Lockdown Browser Cheating: How Digiexam Lockdown App Addresses Vulnerabilities

Online learning and remote exams have surged in recent years, bringing flexibility to education. However, this convenience comes with a cost: a spike in academic dishonesty. A recent study shows that roughly 25% of students admit to cheating in online exams, with self-reported cheating doubling during pandemic lockdowns. 

Students are constantly finding new and creative ways to exploit vulnerabilities in lockdown browsers during tests—forcing institutions to rethink their approach to exam security. This is where Digiexam comes in to make a difference. Here, we’ll take a closer look at lockdown browsers, uncover their common vulnerabilities, and explore how Digiexam’s Lockdown Browser App prevents cheating by effectively closing these security gaps. 

What Are Lockdown Browsers for Test-taking?

What Are The Hidden Vulnerabilities of Lockdown Browsers?

While lockdown browsers are meant to create a secure testing environment, many still contain vulnerabilities that tech-savvy students can exploit:

1. Using Secondary Devices

Many lockdown browsers only restrict activity on the test-taking device, but students can easily sidestep these restrictions by using external devices like smartphones or tablets. Messaging apps and online search tools allow for real-time collaboration, making external cheating undetectable with basic browser-based security.

How Digiexam solves it:

• Device detection: Identifies if students connect secondary screens or unauthorized peripherals.
• Identity verification: Ensures that only the authorized student is taking the exam.
• Screen recording & keystroke monitoring: Tracks suspicious behavior, such as frequent switching between screens or irregular typing patterns.
  
  

Result: Students are locked into a controlled environment, making external cheating nearly impossible.

2. Virtual Machines & Remote Access Hacks

The more digitally skilled students don’t need a second device—they create a virtual machine (VM) or use remote desktop software to bypass security altogether. This allows them to split their exam environment from their real system, granting full access to search engines, notes, or even outside assistance without detection.

How Digiexam solves it:

• Anti-virtual machine technology: Detects and blocks VM attempts immediately.
• Remote access prevention: Stops TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and other remote desktop tools from interfering.
• Dual OS protection: Prevents students from using multiple operating systems to bypass security.
  
  

Result: The exam runs in a fully secure environment, ensuring no hidden software can manipulate the test.

3. AI-Assisted Cheating & Hidden Bluetooth Devices

AI tools like ChatGPT make it easier than ever for students to generate answers without opening new tabs. Some even use hidden Bluetooth earpieces or speech-to-text tools to communicate with AI in real time.

How Digiexam solves it:

1. AI-powered behavior monitoring (when combined with proctoring) detects:
   
   
   • Unusual eye movements, indicating the student is looking at another device.
   • Multiple voices or background noise, suggesting external help.
   • Unexpected device activity, flagging potential cheating attempts.
     
     
2. Keystroke analysis: Tracks suspicious typing patterns that could indicate AI-generated responses.

Result: Cheating with AI or hidden devices becomes easily detectable, maintaining the credibility of online assessments.

4. Browser Workarounds & Developer Mode Exploits

Some students attempt to hack the browser itself, using developer tools, browser extensions, or incognito modes to bypass restrictions. Others modify the browser’s source code to disable security features.

How Digiexam solves it:

• Full system lockdown: Unlike regular lockdown browsers, Digiexam doesn’t just restrict web activity—it locks down the entire device.
• Prevents external application use: Blocks all other software, including PDF readers, calculators, and communication apps.
• Disables developer tools: Students cannot modify source code or use debugging tools to break restrictions.
  
  

Result: Browser-based exploits are completely neutralized, ensuring that only the exam screen is accessible.

5. Fake Internet Issues & Connectivity Loopholes

Some students fake internet issues to interrupt monitoring, buying extra time or claiming disconnection errors to justify suspicious behavior. Many lockdown browsers require continuous internet, making them vulnerable to this tactic.

How Digiexam solves it:

1. Offline exam mode: Unlike most proctoring tools, Digiexam Lockdown App can run exams offline. Even if the internet drops:
   
   
   • The exam remains fully functional without disruption.
   • All activity is logged and automatically uploaded once reconnected.
     
     
2. Connectivity tracking: Prevents students from manipulating network settings to escape monitoring.

Result: Students can’t use internet excuses to evade security—exams remain secure whether online or offline.

Why Institutions Trust Digiexam for Secure Online Exams

Universities and schools around the world rely on Digiexam to safeguard academic integrity. Here’s why educators and institutions trust Digiexam:

• Complete device lockdown: More than just a browser restriction; Digiexam secures the entire system, blocking unauthorized apps, external devices, and hidden exploits.
• Seamless student experience: Lightweight, easy to install, and designed for minimal technical friction, allowing students to focus on their exams without disruptions.
• Flexible security settings: Institutions can customize security protocols based on their needs, from strict lockdown conditions to more adaptive monitoring.
• Privacy & compliance: Fully GDPR-compliant, ensuring student data is protected while maintaining a fair and secure testing environment.
  
  

A Smarter Approach to Exam Security

Traditional lockdown browsers often require complex configurations and frustrating workarounds. Digiexam Lockdown changes the game with a lightweight, standalone module that integrates effortlessly with Canvas, Blackbaud, Google Docs, and other LMS platforms. With minimal setup, educators can focus on teaching instead of troubleshooting, while students benefit from a smooth, distraction-free test-taking experience.

Ready to Secure Your Online Exams?

As cheating tactics evolve, so must exam security solutions. Institutions can no longer rely on basic lockdown browsers that fail to address modern threats. Digiexam’s Lockdown App offers a superior solution to preventing cheating.