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Security & Privacy Documentation

Complete guide to security and privacy features in the Academix system

Security Features

Role-Based Access Control

Granular permissions based on user roles.

Data Encryption

End-to-end encryption for all sensitive data.

Two-Factor Authentication

Enhanced login security with 2FA support.

Audit Logging

Comprehensive activity tracking and monitoring.

Session Management

Secure session handling and timeout controls.

Data Backup

Encrypted backups with disaster recovery.

Privacy Features

Data Anonymization

Protect student privacy with data masking.

Consent Management

Manage data collection and usage consent.

Data Retention

Automated data lifecycle management.

Privacy Controls

User-configurable privacy settings.

Compliance Tools

Built-in regulatory compliance features.

Data Export Rights

Support for data subject access requests.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Setting Up Role-Based Access Control

Configure user roles and permissions to ensure appropriate access levels.

1

Navigate to Settings > User Management

2

Select 'Roles and Permissions' from the menu

3

Review existing roles (Admin, Teacher, Student, Parent)

4

Click 'Create New Role' to add custom roles if needed

5

Define permissions for each role (read, write, delete)

6

Set module-specific access (students, grades, reports)

7

Configure data access restrictions and filters

8

Set up role hierarchies and inheritance

9

Test role permissions with sample users

10

Save and activate the role configuration

2

Configuring Two-Factor Authentication

Enable enhanced security with two-factor authentication for user accounts.

1

Go to Settings > Security > Authentication

2

Select 'Two-Factor Authentication' settings

3

Choose 2FA methods (SMS, email, authenticator app)

4

Configure 2FA requirements for different user roles

5

Set up backup codes for account recovery

6

Configure 2FA enforcement policies

7

Test 2FA setup with admin accounts

8

Communicate 2FA requirements to users

9

Provide user training on 2FA setup

10

Monitor 2FA adoption and compliance

3

Managing User Sessions

Configure secure session management and timeout controls.

1

Navigate to Settings > Security > Sessions

2

Set session timeout duration (recommended: 30-60 minutes)

3

Configure automatic logout on inactivity

4

Set maximum concurrent sessions per user

5

Enable session invalidation on password change

6

Configure session security headers

7

Set up session monitoring and alerts

8

Test session timeout functionality

9

Document session policies for users

10

Regularly review session logs for anomalies

4

Setting Up Data Encryption

Ensure all sensitive data is properly encrypted in transit and at rest.

1

Go to Settings > Security > Encryption

2

Verify SSL/TLS certificate configuration

3

Enable database encryption for sensitive fields

4

Configure file upload encryption settings

5

Set up API encryption for data transmission

6

Configure backup encryption settings

7

Test encryption on sample data

8

Verify encryption key management

9

Document encryption policies and procedures

10

Regularly audit encryption implementation

5

Configuring Audit Logging

Set up comprehensive audit trails to track system activities and user actions.

1

Navigate to Settings > Security > Audit Logs

2

Enable audit logging for all critical operations

3

Configure log retention periods (minimum 1 year)

4

Set up log monitoring and alerting

5

Configure log export and backup procedures

6

Set up automated log analysis tools

7

Define log access permissions for administrators

8

Test audit log functionality

9

Document audit log procedures

10

Regularly review audit logs for security events

6

Managing Data Backup and Recovery

Implement secure backup procedures to protect against data loss.

1

Go to Settings > Backup and Recovery

2

Configure automated backup schedules

3

Set up encrypted backup storage locations

4

Configure backup retention policies

5

Set up backup verification procedures

6

Test data restoration processes

7

Document backup and recovery procedures

8

Train staff on backup management

9

Regularly test disaster recovery scenarios

10

Monitor backup success rates and storage usage

7

Implementing Privacy Controls

Configure privacy settings to comply with data protection regulations.

1

Navigate to Settings > Privacy

2

Configure data anonymization settings

3

Set up consent management for data collection

4

Configure data retention policies

5

Set up data subject access request procedures

6

Configure privacy notice and cookie policies

7

Set up data export and deletion tools

8

Test privacy control functionality

9

Document privacy policies and procedures

10

Regularly review privacy compliance status

8

Setting Up Security Monitoring

Implement security monitoring and alerting to detect potential threats.

1

Go to Settings > Security > Monitoring

2

Configure security event monitoring

3

Set up alert thresholds and notifications

4

Configure intrusion detection settings

5

Set up failed login attempt monitoring

6

Configure suspicious activity alerts

7

Set up security dashboard and reporting

8

Test monitoring and alerting systems

9

Document incident response procedures

10

Regularly review security monitoring effectiveness

Detailed Guide

Security & Privacy Overview

Academix implements comprehensive security and privacy measures to protect sensitive educational data and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. The system provides role-based access control, data encryption, audit trails, and privacy protection features to safeguard student and staff information.

Role-Based Access Control

The system implements granular role-based access control (RBAC) that defines what each user type can access and modify. Administrators have full system access, teachers can manage their classes and students, students can view their own information, and parents can access their children's data. Each role has specific permissions and restrictions.

User Authentication

Secure user authentication with password policies, optional two-factor authentication (2FA), session management, and account lockout protection. The system enforces strong password requirements, provides secure login mechanisms, and supports multiple authentication methods for enhanced security.

Data Encryption

All sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest using industry-standard encryption protocols. Database records, file uploads, and communications are protected with strong encryption to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Audit Trails and Logging

Comprehensive audit trails track all system activities, user actions, and data modifications. The system logs user logins, data changes, access attempts, and administrative actions for security monitoring and compliance purposes. Audit logs are retained according to policy requirements.

Privacy Protection

Privacy protection features include data anonymization, consent management, data retention policies, and privacy controls. The system supports compliance with privacy regulations such as GDPR, FERPA, and other educational data protection requirements.

Session Management

Secure session management with configurable session timeouts, automatic logout on inactivity, and session invalidation on security events. Users are automatically logged out after periods of inactivity, and sessions can be terminated remotely if security concerns arise.

Data Backup and Recovery

Regular automated backups with encryption and secure storage. The system maintains multiple backup copies in secure locations, implements disaster recovery procedures, and provides data restoration capabilities to ensure business continuity and data protection.

Regulatory Compliance

The system is designed to comply with educational data protection regulations including FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), and other applicable privacy laws. Compliance features include data subject rights, consent management, and privacy impact assessments.

Security Incident Response

Procedures and tools for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security incidents. The system includes security monitoring, alert mechanisms, incident reporting, and response procedures to address potential security threats and data breaches.

Security Best Practices

Regular security updates, user training, access reviews, and security assessments. Implement strong password policies, enable two-factor authentication, regularly review user access, conduct security audits, and maintain up-to-date security configurations.