Chapter 8: Online Learning and Security

The chapter considers the requirement for information security within the domain of online distance learning. Security represents an aspect that may not suggest itself as a high priority in an educational environment, but evidence indicates that it is most definitely required. A variety of security issues can be identified in relation to both the students and providers of online courses. These issues are considered in the context of a generic module life cycle, which represents a high level abstraction of the delivery process, and provides a basis from which to discuss the security considerations inherent at each stage. This leads into the specification of a top-level security framework, addressing the main practical requirements for secure online course delivery.