Among the leading trends transforming the face of education is the rapid adoption of learning management systems. The global LMS market is estimated to reach $27 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of around 15.8%. Moreover, with government policy pushing for the mainstream adoption of blended learning, the use of a superior learning management system has become a necessity for any educational institution worth its salt. This software application is designed to aid in the digitization and streamlining of all facets of educational management and can make a monumental difference in productivity. Hence, care must be taken to ensure that you are choosing the right LMS that is best suited to your institution.
Data security is an important aspect to consider while choosing and operating your LMS. There has been an increase in cyberattacks on schools and colleges worldwide. As your institution becomes more digital, it is necessary to ensure that your user data and other confidential information are adequately secure.
Here are some best practices and tips to safeguard your learning management system data:
Invest In Strong LMS Security Features
It is important to ensure that your LMS system has security features, such as IP Blockers, SSL, SSO, etc. An IP blocker will keep hostile IP addresses from being able to access your user data. The LMS administrator can create lists of IP addresses that have permission to access the system and those that are to be blocked. This will prevent cyber attackers from illegally accessing your learning content and confidential information through the LMS. Most data breaches occur by gaining access with login credentials. Installing domain-based registration, two-factor authentication, and captcha during signups adds security, increasing login information protection and inhibiting automated system break-ins. A Single Sign-On(SSO) property allows users to log in and access multiple applications. The benefit is that it centralizes authentication management, making data secure and easy to access, thereby increasing efficiency.
A Secure Sockets Layer or SSL is a standard in cybersecurity for establishing encrypted links between any server and its client user. It informs the user about which sites are secure to visit, enabling the secure transmission of personal credentials and confidential information. Having advanced data encryption techniques will allow you to transmit information from your LMS to other systems and enable effortless system integration with third-party applications. A good LMS should ensure the presence of features such as this. For instance, Ken42’s LMS includes robust security protocols such as SSL Security, 256 BIT encryption, and data masking to ensure that there is end-to-end data protection.
Use Efficient Anti Spam And Antivirus Applications
Like any other system, an LMS is susceptible to malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks. Viruses have become more advanced and can steal and corrupt your content and confidential data and even destroy the LMS completely. Having an efficient anti-spam application could safeguard your data from cyber frauds who could spam your contacts. A strong, regularly updated and preferably built-in antivirus can periodically scan the entire system and alert the admin to any threats and purge them.
Check and Update LMS Security Protocols Regularly
Installing several security features in your system is not always enough. Even a single breach in your LMS’s security could destroy your customers’ trust and your overall credibility. The overall strength of your security protocols must be regularly assessed. Testing can include penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, risk assessment, security auditing, and even ethical hacking. Testing your system monthly or even weekly can help evaluate your encryption capabilities and even remove any irrelevant data to keep your LMS updated. Your security protocols should stay updated to stay ahead of newer cyber threats.
Have a Data Recovery Plan
Cyber threats aren’t just limited to phishing or spam attacks. There has been an alarming increase in sophisticated, malicious ransomware attacks specifically created to delete critical information and wreaking havoc on your business. Additionally, threats to system integrity could also include natural or human disasters. Your LMS must have high-density power systems in place that are scanned regularly, to effectively prevent and mitigate any breaches. A comprehensive data backup and recovery strategy plan should encompass all central IT systems, data, devices, and hardware that your institution depends on to function.
Having only a couple of LMS data protection measures in place is insufficient. A wholesome approach to your strategy is required to effectively protect data. To summarise, it should involve regularly checking security protocols, updating virus protection, limiting user access to confidential information, and verifying third-party security protocols.
