IDRIS SINAN Ismaila

Affiliated project ACETSMIP

Affiliated CEA National Open University of Nigeria / ACETEL & Université d'Abomey-Calavi / SMIA

Title A secure, data-centric architecture for digital learning.

Start date: 01/02/2021

Issue:
The unexpected closure of schools around the world to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted conventional higher education institutions in West Africa to turn to the digital learning space for their service delivery. In the digital learning space, a plethora of data is generated during online communication between teachers and students who constantly interact on this platform. The result is an exponential growth in the volume and use of sensitive data. In addition, the growing demand for digital learning resources has exposed digital platforms to cyber attacks and several data breaches.

These data breaches have evolved and become increasingly complex and frequent due to weak audit trails. Each data breach increases the pressure on institutions to properly protect their sensitive data and implement a multi-layered architecture. As a result, many institutions focus their attention on protecting networks, devices and applications. Unfortunately, studies have shown that these approaches offer only limited, if any, protection of the data layer, as attackers still manage to get past firewalls, malware blockers and other perimeter security defenses, putting data at risk.

Given the explosive growth in the volume of data generated, and the remarkable increase in the number and types of repositories in which data is stored in the digital learning space, it is essential that institutions revisit their approach to data security. Rather than relying on tools and methods that result in disconnected pockets of coverage, a data-centric approach is required. With a data-centric security architecture, the focus shifts from securing networks, applications and endpoints to identifying, controlling and securing data, which is the key asset.