A Novel Two-Factor Authentication Scheme for Increased Security in Accessing the Moodle E-Learning Platform

• Published in: Applied sciences Vol. 13; no. 17; p. 9675
• Main Authors: Baneş, Vasile, Ravariu, Cristian, Appasani, Bhargav, Srinivasulu, Avireni
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.09.2023
• Subjects: authentication; Blockchain; Certification; devices; digital certificate; e-learning; Internet of Things; Learning; Moodle; Online education; Online instruction; Open source software; Operating systems; Personal information; Privacy
• ISSN: 2076-3417; 2076-3417
• DOI: 10.3390/app13179675

Moodle is a platform designed for universal learning to support pedagogical interactions and educational activities. The information technology (IT) administrator uses standard authentication methods for students logging into the Moodle platform. The need for two-factor authentication has grown as institutions, governments, and individuals realize that passwords are not secure enough to protect user accounts in their current technical format. The classic connection methods have vulnerabilities, and account passwords are easy to crack. Analyzing these aspects, the goal is to create a new safe and reliable alternative to the traditional authentication methods in e-learning platforms. The proposed solution introduces a new authentication factor using digital certificates stored on physical devices or the cloud to address the evolving authentication and security challenges effectively. The absence of this authentication within the Moodle ecosystem has imparted a sense of urgency for its implementation. With the innovative authentication scheme, the users have gained confidence, are satisfied with the new solution, and have not reported security breaches. The result is increased security, data protection, and better account management.