Learn What Lockdown Browser Records During Tests

What Lockdown Browser Is and How It Works

Lockdown Browser is a specialized web browser created by Respondus, a company that develops testing software. Schools and universities use this browser when they want to give tests online while preventing cheating. The software restricts what students can do on their computers during an exam. Instead of a regular browser like Chrome or Firefox, students must use Lockdown Browser to access their test.

The browser was first released in 2008 and has been used by thousands of educational institutions since then. It operates by taking control of your computer during the test period. When you open Lockdown Browser, your screen shows only the test itself. You cannot minimize the browser window, open other programs, or switch to different tabs. This creates what educators call a "locked down" testing environment.

Lockdown Browser runs on both Windows and Mac computers. Schools distribute the software to students, usually through their learning management system like Canvas, Blackboard, or Brightspace. Once installed, the browser sits on your computer until you need to take a test. When your instructor launches a test through Lockdown Browser, the software takes over your computer's full screen. This prevents access to other applications, websites, or materials that might help with cheating.

The software is different from a typical web browser because it has built-in restrictions. A standard browser like Safari or Edge lets you do many things at once. You can have multiple tabs open, minimize windows, and switch between programs freely. Lockdown Browser prevents all of this. It monitors what you try to do and blocks actions that fall outside the testing rules.

Practical takeaway: Lockdown Browser is a controlled testing environment, not a standard web browser. Understanding its basic function helps you know what to expect when you take a test using this software. Make sure your computer meets the system requirements before test day, and test your setup in advance if possible.

Recording Capabilities and What Gets Captured

Lockdown Browser has the ability to record audio and video during tests, but this feature is controlled by your instructor or school. Not all tests using Lockdown Browser include recording. Your school decides whether recording will be turned on based on their testing policies and the specific course requirements. Recording can serve purposes like verifying student identity, detecting unusual behavior, or creating records for academic integrity investigations.

When recording is enabled, here is what the system typically captures:

• Video of your face and upper body using your computer's webcam
• Audio of sounds in your testing environment
• Your computer screen showing the test questions and your answers
• The date, time, and duration of your test session
• Your mouse movements and keyboard activity patterns
• Any attempts to leave the test or access restricted content

The recording begins when you start the test and continues until you submit your answers and exit Lockdown Browser. The system stores this recording on your school's servers or the testing company's servers. Your instructor may review the recording later, particularly if academic integrity concerns arise.

Recording technology can detect various behaviors during testing. The system may flag moments when your eyes look away from the screen repeatedly, when multiple faces appear on camera, when you appear to be reading from materials off-screen, or when you use devices like phones. However, detecting behavior is different from automatically determining guilt or cheating. These flags typically prompt human review by instructors or proctors rather than automatic penalties.

According to Respondus documentation, the recorded data includes biometric information like facial recognition points. This means the system creates a digital map of your face during the test. Schools use this to verify you are the person taking the test and to flag if someone else takes the exam in your place. However, facial recognition technology has documented accuracy issues, particularly for people with darker skin tones, so results from these systems should not be considered completely reliable.

Practical takeaway: Before taking a test with Lockdown Browser, ask your instructor whether recording will be enabled and what specific behaviors or situations might trigger review. Know that recording typically captures your face, audio, screen, and activity patterns. Understanding what gets recorded helps you prepare your testing environment appropriately.

The Data Collection Process During Testing

During a test session, Lockdown Browser collects detailed information about your computer activity and physical surroundings. This data collection happens continuously from the moment you start the test until you finish. The system operates in the background while you focus on answering questions, gathering information you may not realize is being recorded.

The browser collects keystroke patterns, which means it tracks how fast you type, how often you pause, and the rhythm of your typing. This data can be analyzed to create a "keystroke signature" unique to you. Schools might use this to verify your identity or to detect if someone else is typing answers. The browser also records every mouse movement and click. This includes how you navigate the test, how long you spend on each question, and whether you move your mouse in unusual patterns.

Lockdown Browser logs metadata about your system. This includes details such as your computer's operating system, browser version, internet speed, and any plugins or extensions installed. The system checks whether your internet connection is stable or drops periodically. Schools use this information to investigate complaints about technical issues during testing.

The software creates a detailed timeline of events during your test. This timeline records exactly when you opened the test, when you moved between questions, how long you spent on each section, and when you submitted your answers. It also logs any attempts to do restricted actions, such as trying to open another program, take a screenshot, or access the clipboard. Each blocked action creates a record.

Data collection also includes proctoring information if your school uses live proctoring alongside Lockdown Browser. A live proctor watches your camera feed in real-time and may record notes about your behavior. This creates a second set of records beyond what Lockdown Browser itself captures. Some schools combine automated recording from Lockdown Browser with live human monitoring for additional verification.

Practical takeaway: Lockdown Browser collects far more data than just your test answers. It tracks your typing patterns, mouse movements, system information, and a complete timeline of your testing session. This extensive data collection serves to verify your identity and detect unusual activity patterns. Review your school's testing policies to understand how this data may be used after your test.

How Schools and Instructors Access and Review Recordings

Your school typically stores test recordings on secure servers maintained by either Respondus or the school's own learning management system. Instructors can access recordings through a dashboard or reporting tool provided by these platforms. The process varies depending on your school's technology setup, but generally involves instructors logging into their account and viewing reports or recordings linked to specific tests or students.

Instructors often have filters and search tools to find recordings. They can search by student name, date, course, or test name. Many systems allow instructors to sort recordings by unusual activity flags. For example, a system might automatically flag a recording if it detected multiple faces, extended eye gaze away from the screen, or repeated attempts to access blocked actions. Instructors can then prioritize reviewing flagged recordings rather than watching every single test recording.

The review process typically works like this: An instructor opens a test recording and can watch it at normal speed or accelerated speed. The video shows your face and the test screen simultaneously. Audio plays alongside the video. The instructor can also see the detailed activity log showing every keystroke, mouse click, and attempted restricted action. This combination of video, audio, and activity data gives instructors a complete picture of what happened during your test.

Schools have different policies about how quickly instructors review recordings. Some schools review recordings randomly as quality control. Others review recordings only when a student reports a technical problem, when an instructor suspects academic dishonesty, or when the automated system flags concerning behavior. A few schools review every recording from every test, though this is less common because of time requirements. Your school's specific review practices depend on their resources and policies.

Recording access is typically restricted to authorized school personnel. Your instructor can usually view recordings of their own students' tests. Department chairs or academic integrity officers might have access to more recordings if they are investigating concerns. Students generally cannot access their own test recordings, though policies vary by school. Some schools provide students with copies of recordings if requested, while others do not share this information.

Practical takeaway: Your school stores test recordings and can review them through automated systems and instructor dashboards. Most recordings are not reviewed immediately or comprehensively. Instead, schools typically review