Backup of user data

LMS includes a feature that allows course backups to include user data (such as forum posts, glossary entries and so on). To do this LMS also includes the relevant user accounts as well, in order that data consistency can be maintained when the backup is restored on a different LMS site. Unfortunately, in the wrong hands, this feature can also cause a privacy leak and possible exploitation of the whole original site.

There is a capability to control the backup of user data lms/backup:userinfo, separate from the capability to backup courses. By default, this capability is allowed for the manager role only.

The security overview report contains a check for this and will report on any roles or users that have this capability enabled. Please make sure that you keep this capability only for people who really need it.

Please also note that even if you trust all those users shown, you should make sure they are using very strong passwords because those same capabilities become available to anyone who might crack their accounts.

Tip: Glossary and database activity entries can easily be moved to a different course using the export and import entries feature without needing to backup user data.