CoreSight - leading Australian security - CoreSight - leading Australian security

Schools and universities are increasingly using online platforms to distribute and exchange information, such as course documents and online exams. These same online platforms also serve as an administrative tool, containing personal data on students and staff. CoreSight partner, VASCO Data Security, a leading software security company specialising in authentication products, has recently urged schools and universities as well as their students to be more careful and aware of security issues when using online platforms for educational purposes. 

Today, many students use their own PC or laptops, or those supplied by the educational institution to access course materials such as PowerPoint presentations or texts eliminating the need to disseminate paper versions in class. Students are able to examine these documents or print them anywhere and anytime. The same way, students can submit their assignments and papers on the Internet. These online platforms provide a strong administrative tool, collecting data on students and teachers alike from tasks such as changing a personal address, selecting course preferences, grading, submitting expense reports or booking resources.

It is obvious that this kind of application, containing information on people's identities, addresses and personal data, should be sufficiently protected against possible online attacks. But in reality, many platforms are only secured with a weak static password. And although choosing a complicated password and changing it regularly is encouraged, it is rarely obligatory. An effective countermeasure against hackers is strong two-factor authentication.

VASCO's authentication solutions allow replacing static passwords with more secure dynamic passwords. Dynamic passwords or one-time passwords minimise the risk of password theft, as they are valid for a limited amount of time and can be used just once. "Strong authentication is the best way to make sure that only authorised users can access the online applications. This way, students, teachers and other employees can enjoy all the benefits of these interactive platforms without having to worry about security issues," says Jan Valcke, President and COO at VASCO Data Security.

| More...