Is browser lockdown software worth the investment? Not as a standalone solution for remotely proctored exams. Locking the browser is a good first step in securing online exams because it can restrict access to some applications and prevents test takers from visiting other websites, taking screenshots, or using keyboard shortcuts like copy and paste. But it only controls what happens on the exam computer, so a test taker can still use a phone, take a photo of the screen, or look at notes nearby.
The main thing to remember as you compare proctoring solutions is that browser lockdown is a feature, not a complete proctoring solution.
If you’re investing in online proctoring, your platform should be able to prevent and detect different methods of cheating, involve human review when necessary, and remain cost-effective.
What is browser lockdown software and how does it work?
Browser lockdown software is a part of online proctoring platforms that restricts what a test taker can do on their computer during an exam. Locking the browser keeps the test taker inside the exam window, and depending on the vendor, a browser lock can:
- Restrict access to other tabs, windows, and other websites
- Prevent switching to most other applications
- Disable keyboard shortcuts like copy and paste
- Remove browser menus and toolbar options
- Keep the exam open and in full-screen until the test taker submits it
What are the limitations of browser lockdown software?
The main limitation of browser lockdown software is that it only restricts activity on the exam computer and cannot monitor the surrounding testing environment. Some hidden AI assistants, which work like transparent chatbot teleprompters that display answers on the screen in real time and are specifically designed to avoid detection, can also bypass browser restrictions.
Without additional proctoring features, test takers may still be able to:
- Look up answers on a phone, smartwatch, or other device
- Use hidden AI assistants on their main device or AI tools on another device
- Ask someone nearby or a voice assistant for answers
- Use notes, books, or other unauthorized resources
- Take photos or video recordings of exam questions and share them with others
- Have someone else complete the assessment for them
These limitations are especially relevant for remotely proctored exams, where no one is physically present to monitor the test taker.
Does browser lockdown software include webcam monitoring?
Browser lockdown software does not inherently include webcam monitoring because the two technologies perform different functions. Browser lockdown restricts computer activity, while webcam monitoring records test takers and helps detect suspicious behavior in their testing environment. Some proctoring platforms combine both capabilities.
What are the pros and cons of browser lockdown software?
Pros
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Restricts access to websites & some applications
Prevents the use of other browsers & applications during the exam
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Disables keyboard shortcuts
Test takers can't cut, copy, paste, or take screenshots
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Removes toolbar & menu items
Test takers can't go backward or forward or refresh the page
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Blocks display options
Test takers can't minimize the browser screen or exit before submitting the assessment
Cons
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No webcam to monitor & record behavior
No video means test takers can use prohibited resources or even have someone take it for them
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Cannot detect cell phone use
Test takers can use their cell phones and other devices to look up answers
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No voice & sound detection
Test takers can ask a friend for help (or Siri & Alexa)
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No ID verification
Without a webcam, ID verification isn't possible, which means someone else could take the exam
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Can't find leaked test questions
Browser lockdown software can’t stop exam questions from being copied and posted online or photographed
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No human review
AI software has many benefits, but it needs human review to be truly effective, accurate, and fully utilized
What’s a better way to proctor online exams?
A better approach to online exam proctoring is to use a hybrid solution, sometimes called blended proctoring, that combines AI monitoring with live proctor review. This approach comprehensively prevents cheating without compromising the testing experience.
What are the benefits of combining AI monitoring with live proctor review?
Combining AI monitoring with live proctor review improves the entire testing experience by giving everyone more flexibility in when, where, and how exams are proctored while reducing distractions for test takers and the amount of review exam administrators have to do afterward. The AI monitors exams and flags suspicious behavior, and a live proctor reviews those flags in real time instead of watching the entire session.
This approach also provides the following benefits:
- Records behavior: The webcam records the exam session, and exam administrators receive timestamped recordings and reports afterward so they can review what happened instead of relying on the flag alone.
- Verifies identity: Before the exam starts, the webcam captures a photo of the test taker along with their photo ID to confirm who is taking the exam.
- Flexibility for everyone: Test takers take the exam when they’re ready and from wherever they are, and exam administrators choose how each exam is proctored rather than settling for one setup for every exam.
- Reduces test anxiety: No one is staring at the test taker the whole time, and a proctor steps in only if potential misconduct is detected, not every time someone coughs or glances away from the screen.
- Faster review: A proctor has already reviewed each flag, so administrators see only the flags that need a decision instead of sorting through a pile of unimportant ones.
Honorlock does all of this and more
Honorlock’s proctoring combines AI monitoring with human review. The AI monitors each exam session and flags potential misconduct, and a trained proctor reviews each flag in real time. If the proctor confirms misconduct, they can pop into the session via chat to address it. If not, the test taker is never interrupted.
After the exam, the exam administrator receives a recording with every flag timestamped, so they can see what happened and decide how to handle it.
Additional Honorlock proctoring features and benefits
- Block AI tools: Prevents the use of AI chatbots, browser extensions, and “invisible” assistants, as well as proxy remote access software and other platforms.
- Proctor exams in different formats: With flexible proctoring settings, proctor notes, and accommodations, Honorlock can secure traditional exams with multiple-choice or true-or-false questions, essays and written assignments, math problems, open book exams, and hands-on assessments within in software such as Excel, nursing charting systems, or coding environments.
- Detect cell phones and other devices: Flags visible cell phones and other handheld devices, such as calculators, unless the exam admin has selected settings that permit calculators for that assessment.
- Monitor behavior from all angles: The device’s webcam and an optional second camera can be used to monitor behavior throughout the exam, and provide test administrators with timestamped recordings and reports afterward.
- Provide 24/7 flexibility: Proctored exams can be taken 24/7/365 with no scheduling required. Live, multilingual support is available within seconds.
- Protect exam questions and content: Search & Destroy technology searches the internet to identify leaked exam questions. If leaked exam content is found, test administrators are given simple steps to take control of their exams’ integrity by sending content takedown requests in one click and updating exam content.
- Detect voices, not just sounds: Smart voice detection software won’t create endless flags for test takers coughing or talking to themselves during an exam.
- Customize exams in a few clicks: Exam administrators create the exam in the LMS, then choose which proctoring features to turn on or off. They can also add instructions for each exam or for specific test takers.
Honorlock is scalable for any program size and platform
Honorlock offers pricing structures for higher education institutions, corporations, and credentialing organizations, with no variable charges or surprise add-on fees. Every plan includes the full proctoring platform, implementation, training, 24/7/365 live support, and a dedicated Customer Success Manager.
Honorlock integrates directly with LMSs such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Docebo, Cornerstone OnDemand, D2L Brightspace, Open LMS, and Intellum, as well as third-party testing platforms such as MyMathLab, ALEKS, Pearson, and McGraw Hill.
Organizations with exams outside the LMS can use a custom integration or a no-code option to proctor them with Honorlock.
Proctoring is only worth the money if it stops people from cheating. So, instead of buying a tool that only checks a box, invest in a solution that protects your exams from AI and every other way test takers cheat today without making the experience harder for the people taking them.
Save the browser lockdown pros and cons checklist as you evaluate technologies to secure your online exams.
