Unveiling AR Security Discoveries
Today, the Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance (AREA) introduced a practical resource designed to help companies strengthen security wherever AR is used at work. The AR Security Infographic lays out the many benefits of augmented reality (AR) while, just as importantly, calling attention to the security risks that can come with it—and what to watch for as you deploy.
What the Infographic Covers
The infographic is organized into ten clear sections. Each section focuses on a specific risk or consideration tied to bringing AR into real operations. The message is simple: evaluate risks early, not after an incident. By doing the legwork up front, organizations can integrate AR more safely and avoid surprises down the line.
Expert perspective on AR’s unique security challenges
Mark Sage, Executive Director of the AREA, underscored that AR headsets change the security equation. His take: “Traditional mobile security isn’t enough.” Responsibility is shared. Vendors must build in protections, IT teams must configure and monitor them, and end users need to handle devices and data with care.
Making sense of the attack surface
The infographic groups potential weak points into approachable categories. It starts with the Attack Surface—all the ways an attacker could try to get in or get data out. AR adds new interfaces and new data paths. That means more places to defend, and more reasons to keep sight of every entry point.
Specific Security Risks in AR
A prominent theme is Connection Abuse. AR devices often sit at the center of multiple connections—headsets, phones, tablets, and back-end services. Without a solid grasp of how those links work and who’s allowed to use them, gaps appear. Those gaps can be exploited if they’re not mapped and managed.
Risks from real-world data collection
The infographic also flags Physical Breach. AR systems gather real-world inputs—audio, video, and location—by design. That expands what needs protection beyond traditional IT assets and into the physical spaces where people work. Safeguards should reflect that wider footprint.
Broader system-level threats
Any new platform introduces System Breach risks. AR devices are no exception. They come with their own operating systems, apps, and update paths. Those layers require a fresh look at existing mobile security practices to confirm they still hold up.
Data Domains and Where They’re Vulnerable
The infographic examines how data moves through different Data Domains and where attackers may try to eavesdrop, steal, or alter information. Of particular note is Trust Exploitation/Data Extraction. Because AR blends digital content with the physical world, people often trust what they see and hear through the device. That trust can be misused if the pipeline or content is compromised.
External services and physical-world data
AR devices rely on cameras, sensors, and various services, which raises questions captured under External Services/Physical World Data. Organizations need clarity on what data is collected, how it’s stored, how long it’s kept, and who can use it. Clear guardrails help prevent accidental exposure or misuse.
When visuals can be manipulated
Another risk area is Environment/Object/Visual Manipulation. Because AR devices read the world and overlay information, attackers may try to manipulate inputs or outputs to confuse users. Misleading visuals or altered objects can create openings for mistakes—and, in turn, security incidents.
Security Considerations That Matter
The infographic doesn’t stop at problems. It offers practical Considerations for safer deployment. Strong Configuration & Management/Integrity Protection goes a long way: consistent device setup, tight change controls, reliable logging, and measures to detect tampering and malware help keep AR fleets predictable and resilient.
Build on a trusted foundation
Establishing a Root of Trust/Physical Security is another core principle. AR devices should have secure hardware foundations so they can perform key security functions reliably. That may call for reexamining current hardware choices and reinforcing physical protections for devices in the field.
Rethinking access and monitoring
AR shifts how people interact with technology. As voice, gesture, and other inputs become standard, Access Control/Monitoring & Analysis requires a rethink. The goal is the same—only the right people get the right access at the right time—but the methods and monitoring need to adapt to these new controls.
AREA’s Role in Advancing AR Security
The AR Security Infographic was developed with input from AREA Security Committee members and Brainwaive LLC. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment: give enterprises clear, actionable guidance to raise the bar for AR security.
About the Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance
The Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance (AREA) supports responsible AR adoption across industries. It brings together enterprises, solution providers, and research organizations to help build a mature ecosystem, share learnings, and promote practical approaches to deploying AR effectively and securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AR Security Infographic?
It’s a practical guide from the AREA that maps AR’s benefits alongside the security risks and considerations organizations should account for when bringing AR into workplace settings.
Why are AR headsets a unique security concern?
They capture real-world data—audio, video, and location—by design. That creates exposure that traditional mobile security models don’t fully cover, so extra safeguards are needed.
What topics does the infographic address?
It covers the attack surface, connection abuse, physical and system breaches, data domains (including trust exploitation and data extraction), external services/physical world data, environment/object/visual manipulation, and key considerations like configuration and integrity protection, root of trust and physical security, plus access control with monitoring and analysis.
Who contributed to developing the infographic?
AREA Security Committee member companies and Brainwaive LLC contributed insights, drawing on their experience with AR security.
How does the AREA help organizations adopt AR?
AREA fosters a supportive ecosystem of enterprises, solution providers, and researchers and shares resources and guidance to help teams deploy AR responsibly and effectively.
