LockDown Browser

LockDown Browser by Respondus is a specialized secure web browser designed to protect the integrity of online assessments in educational environments. Widely adopted by over 2,000 higher education institutions, it has become a standard tool for ensuring that digital exams are conducted in a controlled, cheat-resistant environment. Its primary function is to “lock down” the student’s computer during an assessment, restricting access to other applications, websites, and system functions that could be exploited to gain an unfair advantage or compromise exam content. When a student launches an exam that requires LockDown Browser, the software immediately displays the assessment in full-screen mode, preventing the window from being minimized or resized. All browser menu and toolbar options are removed, except for essential navigation controls like Back, Forward, Refresh, and Stop. The browser disables printing, screen capture, and the ability to copy or paste content to or from the assessment. Common keyboard shortcuts, right-click menus, and function keys are also turned off, eliminating many of the most common avenues for digital cheating. Task switching is blocked, and students cannot access messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machines, or remote desktop applications while the exam is in progress. A critical feature of LockDown Browser is its ability to prevent students from exiting the assessment before submission. Once the exam begins, the student is “locked in” until they finish and submit their answers for grading. If an assessment is set up to require LockDown Browser, it cannot be accessed with any other browser, ensuring that the security protocols are always enforced. This is particularly important for high-stakes testing, where exam integrity is paramount. LockDown Browser integrates seamlessly with major learning management systems (LMS), such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and others. Instructors can easily enable the browser for specific quizzes or exams within their LMS, and students are prompted to download and install the application if they haven’t already. The software is compatible with Windows, Mac, Chromebooks, and iPads (with some limitations), but it is not supported on Linux or in virtual machine environments. The platform’s compatibility and integration features make it a scalable solution for institutions of varying sizes and technical infrastructures. For institutions seeking additional layers of exam security, LockDown Browser can be paired with Respondus Monitor, an automated proctoring solution that uses webcam technology to record students during non-proctored exams. This combination allows for both digital lockdown and video monitoring, providing a comprehensive approach to online exam integrity. Respondus Monitor can capture video, audio, and screen activity, generating reports that instructors can review for potential violations. However, LockDown Browser itself does not record video or audio, nor does it verify the identity of the test-taker. These functions are only available when used in conjunction with proctoring tools like Respondus Monitor.

LockDown Browser's strong approach to protecting the online testing environment is the main factor contributing to its competitive advantage. LockDown Browser prevents access to illegal resources by enforcing a full-screen mode that cannot be minimized or quit until the exam is submitted, in contrast to ordinary browsers or simple lockdown solutions. In addition to blocking printing, screen capture, copy-paste, right-click, function keys, and keyboard shortcuts, it disables all browser menu and toolbar choices save for necessary navigation. Most importantly, it restricts students from switching between tasks and from using other programs, such as screen-sharing, virtual machines, messaging, and remote desktops, so they can't talk to others or consult outside resources while taking an exam. LockDown Browser integrates directly with leading learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle, allowing instructors to enable secure exams with minimal setup. This seamless integration means that institutions do not need to overhaul their existing workflows or invest in complex third-party solutions. Furthermore, the browser is compatible with Windows, Mac, Chromebooks, and iPads, accommodating a wide range of devices and deployment scenarios for both in-class and remote testing.

• Small Businesses (1-99)
• Mid Market (100-500)
• Enterprise (500+)