Guarding the Digital Education Era: Unraveling the Data Security and Privacy Dilemmas in Educational Transformation

Background and Aim: The digital transformation of education has increased the use of technology in teaching, learning, and administration, raising concerns about the security and privacy of student data. As institutions rely more on digital platforms, addressing risks like data breaches and unauthorized access is crucial. This paper explores the challenges and solutions related to data security and privacy in education’s digital transformation. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, including case studies of institutions using e-learning and AI tools, surveys, in-depth interviews with administrators, IT professionals, and educators, and document analysis of data protection policies such as GDPR. Results: The findings reveal that despite progress in digital adoption, many institutions face challenges such as insufficient cybersecurity, lack of staff training, and limited resources, especially in underfunded settings. Compliance with data protection regulations is inconsistent, and concerns about AI and big data use in education persist, with many institutions lacking transparency in data practices. Conclusion: Data security and privacy protection must be prioritized in the digital transformation of education. Institutions should invest in cybersecurity, ensure legal compliance, and train staff. A comprehensive data governance framework is essential for safeguarding student privacy. Future research should focus on best practices for data protection and the long-term impacts of digital transformation on education.