An empirical study of authentication methods to secure e-learning system activities against impersonation fraud

Abstract

The demand for e-learning systems in both academic and non-academic organizations has increased the need to improve security against impersonation fraud. Although there are a number of studies focused on securing Web-based systems from Information Systems (IS) misuse, research has recognized the importance of identifying suitable levels of authenticating strength for various activities. In e-learning systems, it is evident that due to the variation in authentication strength among controls, a ‘one size fits all’ solution is not suitable for securing diverse e-learning activities against impersonation fraud. The focus of this exploratory study was to investigate what levels of authentication strength users perceive to be most suitable for activities in e-learning systems against impersonation fraud and aimed to assess if the ‘one size fits all’ approach that is mainly used is valid when it comes to securing e-learning activities from impersonation fraud. A sample of 1,070 e-learners was analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis to uncover suitable levels of authentication strength to secure elearning activities against impersonation fraud. The findings determined that there is a specific set of e-learning activities that have high potential for impersonation and need a moderate to high level of authentication strength to reduce the threat.