Search and Destroy FAQ

3 min. readlast update: 04.18.2024

What if an exam is used for more than one semester?  

Search & DestroyTM will re-run for questions after 30 days. If those same questions are used within 30 days they will show the same result as the last search. 

Does the name of the exam need to change to run Search & DestroyTM again the following semester?  

You do not need to change the exam's name. Search & DestroyTM will re-run when the exam is re-enabled for proctoring. 

Can exam questions be scanned through Search & DestroyTM before an exam is given?  

Yes. Search & DestroyTM is triggered once Honorlock is enabled for an exam. Please reference the specific guide for the LMS you are using (Canvas , Blackboard, Blackboard Ultra, Third Party Assessments).  

When Honorlock searches for questions from Search & DestroyTM are they looking for EXACT matches in language or key words?  

The search process is done using a verbatim search, meaning we are only searching for exact matches within the question text (answers are not searched). Images and variable equations are not included in our search. 

When questions are put through Search & DestroyTM and are found, are instructors or exam administrators told the exact sites the questions were found?  

Exam Administrators are able to see the exact sites we found the questions on through Search & DestroyTM in the Results function within Search & DestroyTM. Honorlock does not provide insight into whether or not the request has actually been taken down. Exam administrators are able to review the websites independently to see whether or not the content was removed. 

Can you share how Search & DestroyTM works so that if we added an FAQ to our site we could explain what it does and how it works for common questions and concerns over AI and bias?

The Search & DestroyTM functionality is automatically kicked off for a specific exam once the settings for the exam are saved. Honorlock’s unique technology automatically searches the internet for compromised exam questions in a few minutes. Search & DestroyTMresults appear for the instructor or exam administrator to review. In one simple click, Instructors or exam administrators can send a DMCA take-down request to the supported sites where S&D found “At-Risk” Questions. Users also have the option to select all questions in the at-risk bucket or only specific questions and send DMCA takedown requests for those selections.

If the exam administrator chooses to send a DMCA takedown request to one of Honorlock’s supported websites, they can do so with one click. Honorlock sends an email on behalf of the exam administrator. Once sent, exam administrators see the status update to 'takedown request sent.' 

 Note: Honorlock does not provide insight into whether or not the request has actually been taken down. Exam administrators are able to review the websites independently to see whether or not the content was removed.  

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