototypes. For example, in 2013, Mercedes-Benz released a luxury car featuring automatic braking, adaptive cruise control and parking assistance [5]. While this tech was exclusive to high-end cars years ago, features like parking assistance and automatic braking are regularly included in more affordable cars today. However, the biggest step toward a future with self-driving cars was made by Tesla. The electric-vehicle company introduced its “autopilot” software in 2015, allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel while driving [6]. While Tesla’s autopilot feature isn’t fully autonomous, it is one of the first auto manufacturers to produce a mass-market vehicle with significant autonomous capabilities.

Why Autonomous Could be the Future

First and foremost, auto manufacturers are embracing self-driving cars because of their safety. Put simply, humans are not better drivers than robots. Self-driving cars would be able to make split-second decisions quicker than humans. Additionally, an autonomous vehicle future could wipe out incapacitated driving, which makes up 10% of all car crashes [7]. Altogether, one study states that a future with fully autonomous vehicles could cut traffic accidents by at least 34% [7]. While 34% fewer crashes may not seem like a massive decrease, it could have life-saving effects. There were an estimated 36,120 car crash fatalities in 2019 in the United States [8]. If 34% of those crashes were averted by autonomous vehicles, it could save over 12,000 lives each year.

Finally, consumers are drawn to autonomous vehicles because of their convenience. Self-driving cars could put an end to the stresses and anxieties of driving. After all, driving has always required the driver’s complete attention; to the point where eating while driving is heavily discouraged, and texting while driving is illegal in most states. Driving requires full, undivided attention. And for heavy-traffic areas or long road trips, this can be inconvenient for drivers. A future where drivers can send emails, talk to passengers or even nap is incredibly appealing to most drivers. While fully autonomous vehicles are still a long way away, it’s clear why consumers are interested in self-driving cars as well.

Why Autonomous Cars Could Flounder

One of the biggest obstacles facing automakers isn’t one of technological capability, but legal culpability. Right now, in almost every car crash, one of the affected drivers is at fault. Most importantly, the at-fault driver is often on the hook for financial penalties. But if all vehicles are autonomous, and there’s a crash, who is responsible? Because we are nowhere near this level of automation yet, we simply don’t know what the law will be in the era of self-driving cars. Could auto corporations be found at fault? If they are, why would companies continue to make autonomous vehicles if each one could mire the company in a lawsuit? Simply put, there are massive legal questions regarding autonomous vehicles that we don’t know the answer to, and won’t know until self-driving cars are much more integrated into society.

Finally, concern among consumers regarding privacy could cause the future of self-driving cars to sputter. Autonomous vehicles could become yet another device that collects and sells your personal data to advertisers. Even worse, these self-driving cars would have access to loads of unique data points, including travel histories and voice recordings. And because self-driving cars require software updates for new roads, even cars could become subject to ransomware attacks and other cybercrime. While autonomous vehicles can offer unparalleled convenience for their users, they can also force new, invasive forms of surveillance.

Stay Safe with AXEL Go

While AXEL Go can’t protect your autonomous car from ransomware (yet), it can protect your most important files from cybercrime. Offering industry-leading encryption and decentralized blockchain technology, AXEL Go is the best way to protect yourself or your business from data breaches and cybercrime. With AXEL Go, there’s no compromise between security and privacy rights. After all, our business is protecting your data, not collecting it. If you’re ready to try the most secure file-sharing and storage software, get two free weeks of AXEL Go here. 

[1] History.com Editors. “Model T.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, April 26, 2010. https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/model-t

[2] Palmer, Annie. “Amazon Zoox Unveils Self-Driving Robotaxi.” CNBC. CNBC, December 14, 2020. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/14/amazons-self-driving-company-zoox-unveils-autonomous-robotaxi.html

[3] Engelking, Carl. “The ‘Driverless’ Car Era Began More than 90 Years Ago.” Discover Magazine. Discover Magazine, May 17, 2019. https://www.discovermagazine.com/technology/the-driverless-car-era-began-more-than-90-years-ago

[4] Chevrolet Presents: The Safest Place. YouTube. YouTube, 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cilh7br-P80

[5] Ingraham, Nathan. “Mercedes-Benz Shows off Self-Driving Car Technology in Its New $100,000 S-Class.” The Verge. The Verge, May 18, 2013. https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/18/4341656/mercedes-benz-shows-off-self-driving-car-technology

