Preventing Cyber Threats In Online Proctored Exams

Taking exams online has changed the dynamics of the education sector by 180 degrees. Now, not only do aspirational students have the opportunity to get into a school or college of their choice but they can also take tests remotely if they are unable to reach the in-person center. While these are some of the major pros, they also come with cons like cyber threats – especially since they are rarely monitored by a human invigilator. Automated online proctoring is a great way to minimize the risk of each candidate from being susceptible to any online risk. Given below are some key factors that influence cyber security in online proctored exams, and something that AI based proctoring can help tackle: 

1. Data Privacy and Security 
   With the internet, it has become easy for hackers to access data on people’s systems without them having even the slightest clue. However, when a student makes use of an automated proctoring solution for online exams, it comes with built in features that help maximize data privacy and security. This is because they are designed with a cutting-edge mechanism that prevents any malware attack.
    
2. Identity Impersonation 
   Unlike while giving in-person exams where a human invigilator can personally verify each candidate’s identity, it is relatively easy to impersonate someone while taking an online test. However, with AI auto proctoring and its state-of-the-art features like video and audio recordings of students, biometric authentication and facial identification, identity impersonation becomes an increasingly difficult task for candidates.
    
3. Cheating Tools 
   A candidate may make a lot of effort to get his or her desired score in exams – even if it calls for using unfair means. Whether it is swapping browsers to take a quick sneak peek or using devices like a mobile on the side, people resort to multiple ways. This is why more and more schools and colleges are making use of automated online proctoring. It can block copy paste shortcuts, stream the live screen, and even sends AI generated warnings in case of any cheating. 

With the number of cyber security cases increasing, every automated proctoring solution for online exams had to implement measures to tackle them, such as: 

1. Browser Lock 
   Browser lock is an AI auto proctoring feature that prevents every candidate that is taking an exam from using an alternate browser window. It also restricts access to other websites; removes toolbar options such as back, forward, and refresh; prevents users from minimizing their screen; works simultaneously on multiple devices.
    
2. Robust Authentication 
   For starters, AI based proctoring ensures authentication with the help of biometrics – this includes photo id verification. In addition, every candidate’s screen is shared with video and audio recording so that human invigilators can cross verify that the right person is giving the exam.
    
3. Encrypted Communication 
   Keeping candidate data safe is imperative while they give online exams, and automated online proctoring provides them with end-to-end encryption – this includes teacher and test data. In addition, they do not take control of, or allow any third-party proctors to take control of any student’s system. 

As you have read, online proctoring tools provide candidates with solutions to each cyber security threat. However, in a market inundated with such new tools on a regular basis, it is essential to choose the right one. But, which? 

uLearn – A Vigilant and Non-Intrusive Online Proctoring Tool 

uLearn is a pioneer in the online proctoring sphere – and has been for quite a few years. It is a secure and non-invasive tool that lets students take exams with ease by preventing the use of unfair means while keeping educators happy by being cost-effective. It offers secure and cheat-proof tests, gives AI based automated warnings, integrates easily with an LMS, and enhances hybrid learning. To know more about how we can help prevent cyber threats in online exams, send us an email on info@ulearn.io or call us on +91 22 6198 7676 if you would like to talk to someone in person. Let us make educational institutes cyber threat free!