Honorlock Application

The Honorlock Application (v2.0) establishes a secure Chrome session by relaunching the test taker’s browser in a protected state. This process disables native AI features and monitors the desktop to block any unauthorized external applications. At the same time, it maintains the flexibility to allow specific tools necessary for the exam.

Organization Enablement:

The feature must be enabled for the organization by the CSM.

Exam Configuration

A new, dedicated section has been added to the Proctoring Settings Page to highlight this feature and to better explain its functionality.
Exam Administrators/Instructors must enable the feature toggle
Exam Administrators/Instructors can whitelist specific apps (e.g., Excel, Tableau) for the exam, if needed.

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.
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Use this guide to understand the 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 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 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.

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 ON BrowserGuardTM in the exam proctoring settings.

Note: BrowserGuardTM and the Honorlock Applications are fully compatible. BrowserGuard protects the web by preventing tab openings and navigation, while the App secures the desktop by preventing program openings.

Post Exam Review

Blocked Apps are logged as High Flags in the Session Viewer.

Ensure A Smooth Test Taker Experience Using the Honorlock Application

The Honorlock Application works in tandem with the Honorlock Chrome Extension. In Version 2.0, the application is now the first step in the exam entry process, establishing a secure environment before authentication begins.

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.”

Notes:

Admin Privileges: The application requires administrator privileges to install. This may pose a challenge for test takers using locked-down computers managed by their institution or company.
Custom Block Requests: Exam administrators cannot add applications to the block list themselves. However, they can request that a new application be blocked by contacting their CSM. These requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Getting out of the “Secure Chrome” version: Simply exit out of the Secure Chrome browser and re-launch Chrome. This will revert Chrome back to its original state.
Forced Update: Following this update, all test takers must update their Desktop Application to v2.0. All previous versions of the App will not work.
Chrome Browser Only: By nature of relaunching Chrome in a secure state, using the Desktop App is not compatible with non-Chrome browsers, including Edge.