Multiple connections to quiz using same credential with lockdown browser

Hi,

Since the pandemic, I’ve been administering exams via Canvas quizzes with LockDown Browser. Students bring their laptops to class, launch LockDown Browser, and complete the quiz on Canvas. So far, this has worked smoothly, but I’ve been wondering about a potential loophole:

Could a student provide their credentials to someone else, who then takes and submits the exam remotely while the student merely appears to be taking it in class (without actually submitting anything)?

Specifically:

Is it technically possible for LockDown Browser to allow logins from different IPs or locations simultaneously?
If so, are there any safeguards or settings I can enable to prevent this?

Thanks for any insights or recommendations!

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jeremyfw

Hi @adbouguen

Yes, it’s technically possible. LockDown Browser locks the student’s device (limits switching apps, copy/paste, etc.) but it doesn’t, by itself, stop the same Canvas username/password being used from another device or location. That means someone off-site could log in with the same credentials and submit a quiz while the “real” student appears to be taking it in class.

Possible safeguards or settings workarounds (although not bulletproof):
1) Restrict by IP / network if possible. If your institution can enforce access only from the school network or specific IP ranges during exam time, that prevents off-site logins. (This requires admin/IT support.)
2) Require an access code for the quiz (setup in quiz settings). Have students launch LockDown Browser, and access the quiz which will prompt them for the access code, provide the access code, and they take the quiz. You could change this access code for different classes or sections.
3) Add webcam-based proctoring (Respondus Monitor / Proctorio / Honorlock / Examity). These tools record or live-proctor and include identity checks and behavior analytics that flag suspicious activity (e.g., no face, multiple faces, or unusual off-screen behavior).

Cheers,
J

adbouguen

Thanks for your response. This is useful

jeremyfw

FYI - If you are using NEW QUIZZES, in the settings you can control those 3 things - access code, detect multiple sessions, filter IP addresses.

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