Explain All: Does Lockdown Browser Record Your Screen?

LockDown Browser is widely adopted in the educational sector for playing a role of a digital barrier in online testing. Since it's introduced in 2000, the custom browser remains a popular choice.

Quite powerful. When LockDown Browser is activated, all other software will be forced to close. The application excels in securing testing environment with robust anti-cheat mechanisms, for example, browser access restrictions, shortcut blocking, and printing and screen capturing restrictions.

And one functionality - screen recording remains a top user inquiry. Does Lockdown Browser record screen?

If you're curious about this feature, whether for privacy concerns or usage intentions, this definitive guide covers it all.

Does Lockdown Browser Record Your Screen?

Yes. A screen recording feature is seamlessly integrated into the application, which is primarily aimed at maintaining exam integrity and preventing cheating. However, LockDown Browser itself does not record your screen by default.

And the screen recording feature is enabled only when:

1) Instructors have set it up.

2) The Learning Management System (LMS) uses both LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor for exams.

3) Students have clicked the recording button, usually ”Start Recording.“

How Screen Recording Works in LockDown Browser and How to Use?

Screen recording in LockDown Browser is not a standalone feature but is available when used in conjunction with Respondus Monitor. 

This means that for screen recording to occur, both tools must be used together, and the instructor must specifically enable the screen recording option for the exam.

How Screen Recording Works?

1. Instructor Setup: Instructors enable the screen recording option on a per-exam basis from the LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor Dashboard by selecting the "Webcam & Screen" option.

2. Student Notification: Students are notified before the exam starts, for example via the pre exam instructions or during a webcam check. If screen recording is enabled, they will see a recording icon on their screen.

Where Can You Find It?

For Instructors: they can enable screen recording within their Learning Management System (LMS).

Example in Canvas:

• Course Navigation > Quizzes
• LockDown Browser link at the top
• Quiz Name > Settings
• LockDown Browser Settings > Require Respondus LockDown Browser
• Proctoring > Require Respondus Monitor > Webcam + Screen
• Save + Close

For Students:

• Download and install the latest version of LockDown Browser.
• Log in to your LMS and locate the exam.
• Follow the on-screen instructions for the webcam check and any additional setup steps required by the instructor.

How to Know If Screen Recording Is Active?

As a student, you can follow these steps.

1) Webcam Check: Before the test, you'll do a webcam check. This means recording will happen.

2) Recording Icon: During the test, a recording icon will show on your screen (usually top right).

3) You'll Know: Students are informed about the recording during the setup process, ensuring they are aware that their activities are being monitored.

What Can Teachers See on a Lockdown Browser?

When using LockDown Browser alone, teachers cannot see what students are doing on their screens in real-time. LockDown Browser restricts students' access to unauthorized resources during exams but does not provide live monitoring or screen recording by itself.

However, when Respondus Monitor is used, teachers can review recorded sessions after the exam. These recordings include:

Webcam Video: Captures the student's face and surroundings.

• Webcam Video: Captures the student's face and surroundings.
• Audio: Records any sounds that might indicate cheating.
• Screen Recording: If enabled, captures the student's screen activity during the exam.

Teachers can review these recordings to check for suspicious behavior or to verify exam integrity. The recordings are available for review after the exam is completed, not in real-time.

Any past Data Breaches at Lockdown Browser?

There are no specific historical data breach records directly related to Respondus LockDown Browser.

However, concerns about data security and privacy have been raised due to continuous monitoring during the exam.

Screen recording can capture personal environments, potentially invading privacy, especially when exams are taken at home. Students may feel uneasy about being monitored in their personal space.

There are concerns about how securely recorded data is stored and who has access to it. This includes risks of unauthorized access or data leaks.