Best Methods for Securing an LMS
With a rapid increase in remote learning and different home school programs, schools and instructors depend on LMS now more than ever. An uncertain schedule and questions regarding future curriculum can leave teachers in limbo regarding what platform they’ll be teaching from next.
Luckily, LMS provides the flexibility needed to accommodate an uncertain schedule while still providing a solid core of learning material. Many states feel that LMS are so reliable that they’ve made arrangements to offer them across the entire state.
Just like any other platform rolled out on a massive scale, LMS does have risks involved. Do these risks outweigh the potential rewards and benefits, or can the bugs be worked out?
Any software or application used online that provides its network should have security features in place. Let’s examine some of the best ways to secure your LMS. In the meantime, you can start a free 30-day trial of eLeaP, which provides a worry-free, secure platform.
Protecting Data
One of the main concerns of any school system using LMS is the protection of their data. There is sensitive information stored on their networks about hundreds of students and teachers.
Copyright-protected learning material also needs to be protected. Data from eLearning documents and programs are targets for software pirates and other black-market thieves.
What are some of the most efficient ways to ensure this precious information is secure? Your school must be using several of these methods.
1. Anti-Virus Programs
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d e surprised at the number of educational networks that aren’t protected by something as simple as an anti-virus program. A virus has the potential to wreak havoc on an entire network of computers once it breaches the system through a single machine.
A virus can corrupt and destroy data on the network and connected computers and steal sensitive information (even if it’s password protected). Learning Management Systems typically come equipped with anti-virus software.
Typically, this already-equipped software is the most basic and will only allow you to scan manually every so often. You should still install an upgraded version that checks and cleans automatically.
2. Data Encryption
Sometimes apps communicate with one another on computers and networks. This communication is especially common in large educational networks where different levels, subjects, and grades are involved.
When data is transferred between applications, there’s a chance that hackers can gain access to this data. The only way to protect this sensitive information during transfers is by using encryption technology.
When you use a robust, secure third-party encryption tool, a high level of security protects this data from would-be thieves. The encryption level should be strong enough to guard the information shared between platforms and servers, not just applications.
3. Back-Up Important Information
Don’t take the security of your network for granted and assume everything is untouchable. You can never be too careful when it comes to digital security.
Usually, the information contained within LMS applications is backed up automatically. However, if malware or any other malicious program threatens the data within your network, performing regular backups can be vital.
Before taking steps to back up data manually, find out whether the LMS platform you’re using performs daily back-ups at the end of the day. Besides the automatic back-ups, some LMS platforms will complete a nightly process that backs up everything to an external storage device or a private server.
4. IP Blockers
Using an IP blocker adds a protection layer that works excellently with anti-virus and password protection methods such as two-factor authentication and token generation. IP blockers allow eligible users to block or allow specific IP addresses from accessing the network.
The only negative aspect of using an IP blocker is that intruders can use alternative means to gain access by using a different IP address. This loophole is why it’s crucial to have more than one layer of security when using LMS.
There are other ways to bring extra protection to sensitive information when you’re using an LMS. You don’t have to rely solely on programs and security features for the only defense. These are things you can do personally to secure your digital property.
Put LMS Security Platforms to the Test
Ask questions about LMS security platforms regarding how often they update their security. By understanding how often their security is updated, you can gauge how safe their platform is. What do we mean by this?
Malware and programs hackers use are constantly evolving. This malicious software is changed and updated to keep up with updates made to security features and anti-virus programs.
If updates aren’t performed as often as they should be, this could put users at risk. Sometimes taking a company’s word for it isn’t enough.
Ask the LMS provider if you can secure a free trial of the platform. Use the platform to analyze how and when security updates are offered. Pay close attention to other security features of the forum.
Perform Your Regular Maintenance
Once a month, you should go through and delete anything you’re not using anymore. Unused documents could potentially be extra sensitive information floating around that could otherwise be destroyed.
Delete these items and empty the recycle bin. Likewise, delete any temporary files or saved passwords throughout LMS and other programs. Taking away anything a hacker can reach for makes it harder for them to damage your computers or network.
Any large-scale program that uses a network for or large group of computers can pose higher security threats. However, this shouldn’t deter you from the benefits these programs provide.
By using large-scale security measures and quality software that safeguard your computer and network, you can prevent invasive activity. Keep these computers strictly for work and adhere to safety protocols to keep the security surrounding your LMS tight.