Blog
Account sharing

Kenzie Wilson

2024/01/08

e-learning securitypassword sharing preventioncourse protectionauthentication methodsonline education

How do I prevent password sharing on my e-learning system?

Account sharing is quickly becoming a technological pandemic. E-learning companies are losing substantial amounts of revenue due to students sharing their passwords with other non-paying students.

tudents looking to save a buck don’t consider the ramifications of their password sharing ways. This causes increased server loads for the company, without subsequently increasing revenue. Additionally, this puts the platform at serious risk for security breaches.

Ways to protect your platform

  1. Require multi-factor authentication (MFA):
    Implementing multi-factor authentication is a robust step towards fortifying your e-learning platform against unauthorized access. By introducing an additional layer of security, such as receiving a code via text message or entering an authentication code, you make it more challenging for users engaged in password sharing. While MFA may not completely eliminate the problem, it acts as a deterrent and adds an extra hurdle for those attempting to exploit shared credentials.
  2. Set Device Limits:
    To further mitigate the risks associated with password sharing, consider implementing device limits on your e-learning platform. By restricting the number of devices that can be logged in simultaneously with a single account, you can discourage the widespread distribution of login credentials. However, it's essential to strike a balance, as overly restrictive device limits may negatively impact legitimate users who legitimately access the platform from multiple devices. Strive to find a reasonable limit that enhances security without hindering user experience.
  3. Implement user behavior monitoring:
    Leverage advanced analytics and monitoring tools to detect unusual user behavior that may indicate password sharing. Keep an eye on login patterns, IP addresses, and other relevant data to identify suspicious activities. By actively monitoring user interactions with the platform, you can swiftly detect and respond to potential security breaches. This proactive approach allows you to address the issue before it escalates, preserving the integrity of your e-learning system.
    The downfall includes the setup up and maintenance of this approach which could easily require an entire team. Many companies do not have the infrastructure or budget to do this in-house.
  4. All of the above
    Due to the complexities associated with user behavior monitoring, the potential impact on user experience through device limits, and the incomplete resolution provided by two-factor authentication, numerous companies have opted for the assistance of reputable vendors like Rupt to enhance their efforts in preventing account sharing.
    Rupt is a one stop shop for all things account sharing. Providing unrivaled accuracy, Rupt monitors, tracks, detects, and converts account sharers into happy paying customers. Using patent-pending AI and machine learning technology, Rupt ingests 100s of user signals to accurately identify account sharers. These account sharers are then presented with an on-brand challenge that pushes them to create their own paid account. Companies maintain full control with Rupt’s extensive customization capabilities.

To learn more about what Rupt could mean for your e-learning company, schedule a demo today.