Security Journal

Documentation of LMS modules and security concepts applied during the portfolio hardening process

Overview

This security journal documents the specific learning management system (LMS) modules, frameworks, and security principles I referenced throughout the development and hardening of this portfolio. Each section represents a critical aspect of cybersecurity implementation in modern web applications.

Authentication & Authorization

LMS Module: Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Concepts Applied:

  • OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect protocols via Clerk authentication
  • Session-based authentication with secure token management
  • Role-based access control (RBAC) for admin dashboard protection
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) readiness

Implementation:

Integrated Clerk for production-grade authentication, implementing secure sign-in/sign-up flows with automatic session management and token-based authorization.

Middleware Firewall Configuration

LMS Module: Network Security & Defense in Depth

Concepts Applied:

  • Defense in depth strategy with layered security controls
  • Route-based access control and path matching
  • Automatic redirect mechanisms for unauthorized access
  • Zero-trust security model implementation

Implementation:

Created a middleware firewall that acts as the first line of defense, validating all incoming requests and enforcing authentication requirements before reaching application logic.

Database Security & ORM

LMS Module: Data Protection & Database Security

Concepts Applied:

  • SQL injection prevention through parameterized queries (Drizzle ORM)
  • Connection pooling for secure database access
  • Environment variable isolation for credentials
  • TLS/SSL encryption for data in transit (Neon Postgres)

Implementation:

Utilized Drizzle ORM with Neon Postgres, ensuring all database queries are type-safe and protected against injection attacks, with encrypted connections and proper credential management.

Secure Deployment Practices

LMS Module: Secure SDLC & DevSecOps

Concepts Applied:

  • Environment separation (development, preview, production)
  • Secrets management with environment variables
  • HTTPS/TLS enforcement via Vercel Edge Network
  • Git-based deployment with version control
  • Automated security headers and CORS policies

Implementation:

Deployed on Vercel with separate environment configurations, automatic HTTPS, and proper secrets management. Implemented .gitignore to prevent credential leakage.

Key Security Principles Applied

🔐 Least Privilege

Users only access what they need

🛡️ Defense in Depth

Multiple layers of security controls

🔒 Zero Trust

Verify every request explicitly

📝 Security by Design

Built-in from the start

Last Updated: November 19, 2025

This documentation reflects ongoing learning and implementation of cybersecurity best practices.