[6] Golson, Jordan. “Volvo Autonomous Car Engineer Calls Tesla’s Autopilot a ‘Wannabe’.” The Verge. The Verge, April 27, 2016. https://www.theverge.com/2016/4/27/11518826/volvo-tesla-autopilot-autonomous-self-driving-car

[7] Baldwin, Roberto. “IIHS Study: Autonomous Cars Won’t Avoid Majority of Vehicle Crashes.” Car and Driver. Car and Driver, November 10, 2020. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a32783046/iihs-autonomous-cars-not-as-safe-study/

[8] Media, NHTSA. “Early Estimates of 2019 Motor Vehicle Traffic Data Show Reduced Fatalities for Third Consecutive Year.” NHTSA. NHTSA, May 5, 2020. https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/early-estimates-2019-motor-vehicle-traffic-data-show-reduced-fatalities-third

Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Businesses and Firms

When it comes to ransomware and data breaches, we mostly hear about the attacks on massive corporations. After all, these cyber-assaults can affect millions, so it only makes sense that attacks on big businesses are the ones we hear about. However, this creates a false assumption that only big businesses are affected by cybercrime. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, small businesses and firms are often targeted by cybercriminals due to their valuable data and relative lack of cybersecurity protocols [1]. Many smaller companies still have not taken the threat of cybercrime seriously. In fact, 51% of small businesses have not dedicated any resources to cybersecurity [2]. In 2021, a year full of cybercrime and ransomware attacks, that’s a recipe for disaster.

Ransomware and data breaches can affect anyone from first-year law students to senior executives. Of course, large companies have sizable cybersecurity operations, so if cybercriminals strike, they’re prepared. For small businesses and firms, however, it’s up to individuals to protect themselves and their clients. Thankfully, there are easy, inexpensive ways for smaller companies to keep themselves safe from cybercrime.

Secure Passwords

Many of us are guilty of using the same password for multiple accounts. It’s perfectly logical to reuse passwords sometimes when we have hundreds of online accounts for various businesses, social media sites and software. However, using just one password for all your accounts can be disastrous, especially if your work passwords are reused. Think about it: If your Facebook password is leaked, and you have the same password for every account, in effect, all your accounts are leaked. While you don’t need unique, thirty-character-long passwords for every account, ensuring that your passwords are varied and strong keeps your most important data safe. Having one of your passwords leaked is bad, but manageable; having all of your passwords leaked is catastrophic.

Cyber Insurance

Cybercrime can still occur even when precautions have been taken. That’s why it may be smart to invest in a relatively new insurance offering, cyber insurance. Many large corporations utilize cyber insurance to minimize the financial risk of a data breach. In fact, after Target’s 2013 data breach, cyber insurance covered USD $90 million of the total damages [3]. For smaller businesses and law firms, one cyberattack could be financially devastating enough to shutter doors permanently. It is a significant investment, but cyber insurance could pay off in the long term.

Ethical Hackers

One of the quickest, easiest ways to determine if your small firm has a security hole is to hire a white hat, or ethical, hacker. The job of a white hat hacker is to breach a company’s computer system, but with permission. Once the hacker gains access to the system, they can snoop around, looking for vulnerabilities. If a vulnerability is found, they simply tell the company and potentially fix it. While the idea of letting a stranger into your computer systems may sound frightening, this process is one of the best ways to prepare for cybercrime. After all, if you find and patch the vulnerabilities, there isn’t much a cybercriminal can do to your business.

Of course, ethical hackers don’t come cheap, and the more experienced an ethical hacker is, the higher the cost. Big corporations have paid from USD $1,000 to USD $15,000 for white hat hackers to breach their computer systems and look for security vulnerabilities [4]. While hiring or contracting an ethical hacker can be a large investment, there’s no better way to determine if your firm is prepared for a cybercriminal attack.

Culture of Security

In addition to paid solutions, a free technique to protect you and your firm’s cybersecurity is to encourage a culture of security. This means updating your software often, using encryption, and being knowledgeable about modern technology and its risks. First, updating your software is one of the easiest ways to minimize the risk of cybercrime. In fact, the infamous Equifax data breach of 2017 occurred because Equifax simply forgot to update its security software when a vulnerability was detected [5]. Keeping software up-to-date is one of the simplest ways to keep yourself and your firm protected. Next, using encryption is an inexpensive, useful tool to keep your documents safe from data breaches. If your documents are unencrypted, cybercriminals have easy access to your most vital files. Encryption provides an extra layer of security that keeps your documents safe from data breaches and leaks.

