Honorlock Application

The Honorlock Application is valuable for two distinct use cases:

• Use Case #1:  Blocking desktop applications before and during an exam, such as emerging, new, AI threats, like Cluely, that can bypass traditional security measures invisibly, screen recording applications, or remote access software.
  
  
• Use Case #2:  Permitting the use of specific applications during exams (such as Excel for accounting or Python for coding) when test takers need to use an application for their exam.

Notes: 

• The Honorlock Application (formerly known as “Allow Applications”) is enabled or disabled at the institution/organization level. Your Customer Success Manager manages this setting.

• Honorlock creates and manages the list of applications to block or allow. If an institution or organization wants to add an application to the block/allow list, they will request it through their Customer Success Manager, and Honorlock can add it to the list.

• Only applications included on the list will be blocked. Test takers can use unlisted applications during the exam without impediment.

   

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  Use this guide to understand the new Honorlock Application and ensure a smooth experience for your students or test takers.

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Use Case #1:  Block desktop applications before and during an exam.

Working alongside the Honorlock browser extension, the new Honorlock desktop application provides an extra layer of protection to guard against apps that run outside the browser to secure the exam environment more thoroughly. The Honorlock Application closes the gap between browser security and new, emerging AI threats, like Cluely,  that can bypass traditional security measures invisibly.

The new Honorlock Application: 

✔ Blocks AI & Cheating Tools: Prevents unauthorized desktop apps such as AI coding assistants (Cluely), chatbots, remote access software, and Discord.

✔ Prevents Content Theft: Blocks screen recording and screenshot apps to protect your exam questions. 

✔ Continuous Improvement: Honorlock manages and continually monitors the list of blocked applications to stay ahead of new threats. 

Why It Matters: Emerging, new AI threats, like Cluely, can bypass browser-only solutions. The Honorlock App helps maintain a fair testing environment across the browser and desktop.

To block all apps before and during an exam, enable the Honorlock application in your exam proctoring settings by selecting “Block/Allow Apps”: 

• This configuration will provide a fully locked-down experience, which prevents test takers from accessing new tabs, unauthorized extensions, or OS applications.

• When using this configuration, ensure that no Apps are set to "allowed".

Use Case #2:  Permit the use of specific applications during the exam.

Do you need test takers to use a desktop app during an exam?

If your exam requires test takers to use a tool like Excel, MATLAB, or Python, you can use the Honorlock Application to permit specific apps while maintaining exam security. 

✔ Turn ON Block/ Allow Apps and allow the app(s) you want your testers to use.

✔ Turn OFF BrowserGuardTM in the exam proctoring settings.

✔ To prevent web navigation, use the "Allowed Site URLs" feature and leave the list empty. This blocks browsing, while still permitting specific desktop apps.

Why? On macOS, BrowserGuard^TM may block these apps from launching properly, even when they’re allowed.

📢 This is temporary—a smoother experience is on the way. Soon, you’ll be able to use BrowserGuardTM and the Honorlock app together for this type of exam.  We’ll notify you as soon as the update is ready.

This configuration also enables instructors or exam administrators to "Allow" certain applications, like Excel, if the exam requires them.

For example, in this screenshot, the "Microsoft Access" application is allowed:

Ensure A Smooth Test Taker Experience Using the Honorlock Application

Faculty/ Exam Administrator Checklist: What You Need to Know

✔ Inform students/test takers they'll need to install the Honorlock desktop app when prompted during exam setup.

✔ Tell them it’s a one-time install that requires admin rights and can be uninstalled after the exam.

✔  Communicate early, consider adding this to your syllabus or exam instructions.

Suggested Note for Students/ Test Takers

To set expectations, we recommend adding the following note to your syllabus or exam announcements:

Sample Text: "For some exams, you will need to install the Honorlock Application. This one-time desktop app installation works with the Chrome extension to secure your exam. Administrator rights are required for installation. You can remove it after the exam.”

For more information for students or test takers, please visit and share: 

Honorlock App: Test Taker Experience