Nowadays, e-learning platforms have become a common tool for learning and collaboration. They operate on two basic principles: in the first model, the student is merely a recipient of content, while in the second model, the student is an active creator and uploads their own material. It is the platforms based on the second model that carry a major risk, as any uploaded file (e.g. PDF, Excel, Word, PPTX) can be infected with a virus, putting both trainers/teachers/lecturers and learners/students at risk.
Risks of uploading files to e-learning platforms
The main risk from these types of platforms is the potential infection of the LMS and the server. A student who unknowingly (or intentionally) uploads an infected file may thereby infect the lecturer’s computer, and the lecturer in turn – while sharing the material – may spread the virus to other computers within the entire group. As a result, the virus can penetrate deep into educational structures, creating serious problems for users of the platform.
Typical file formats, such as PDF, Excel, Word and PPTX, may appear safe, but are frequent targets for cybercriminals. Common infection techniques include hiding malicious code in macro scripts in MS Office documents or exploiting security vulnerabilities in PDF viewing software.
What security measures should be in place?
Taking care of security in this context is an absolute must. Although operating systems such as Windows or macOS have built-in protection mechanisms against malware, dedicated antivirus solutions for the e-learning platform offer a much higher level of security.
One of the key elements is protection ‘at source’, i.e. directly on the e-learning platform. It should have mechanisms to scan uploaded files for potential threats. It is also recommended to integrate external antivirus software that will check files even before they are downloaded by users.
Free versions of antivirus software (e.g. ClamAV) can be useful, but do not offer full protection and regular updates, which are crucial in the fight against new types of threats. Regardless of your operating system, it is worth investing in proven, paid antivirus software. Choosing a reputable paid antivirus increases the chance of blocking advanced threats and providing continuous protection.
Risk analysis: who is most vulnerable?
In the ecosystem of e-learning platforms, an infected student can easily transfer a virus to a lecturer, leading to the spread of the threat to other course participants. The danger becomes even more serious if the virus infects the devices of a research lecturer, where data loss or leakage can have catastrophic consequences.
One example of the increased awareness of cyber security in education is the EU’s NIS2 directive, which places greater requirements on educational institutions to safeguard against cyber attacks. In this context, ensuring an adequate level of protection on e-learning platforms becomes the responsibility of every educational institution. Lack of adequate security measures can lead to data breaches, posing a serious risk not only to users, but also to the institution as a whole.
Summary
Security on e-learning platforms is not only a matter of protecting one’s own devices, but also a responsibility for the security of the entire community. Choosing the right anti-virus software, regularly scanning files and protecting ‘at source’ on the platform are key elements in minimising the risk of cyber attacks. While free anti-virus software may seem tempting, the best option is to use paid, proven tools that provide ongoing protection and updates.
Remember that in the digital age of education, protection from cyber threats is just as important as physical protection in traditional educational environments. Better security not only means data security, but also peace of mind for students and lecturers.
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