Finally, cybersecurity education is the largest part of a culture of security. When everyone is aware of cybersecurity risks like phishing scams and the danger of public Wi-Fi, the risk of cybercrime is minimized. Simply informing your friends and coworkers about modern cybersecurity risks helps cultivate a culture of security that helps you (and your clients) stay safe from cybercrime. Simply put, staying informed on cybersecurity is a long-term, effective solution to minimize the risk of ransomware attacks and data breaches.

Backup Your Data

Whether you’re a thirty-year veteran at a firm or just starting your first job in the workforce, backing up your data offline could be the most important strategy on this list. Security vulnerabilities and cybercriminals pose a threat to cloud-based files. If you get locked out of this online data by cybercriminals, you’ll be forced to either pay a hefty ransom or lose all of your online files. The solution? Simply backup your documents offline. And don’t do it just once! At least monthly, copy your files to an offline hard drive. Backing up your documents offline ensures that you, or your firm, are able to continue working even if a cyberattack hits.

Try AXEL Go

If you’re ready to start creating your culture of security, try AXEL Go. AXEL Go is a cloud file-sharing software with an unwavering focus on privacy. AXEL Go lets employees and students share, store, and collect documents securely, all in a simple, easy-to-understand user interface. Offering military-grade encryption, blockchain technology, and decentralized servers, AXEL Go offers the perfect pairing of simplicity and stringent security. To try AXEL Go free for two weeks, click here.

[1] Shankar, AJ. “Council Post: Ransomware Attackers Take Aim at Law Firms.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, March 11, 2021. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/03/12/ransomware-attackers-take-aim-at-aw-firms/

[2] Knutson, Ted. “Small Businesses Bearing Brunt of Ransomware Attacks, Senate Told.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, July 28, 2021. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tedknutson/2021/07/27/small-businesses-bearing-brunt-of-ransomware-attacks-senate-told/?sh=705864499556

[3] Newman, Craig. “Target’s Cyber Insurance: A $100 Million Policy vs. $300 Million (so Far) in Costs.” Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, January 16, 2019. https://www.pbwt.com/data-security-law-blog/targets-cyber-insurance-a-100-million-policy-vs-300-million-so-far-in-costs/

[4] Fazzini, Kate. “Some Freelance Hackers Can Get Paid $500,000 a Year to Test Defenses of Companies like Tesla.” CNBC. CNBC, December 13, 2018. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/12/freelance-hackers-get-paid-to-test-the-defenses-of-firms-like-tesla.html

[5] Ng, Alfred. “How the Equifax Hack Happened, and What Still Needs to Be Done.” CNET. CNET, September 7, 2018. https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/equifaxs-hack-one-year-later-a-look-back-at-how-it-happened-and-whats-changed/

Is Virtual Reality the Future? Facebook Thinks So.

Facebook is now Meta. Well, kind of. Last month, Facebook changed its parent company’s name to Meta, a nod to the company’s growing focus on the “metaverse.” Now, this doesn’t mean you’ll be liking vacation photos on meta.com any time soon. The company that owns Facebook is now Meta, not the social network itself. But why did Facebook change its name? First and foremost, it signals a shift away from social media, toward a more unique (and less controversial) form of technology: Virtual reality. 

Although virtual reality has existed in some form for decades, the technology is now becoming advanced enough to offer legitimately useful features to consumers and businesses. For example, Meta showed off its VR prototype during its name-change announcement video. The company showed off a virtual meeting room filled with cartoon avatars. The goal, Meta states, is to create a virtual meeting place that is nearly indistinguishable from a real meeting place. With more people working from home than ever before, this appears to be a useful goal. After all, Zoom meetings simply don’t have the same amount of interactivity and socialization as in-person meetings. VR could very well become the future of work. However, the widespread adoption of VR technology is still a long way away.

The History of Virtual Reality

The origin, and even the definition, of virtual reality is disputed [1]. After all, modern VR headsets are what the public thinks of when “virtual reality” is mentioned, but technology that advanced simply didn’t exist just a few decades ago. However, virtual reality experiences have still existed for decades. One of the first items that could be considered a virtual reality product is the View-Master, a goggles-like device that showed stereoscopic photographs. When utilized correctly, the user’s entire field of vision was dominated by the three-dimensional image. Although primitive, the View-Master may have been the first virtual reality device to appeal to the general consumer. This product ultimately highlighted just how immersive future virtual reality technology could be.

