Online exams have many things to offer. Especially the level of flexibility and ease they add to the learning and assessment process is remarkable. Educators and students appreciate that they feel empowered to deliver their respective tasks. However, it does pose some serious risks as well. As the assessment or exam process removes the invigilators’ physical presence, things may become hard to manage. How to protect online proctored exams from internet threats? This is a question everyone is asking.
Let us discuss some significant factors affecting cyber security for online proctored exams.
• Data and System Risk
Some students are reluctant to trust online proctoring software, and their worry is not baseless. Anyone should question every software or application before giving access to their system. Especially in today’s time when malware attacks are on the rise, system protection should be a priority. Hence, it is vital to use and allow a proctoring solution that has a robust mechanism against malware and complies with all major security regulations.
• User Privacy
Bad players in the market are always seeking opportunities to steal user data and use it for their selfish benefits. In such a situation, students will feel apprehensive about granting access to outside software and applications to enter into their personal digital space. However, this reluctance does not help the process of online remote proctoring to carry out online exams. That is why institutes should only use proctoring partners with the utmost respect for user privacy and operate within the regulations like SOPIPA ( Student Online Personal Information Protection Act) and GDPR ( General Data Protection Regulation).
• Virtual Machines and Stealth App Detection
Cyber risks for an online exam include cyber threats from sneaky stealth Apps and virtual machines. The proctoring solutions must constantly up their game against these digital dangers to protect exam integrity. The best form of protection is prevention. Hence, online proctoring solutions should continuously evolve their technology to fight efficiently against these malicious applications that affect the credibility of exams.
Methods and tools to handle Cyber Security for Online Proctoring Solutions
• Access Control Devices and Methods
Exams with online proctoring solutions should have end-to-end security in place. The best use of access control devices is helpful to ensure the stakeholders’ identification, authentication, and authorization at various stages of the examination.
• AI and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning can be put to use for online proctoring by defining suspicious user behavior. Every problematic move and action during an examination process can be flagged efficiently and brought to the notice of the invigilators. This method is made possible through the online proctoring solution’s AI and machine learning capabilities.
• Biometrics
A critical and helpful method to invade the risk of imposters and related malpractices during exams is using biometric measures to authenticate the identity of the person taking the test. Facial recognition and, in some advanced cases, thumb impressions can be used.
• Regulatory Compliance
Online proctoring solutions must comply with all the essential regulations in major world regions. Such compliance assures the students that their data and information are safe during the online proctored exams.
• Video and audio monitoring
Video surveillance does make a significant difference. If the students know they are under monitoring, their assessment conduct will differ. Audio and video monitoring can reduce the risk of cyber misconduct to a great extent.
About Proctortrack and Its Contribution to Safeguard Online Exams
The world’s most advanced proctoring solution leverages automation and live proctoring using AI to deliver innovation, quality, and price leadership at scale.
“The number of students admitting to cheating has exponentially increased over the past five years, and cyber security risks are challenging. Our goal is to provide the right tools to institutions for conducting fair and secure in-classroom and remote exams. Proctortrack is the world’s most advanced and easiest in-classroom and remote proctoring solution that allows educational institutions to conduct online exams effortlessly without worrying over the risks of cheating and cyber security.” Rahul Siddharth, COO/Co-Founder of Verificient Technologies.
