eBook
Why Locked Down Browsers
Fail the Security Test
& Why You Need Complete Device Control
www.examsoft.com
Key Takeaways
1. Browser-based exam 2. Using exam browsers for
security comes with limited testing can conflict with
security features and exam-takers’ device software
internet requirements that may impact performance
3. Digital assessment platforms 4. Added resources and other
that offer complete device security features can do
control can work offline for more to minimize academic
better exam security dishonesty
Introduction
Despite the range of viable education technology and computer-
based testing solutions available, academic dishonesty can still be
a problem for many programs.
When test providers learn more about exam security technology such as browser-based exam security,
often referred to as a locked down browser or exam browser, it can seem like a simple solution that
can effectively minimize the chances exam-takers have to cheat. However, using these forms of online
security for your programs can come with drawbacks.
2 | eBook
Three Common Problems of
Browser-Based Exam Security
1. Limited Security Features
Browser-based exam security (i.e. locked down browser) is online software that is limited in protecting
the integrity of exams. While exam-takers are prevented from performing certain actions like copying
or printing webpages or visiting other websites, there is nothing that prevents them from employing
tactics that effectively bypass the exam browser’s security measures altogether.
Using virtual machine software, or “VMware”, is just one of the many tactics in which the security of
locked down exam browsers can be compromised. Virtual machine software allows computers to run
multiple operating systems over a single physical host computer [1], which is what most exam browser
software is intended to prevent. This method can be made all the easier for exam-takers with websites
like YouTube and Reddit that can offer step-by-step instructions on how to bypass an exam locked
down browser’s security with VMware.
There are also documented instances of exam-takers typing a URL into a text-only answer box within
the exam locked down browser itself, that is then automatically hyperlinked. Exam-Takers are able to
click on the hyperlink to open a separate browser tab, opening another door for cheating [2].
Why Locked Down Browsers Fail the Security Test | 3
2. Internet Dependence
Exam browsers require a constant internet connection and are bandwidth intensive,
especially on exam day. When there are too many exam-takers online at the same time,
internet connections can be drastically slowed or dropped/interrupted completely.
If you lose your internet connection when taking an exam with browser-based exam security,
even if just for a moment due to satellite interference, bit-flip, solar flare, or simply a child
gaming in the other room, everything stops until the connection is re-established. Answers
may not be saved and exam-takers’ progress can be lost—which is a situation that can be
especially dire for essay-intensive exams. What’s more, losing an internet connection can
mean the exam cannot be completed within the scheduled time frame, creating a whole new
problem that is left for the instructor to sort out.
3. Conflicting Programs
Oftentimes exam browsers are designed to detect other programs installed on the computer
that could cause potential problems for the software. That’s one reason it’s recommended
that certain programs, especially programs that use Java or maintain a constant internet
connection like instant messengers, be closed before starting up the exam browser.
However, if a program is not properly closed, there is no feature in the browser that can force
it to close prior to the exam and thus it can cause the browser to stop responding. Similar to
losing the internet connection completely, this can cause a host of problems for both exam-
takers and test providers.
Additionally, an exam-taker’s computer may also create pop-up security windows that can
appear onscreen even if the exam browser is currently active. If this happens, the only solution
may be to restart the entire computer and address the pop-up security windows before
beginning the exam all over.
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Benefits of Using a Platform That
Maintains Complete Device Control
Exam-takers looking to “beat the system” may still find inventive ways to cheat with basic computer-
based testing solutions. That’s the reason it’s important to understand the key features of a digital
assessment platform and how automatically regulating exam-takers’ devices offers better exam security
than locking down a browser.
How Does Complete Device Control Provide Superior
Exam Security?
A digital assessment platform that completely controls an exam-taker’s device can operate completely
offline, without requiring a continuous internet connection. This means throughout an exam, the
assessment platform is able to block access to all internet, web browsers and search engines, disable
even basic computer functions and key commands, and prevent any programs from running in the
background while an exam is being taken. Additionally, with complete device control, a digital assessment
platform can also record all activity on the computer and activate the camera and microphone to record
all user behavior, enabling A.I. and human reviews to look for signs of academic dishonesty.
Why Locked Down Browsers Fail the Security Test | 5
ExamSoft is a digital assessment platform that offers
test providers the highest level of exam security with
complete device control within one, simple digital
assessment platform:
All programs are completely After starting an exam, No programs running in
disabled on a student’s every action is logged and the background, no taking
device during an exam, timestamped including screenshots of questions and
including internet browsers, text entries, time spent on answers, no screensavers
screensavers, and software questions, content deletions, with hidden notes
applications and back-and-forth navigation
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Additional Exam Security Features for a
More Controlled Testing Environment
Auto-Randomizing Questions and Answers
Educators and administrators should enjoy peace of mind knowing questions cannot be compromised
after exam-takers complete an assessment. The ability to auto-randomize both questions and answers,
for one or multiple exam variations, can make it significantly more difficult for exam-takers to copy
specific exam items for other exam-takers to use in the future.
Encrypted Exam Files
A digital assessment platform that controls devices should have the ability to automatically encrypt
exam files before and after an exam for added security. A platform that provides the most reliable
offline exam security feature will also automatically delete exam files from any device when exam-takers
finish an assessment.
Expanded Solutions
For the educators who know it’s always better to be safe than sorry, a digital assessment platform
that can integrate expanded product solutions, like student ID verification and remote proctoring/
invigilation capabilities, can add truly unmatched exam security and effectively prevent virtually all forms
of academic dishonesty.
Why Locked Down Browsers Fail the Security Test | 7
About Turnitin
Turnitin is a global company dedicated to ensuring the integrity of education and
meaningfully improving learning outcomes. For more than 20 years, Turnitin has
partnered with educational institutions to promote honesty, consistency, and fairness
across all subject areas and assessment types. Our products are used by educational
institutions and certification and licensing programs to uphold integrity and increase
learning performance, and by students and professionals to do their best, original work.
About ExamSoft
ExamSoft is the digital assessment platform that helps institutions achieve higher
levels of course, program, and student success. With an intuitive testing application,
ExamSoft makes it simple to create, administer, and grade exams, and generate detailed
performance reports from the results — all to provide educators with a complete and
accurate view of student learning.
www.examsoft.com
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