Beginning in the 1960s, researchers began to realize the potential of this futuristic technology. Specifically, they began to utilize virtual reality for military and flight simulations [2]. This allowed soldiers and pilots to train under realistic circumstances. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, virtual reality was mostly used as a training tool for professionals, as the technology was far too expensive for mass-market appeal. 

However, beginning in the 1990s, VR technology became advanced (and inexpensive) enough for companies to begin crafting virtual reality experiences for the general consumer. Ever since then, virtual reality has become intertwined with the gaming industry. In the early 1990s, video game giants Nintendo and Sega began creating virtual reality consoles, with marketing that promised to transport players to an immersive, realistic world [3]. The hype of virtual reality was at an all-time high. However, this optimism soon began to dwindle. In 1995, Nintendo released the Virtual Boy, a virtual reality video game console [2]. However, soon after its release, consumers were quick to point out the major drawbacks of virtual reality. The console itself was uncomfortable and dizzying, and only showed games in black and red [4]. For most consumers, this virtual reality product simply wasn’t realistic enough, and the console flopped.

Modern Uses of Virtual Reality

After the commercial failure of the Virtual Boy and other early VR headsets, the technology was mostly relegated to professional use. However, with the recent rise of newer, more realistic and more comfortable VR headsets, it may finally be time for virtual reality to enter the mainstream. 

While the VR market has undeniably grown, consumers still mostly see virtual reality as a cool gimmick, rather than a necessity. Today, most of VR’s use is for gaming, and while the industry has found a niche group of enthusiasts, just 34 million total headsets have been sold in the last five years [5]. Additionally, while the cost of virtual reality technology has dropped, headsets still aren’t affordable for all. For example, Oculus, a VR headset company owned by Meta, prices its cheapest headset at $299. While the technology has evolved and prices have dropped, committing to virtual reality is simply too much of a financial commitment for many.

The Future of VR

With Meta turning its focus to virtual reality, VR is certainly here to stay. But how will VR be utilized in the future? Will it become a business necessity, like Meta seems to think? Or could it continue to grow as a gaming product? Finally, can VR finally overcome its gimmick label? Simply put, there are a lot of questions about the future of virtual reality that we simply don’t know. However, a major company like Meta shifting its focus to virtual reality presents an opportunity to the industry that it has never had before. Meta’s massive, public commitment to virtual reality could usher in the widespread adoption of this emerging technology.

However, public acceptance of VR isn’t the only potential downfall to the industry. A common concern regarding virtual reality is the technology’s privacy and security. Modern VR headsets are filled with sensors, cameras, and microphones. Of course, headsets need this technology to function, but the data collected through this technology needs to be guarded securely. Put simply, virtual reality collects unique user information. With this information, advertisers can learn even more about you to sell their products. Even worse, there are no regulations for data collected through VR, further putting user privacy in the backseat [6]. So while virtual reality may offer new opportunities to connect and play, it also gives advertisers a new way to collect even more information on users.

Keep Your Data Safe with AXEL Go

Using a secure file storage system is the key to protecting your data from breaches and ransomware attacks. That’s where AXEL Go comes in. Offering military-grade encryption and decentralized blockchain technology, AXEL Go is the best way to protect yourself and your business from unauthorized cybercriminals. With privacy concerns not going away anytime soon, secure file-sharing is a necessity for businesses and individuals. If you’re ready to try the best protection, try two free weeks of AXEL Go here.

[1] Schnipper, Matthew. “The Rise and Fall and Rise of Virtual Reality.” The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/a/virtual-reality/intro.

[2] “History of Virtual Reality.” Virtual Reality Society, January 2, 2020. https://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality/history.html.

[3] Karpf, David. “Virtual Reality Is the Rich White Kid of Technology.” Wired. Conde Nast, July 27, 2021. https://www.wired.com/story/virtual-reality-rich-white-kid-of-technology/.

[4] Greenbaum, Aaron. “Here’s Why the Virtual Boy Was a Complete Failure.” Looper.com. Looper, August 4, 2020. https://www.looper.com/233207/heres-why-the-virtual-boy-was-a-complete-failure/.

[5] Alsop, Thomas. “VR Headset Unit Sales Worldwide 2024.” Statista, July 19, 2021. https://www.statista.com/statistics/677096/vr-headsets-worldwide/.

[6] Maslin, Jared. “Concerns with Privacy in Virtual Reality.” Data Science W231 Behind the Data Humans and Values, March 2, 2021. https://blogs.ischool.berkeley.edu/w231/2021/03/02/concerns-with-privacy-in-virtual-reality/.