Security concern for Moodle over WebCT

Security concern for Moodle over WebCT

by B. Gültekin Çetiner -
Number of replies: 3

Hi,

I started using moodle this term for my courses. After talking to the dean of our faculty, I have learnt that they are paying a lot of money for WebCT which is being used only for 15 to 20 courses. He said that WebCT was decided due to security concern of moodle. I do not know if this is the right place for this but I really wonder if there is detailed comparison, or experience regarding security issues of both systems.

Thanks very much

Gultekin Cetiner

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In reply to B. Gültekin Çetiner

Re: Security concern for Moodle over WebCT

by Bill Burgos -
Hi Gultekin,

First of all, no program/platform is totally secure. Security experts usually say that security is a process, not a solution. That being said, how developers deal with security issues is what should matter in deciding a choice of platforms.

In closed source projects (WebCT and others), security issues may or may not be dealt with depending on the bottom line (financial concerns), reputation, and other reasons that might not have to do with the security of the program. As outside programmers are not able to check or confirm the programs for problems, security holes may not be known for some time to the general public or client.

Generally, in open source projects (Moodle, etc.), security issues are discovered more quickly and fixes are released when they are made and tested usually in a very short time.

Reading the changelog for Moodle will give you an idea of when and what was done regarding security:

http://moodle.org/doc/?file=release.html

I am not sure that this answers your question, but I hope that it helps.

Bill
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In reply to B. Gültekin Çetiner

Re: Security concern for Moodle over WebCT

by Mark Stevens -
Gultekin,

Bill is spot on with his post.

Keep in mind that WebCT is now owned by Blackboard. Here are some links to two popular security sites:
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid
http://secunia.com/ You can find a history of issues there. Moodle has been very upfront and responsive to security concerns (http://security.moodle.org).
In reply to Mark Stevens

Re: Security concern for Moodle over WebCT

by B. Gültekin Çetiner -

Thanks a lot for both replies. I found them informative. I will go through the links.

Gultekin

Average of ratings: Useful (1)