Study.com and ProctorU Questions

[rvm]

ProctorU is just using a standard desktop sharing application. If they are accessing your files, you'd see them moving your mouse and clicking on things to do so. They cannot download/upload or access any files in the background or use your network connection in any way other than for hosting the remote desktop session. Other than the batch file that gets run at the start to look for virtual machines, everything else they do is manual.

For example, when they want to verify you don't have any illegal programs running they look at your taskbar and right click to close any apps they think may be in violation (though they have shut off people's antivirus in some cases, which one needs to be watchful for). When checking to see that you don't have a second monitor active, they open your control panel display properties and look to see if it shows a second monitor. They also ask permission before they take control of your mouse to do anything.

I'd be more concerned about RPnow since they are using their own custom client which can do anything it wants without you knowing it. At least with ProctorU you know what they can do because its using standard software. If you look at their FAQ they also show what they can/will do, and if you find that they've done anything beyond this, that would be a legal issue for them.

That said, any app could be corrupted with malware, so its always good to have a good antivirus/antimalware app running on your machine in case that happens. It's not foolproof, but for most people, that should be good enough.

Personally, I consider proctor apps to be a minor security issue and probably not worth worrying about for most college students. Those who need more strict security measures for one reason or another will usually know that they do and will know what they need to do in order to protect themselves.

IMO, if you're in a position where you have sensitive or top secret data on your computer or local network that you're super concerned about, then you probably shouldn't be using that computer or network to take these tests. In such a case, you should use a dedicated laptop or computer that has a fresh OS image on it and doesn't have secure network access, or take your tests at the library, using a library computer (I know some libraries will allow this, though you may need to bring your own webcam). If you're super paranoid you can also restore your test-taking computer with a fresh OS after each session, though if this is all you use it for, then that shouldn't matter.

Great points Merlin.  For sensitive data, I was thinking more along the lines of my family photos (especially my kids) and patient forms I have saved to my drive-hard over the years along with a variety of miscellaneous files which have personal info that no one, other than my family, should see.

Not to hijack this thread, as I hope my question supplements the conversation: which education venues use which proctoring service - other than study.com using ProctorU?  I know this has been asked and answered in the past, however, things seem to change over time. 

TIA!