Securing Web-Based Exams

Olivier Sessink (Wageningen University, Netherlands)

Rik Beeftink (Wageningen University, Netherlands)

Johannes Tramper (Wageningen University, Netherlands)

Rob Hartog (Wageningen University, Netherlands)

Abstract: Learning management systems may offer web-based exam facilities. Such facilities entail a higher risk to exams fraud than traditional paper-based exams. The article discusses security issues with web-based exams, and proposes precautionary measures to reduce the risks. A security model is presented that distinguishes supervision support, software restrictions, and network restrictions. Solutions to security problems are tools to supervise and monitor web-based exams, measures for exam computers with Windows and Linux, and secure network setups in common network architectures. The article intends to raise risk awareness among faculty in higher education, and to help technical staff to implement precautions.

Keywords: assessment, fraud prevention, security, supervision, web-based exam

Categories: K.3.0, K.3.1