Cheating tactics have changed and developed drastically since the rise of digital exams and assessments.  Those wishing to pass a test by immoral means no longer have to rely on traditional methods of cheating, such as sneaking in notes or writing on hands — they can instead incorporate technological hacks into their skillset.

These new high-tech cheats include hacking exam software to artificially adjust exam results or read answers, compromising remote invigilation software to disrupt exams or prevent effective invigilation, and even launching DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks on exam platforms to prevent an exam from taking place.  Last year, a student at Klein Forest High School was accused of carrying out such an attack, with authorities alleging that he used his school-issued Chromebook to disrupt Texas’ STAAR testing programme.

The gradual digitalisation of education and online exams, accelerated by the pandemic, has led to a rise in exam hacking that will only continue as digital exams become the norm.  But what exactly are the implications of exam hacking?

The Ethical Implications

There are a number of serious implications when it comes to cheating in an exam, no matter how it’s done.  First among them is the impact on fairness and equity.  Cheating in an exam undermines the integrity of academic assessments and creates unfair advantages, devaluing the accomplishments of honest students.

On top of this, unchecked exam hacking and cheating can normalise unethical behaviour and set a precedent for future misconduct in professional settings.  Academic dishonesty can also negatively impact the perpetrator in ways they may not initially expect.  It can contribute to their anxiety, causing guilt and self-esteem issues if they obtain their credentials in a dishonest way — though this may not apply to everyone.

The long-term consequences of exam cheating can also be significant.  When a student cheats to obtain a qualification, they risk entering a role which they lack the necessary skills and knowledge to do well.  This can lead to significant workplace issues and, in severe cases, endanger others.  For example, if someone cheats on a health and safety exam in construction, they might be tasked with responsibilities they are unprepared to handle, potentially putting lives at risk.

Ultimately, the perpetrator of an exam hack is probably only thinking of the short-term win of passing their exam, and not the long term ethical and practical consequences of their actions.

The Legal Consequences

From school-level penalties, such as suspension and expulsion, to more severe criminal charges, the consequences for cheating in a test can be incredibly damaging and impact an individual’s ability to receive further work or education.

And breaking cybersecurity laws has its own set of legal consequences.  In 2021, a former student hacker was sentenced to 20 months in jail for hacking into a university exam system and selling exam answers to the tune of £20,000.  These actions not only damage the integrity of the educational system, but also carry severe criminal charges that can impact an individual’s future for years to come.

Data privacy laws should also be taken into account when it comes to an exam hack.  By hacking into school systems, candidates may expose student’s data and break GDPR laws.  This could result in the UK’s ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) issuing substantial fines, or even lead to imprisonment if they decide that there’s been reckless misuse of personal data.

Anti-Cheating Measures

Thankfully, there are measures institutions can put in place to prevent students from hacking their exams.  These include conducting thorough software testing and only using reputable platform providers, ensuring all assessment sites have secure Wi-Fi networks, and providing comprehensive cybersecurity training for all staff involved in managing the software.  Taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk of exam platforms being compromised.

Secure remote monitoring services, like our own V3 software, also go a long way to prevent students from cheating.  V3’s Multi-Mode Monitoring feature enables invigilators to view multiple angles of an exam candidate, as well as their screen, to ensure they are not looking at anything but their assessment.  V3 also prevents candidates from opening other tabs or applications once they have begun their exam.

AI movement detection is another feature becoming more readily available in exam software.  This is used to detect and flag unusual eye movements that suggest the candidate is looking at other material under exam conditions. Features like this will only become more common as AI continues to develop and improve.

Alongside technical anti-hacking and cheating measures, institutions should also implement proactive education on the ethics and consequences of cheating, and establish robust anti-cheating policies.  Exam boards and educational institutions should promote a supportive learning environment where students do not feel excessive pressure, reducing the likelihood that they will feel compelled to cheat in the first place.

The VICTVS Exam Hack

There is one exam where candidates are actively encouraged to cheat, and that’s the VICTVS Exam Hack.

Every year, we challenge crafty individuals of any age to try and beat our assessment software and cheat in a remote exam.  Whether it’s old-school tricks or modern technical cheats, we invite participants to sit an exam and find a way to outsmart our invigilators.  Participants can take part solo or in pairs, and the day’s most creative hack will be rewarded with a cash prize of $1,000 (USD.)

If you’re interested in taking part in an ethical hack to help us improve our systems, you can find out more here.

Conclusion

As exam methods evolve, so too will the tactics used to bypass them.  Institutions and awarding bodies must stay vigilant by regularly testing and updating their technical systems to ensure they remain secure.  Additionally, they should foster a learning environment that supports students’ needs and avoids placing unnecessary pressure on them.

Ultimately, it’s important that more students and candidates taking exams are aware of the ethical implications and long-term consequences of exam hacking.  If people understood better that fraudulent exam results can jeopardise their education and career, there’s a good chance they wouldn’t consider cheating in the first place.