LearningCart: A Security-by-Design Platform

Updated Nov 21, 2025

Why Your Learning Management System Security Matters More Than You Think

Cybersecurity has become both broad and ambiguous. With attacks growing increasingly sophisticated, protecting data is more complex than ever. At LearningCart, we view security and data privacy not as a one-time checklist, but as a continuous process: regularly assessing what could happen, how it could happen, and how to prevent it.

Since our inception in 2011, we’re proud to report that we have zero incidents of fraud on our systems. That record is no accident. It’s the result of building a secure learning management system by design.

Since our inception in 2011, we’re proud to report that we have zero incidents of fraud on our systems.

Proven by Independent Validation

As part of our regular practices, LearningCart undergoes an extensive yearly PCI SAQ D compliance review with a 3rd-party Qualified Security Assessor (QSA). The review spans everything from firewall rules to data backups, operational policies, required scanning, and penetration testing.

Think of it as hiring a team of expert thieves to try and break into your house. That’s what penetration testing is like for our platform. The results? Exactly what we expected. Analysts told us our system is on par with what they typically see in the banking industry.

What a PCI Compliant LMS Looks Like in Practice

• Proprietary, not patchwork. Unlike open-source systems cobbled together with unknown plugins, LearningCart was built from the ground up using proven, secure technologies.
• Certified & trusted partners. We are a certified Authorize.Net developer and TouchNet partner. We integrate securely with gateways including Stripe, PayPal, BrainTree, CyberSource, Worldpay, PaySimple, Mercado, FIS, and TELR.
• Physically and digitally secure. Our servers run in video-monitored, 24/7 staffed AWS data centers that meet global standards like SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, ISO 27001, 27017, and 27018.
• Managed detection & response. Through our partnership with Alert Logic, we leverage industry-leading MDR and WAF solutions.
• Data privacy first. Whether it’s data privacy in eLearning or broader user information, LearningCart is designed to be a GDPR-compliant LMS, giving customers all the tools they need to operate in compliance.

CTA: Explore how shifting laws like GDPR reshape technology strategy for today’s CTOs.

Security Meets Flexibility

Security is only as strong as its weakest link, which is why we give our clients tools to enforce strong practices:

• Configurable password requirements and update intervals.
• Advanced admin permissions to limit access on a need-to-know basis.
• Continual platform updates so every system layer remains up-to-date and secure.

And because compliance often requires segmenting audiences and data, many organizations use LearningCart Sub Portals also known as sub-sites to manage multiple customer or regional sites from a single, secure platform. Each Sub Portal can operate with its own payment gateway, certificates, or configurations, without compromising core security.

Monitoring & Testing: Security Without Endpoints

Ongoing data security requires vigilance from all angles:

• Physical Security: AWS hosting with world-class access controls.
• Application Security: Real-time monitoring via Alert Logic’s operations center.
• Operational Security: Industry-standard policies and annual compliance training for every team member.
• Validation: Independent quarterly scans by PCI-approved vendors plus external penetration testing.

From network security to operational policies, from backup protocols to hiring practices, LearningCart is fully encompassed by a commitment to keeping your training, data, and eCommerce secure.

FAQ

Why does PCI compliance matter for an LMS?
PCI compliance ensures that credit card transactions processed through your LMS meet strict global security standards, protecting both your organization and learners from fraud.

What other data security standards are relevant to consider when choosing an LMS?
Beyond basic encryption and access controls, reputable LMS providers should demonstrate compliance with internationally recognized security frameworks. Standards such as SOC 2 Type II and ISO/IEC 27001 confirm that a vendor has implemented and maintained rigorous controls for protecting sensitive information over time.

In addition, LMS platforms should follow best practices like encryption of data in transit and at rest, role-based access controls (RBAC) to minimize risk, incident response planning, and regular third-party security audits or penetration testing.

For organizations operating in regulated industries, it’s also critical that an LMS supports regional and industry-specific laws:

• GDPR for data privacy rights in the EU (and for any organization serving EU users).
• FERPA for safeguarding student education records in U.S. schools.
• HIPAA for healthcare organizations handling Protected Health Information (PHI).

At LearningCart, our platform is designed to meet these standards by default — combining enterprise-grade security certifications with compliance tools that help organizations stay ahead of evolving privacy and data protection requirements.

What security measures does a good LMS take for user endpoint devices?
A secure LMS recognizes that laptops, tablets, and mobile phones are often the weakest link in data protection. To safeguard learners and administrators, the platform should:

• Enforce strong authentication such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and configurable password policies to prevent unauthorized logins from lost or shared devices.
• Use TLS/HTTPS encryption so that any data transmitted between the device and the LMS remains private, even on public Wi-Fi.
• Apply role-based access controls (RBAC) so users only see the data they need, minimizing exposure if a device is compromised.
• Limit session persistence with automatic timeouts or forced re-authentication on idle devices.
• Support mobile-responsive, browser-based access to reduce the risks of insecure local app storage.
• Log and monitor device activity, alerting administrators if unusual access patterns suggest a compromised endpoint.

At LearningCart, these safeguards are built into the platform — from MFA and configurable admin permissions to continual monitoring and compliance with global standards — ensuring that data privacy in eLearning extends all the way to the learner’s device.

Can LearningCart support multiple audiences securely?
Yes. With sub portals (sub-sites), organizations can create unique training sites for different customers, currency needs, regions, or demographics, all backed by the same enterprise-grade security.