The rapid expansion of e-learning has transformed education by providing global access and flexibility, yet it has also raised critical concerns regarding trust, privacy, and protection. As platforms increasingly rely on cloud infrastructures, mobile connectivity, and AI-driven personalization, sensitive learner data and academic content become vulnerable to breaches, cyberattacks, and unethical use. This paper examines the network security challenges confronting modern e-learning systems, analysing both technical vulnerabilities and socio-educational implications. Key issues identified include weak authentication protocols, insecure communication channels, and limited compliance with data protection regulations. Beyond technical threats, breaches of trust—such as unauthorized surveillance or misuse of learning analytics—erode learner autonomy and institutional credibility. The analysis highlights that safeguarding e-learning ecosystems requires not only robust technical defences but also ethical governance and digital literacy among stakeholders. To address these challenges, the paper proposes a layered framework integrating encryption, zero-trust architectures, proactive monitoring, and adaptive defence mechanisms. By situating network security within both technological and educational contexts, the study argues that fostering resilience and equity in digital learning demands coordinated strategies across policy, pedagogy, and infrastructure.