Nearly all Internet users are at least somewhat acquainted with the dangers which they could face. Viruses, worms, Trojans etc. are familiar expressions for malicious programs causing various difficulties to the unprotected individual Internet users, numerous business organizations and educational institutions, as well as Internet service providers. Absolute security from such devices can be achieved only when the computer is turned off!
It is extremely important to ensure that the users feel secure when using an LMS and communication software in distance education . If the users fear for the integrity of their computer and personal data or are anxious about possible security oversights and invasion of their privacy, they will be unmotivated as well as reserved about the use of available communication technologies.
The first element related to security which should be taken into account is the operating system, its version and possible security oversights which can be solved by installing appropriate patches or service packs and/or by certain hardware settings. Taking care about timely security updates can be divided between the server and user end. On the server end the system administrator takes care of the protection of all segments of the system on which the LMS is installed and other parts of the software. Technical support can prepare internal notices for the users to inform them about new security threats and counter-activities to avoid unwanted consequences. On the user end the duty of every lecturer/instructor and participant of online education is to take protection measures from security threats to the computers they are using. This means that the users should follow and obey internal notices and recommendations of the system administrators, as well as of the operating system manufacturers .
If unauthorized programs are used there is a danger that a certain program is infected by a virus or another type of malicious code, as well as that it will endanger the content on the user’s computer. It is particularly dangerous to use programs downloaded off an Internet server which do not have digital signature or certificate guaranteeing that the program does not contain harmful parts which can jeopardize the user’s data and computer.
Authorised LMSs are usually not a threat to their users’ security. However, a possible threat are additional tools/software implemented for additional functionalities that an LMS does not provide, or used to replace a certain LMS when it is not available and/or cost-efficient.
E-mail communication can also pose a security threat, because the attachments of e-mail messages can contain hidden programs activated when the user opens the attachment to view it or to perform the program code. In most cases such malicious programs generate a large number of new messages sent to contacts from the user’s address book or from elsewhere on the user’s computer. Apart from threatening the integrity and privacy of the data on a user’s computer , the most common negative effect of such programs is the congestion of the communication channel due to a large number of sent messages.
Technical support should recommend all the users to install the so-called antivirus protection protecting the computer from all kinds of unwanted and malicious programs. Such programs update their list of code patterns and behaviour of new viruses daily, so that, if they are updated, in most cases they ensure good-quality and timely protection .
Technical support should take care of the security of the servers and data related to online courses/subjects in distance education . The security backup procedure has to have proscribed activities on daily, weekly and monthly basis.
User privacy is closely related to security . Invasion of the users’ privacy can manifest as collecting data on the history (e.g. of the Internet pages viewed by the user lately) and user contacts (e.g. from what addressed did the user receive and to what addresses did the user send messages), written documents located on the user’s hard disk, installed programs etc. It can also manifest as sending the unauthorised gathered data to a certain server with the goal to analyse the work of the user etc. This category also includes possible dissemination of data about LMS users (without their knowledge and approval) to companies dealing with related activities i.e. the manufacturers or vendors of similar educational products.
Tips & tricks: During distance education the lecturer/instructor and the participants are in contact with a large number of different people. Bear in mind that many Internet users pay very little attention to updating the antivirus protection on their computers and avoiding activities which can lead to jeopardizing the safety of their computer. Therefore, the exchange of files between users in e-mail attachments or sending e-mail messages with attachments to others unnecessarily is not recommendable. It is even more dangerous to use unauthorized executive programs acquired from the other users. Obeying the messages from the administrator and technical support personnel is especially important, as is taking into account the updating of the anti-virus protection on your computer. If a user’s neglect causes "a virus infection" to spread, it is very likely to leave incorrigibly bad impression about him/her.
