A model of digital identity for better information security in e-learning systems

Abstract

The trend of rapid development of information technologies is creating new challenges in information security such as security management of identities in e-learning systems. In order to cope with these challenges, this work has developed a model of digital identity (MDI) intended primarily for e-learning systems. Two main objectives are identified for development of the MDI, firstly, to contribute to raising of information security awareness and improving information security behavior, and secondly to enable the bridging of security gaps in the interaction between student/administrator. To achieve these aims, this model has introduced processes of planning and feedback, by which it differs from all previous works. Practical application of this model is made in Moodle platform through the developed software application in the form of the security tool as a plugin for filtering inactive users (IUs). The most notable advantages of the MDI are better security management of personal information and filling of a security gap such as the absence of full administrator control over the information flow. The experimental results validate and demonstrate the practical effectiveness of the proposed security tool. Moreover, potential threats and risks from insider and outsider attackers are discussed, providing proposals of pragmatic solutions for their mitigating or reducing. Finally, this work should have a profound positive impact on further academic research and additionally it should contribute to a better understanding of challenges in information security that emerge with the development of the contemporary e-learning systems.