Online assessments are now deeply embedded in teaching, hiring and credentialing. That also means exam cheating has become more creative, more technical and harder to detect. Educators using Moodle™ software, HR teams running remote assessments and institutions running high‑stakes online examinations are all asking the same thing: how do we actually combat cheating in online assessments without turning the whole experience into a surveillance nightmare? This post pulls together practical setups, Moodle-native configurations, third‑party tools and realistic best practices that tend to work in 2025–2026.
Cheating in online assessments—should we adapt or hold our ground?
The honest answer is somewhere between both. Pressure, time limits, fear of failure and easy access to AI tools like ChatGPT tempt students to cheat during online assessments. But that doesn’t mean online cheating is inevitable or that assessment integrity has to crumble. What helps is designing fair assessments while reducing the risk of cheating through sensible technology and good test design.
How do Candidates Cheat in Online Assessments?
Patterns haven’t changed much, but the tools have. Some of the common cheating technique types include:
- Using a mobile phone off‑camera to look up answers online.
- Running a virtual machine to hide unauthorised software.
- Screen sharing to a friend on another device.
- Prompting AI tools like ChatGPT to answer exam questions.
- Sharing test content through group chats or recording tools.
- Proxy test‑takers completing the exam on their behalf.
- Manipulating timers by disconnecting or switching networks.
There’s no single way of cheating that dominates. Students use whatever method of cheating feels accessible. Interestingly, one student once tried explaining a 30‑minute disappearance during an exam by claiming a cat stole the router — creativity is clearly not the issue.
How do online exams prevent cheating?
Online exam cheating prevention involves three overlapping layers:
- Assessment design (randomised test questions, tight timing, authentic tasks).
- Platform controls (safe browsers, lockdown modes, identity checks).
- Monitoring (human proctors, AI proctoring, audit logs).
When these support each other, cheating during online assessments becomes significantly harder.
Smart settings in Moodle™ software that reduce cheating
Our implementation of the Moodle™ software includes assessment tools that help limit online assessment cheating at the quiz‑design level. A few features matter more than others:
- Randomised question banks stop answer sharing by generating a different test for every student.
- Time limits reduce the temptation to cheat by minimising the chance to search for answers online.
- Show one question at a time prevents mass copying of the entire exam.
- Shuffle answer options helps with multiple choice exam questions.
- Restrict review options stops students from leaking questions after the test.
- Safe Exam Browser compatibility blocks screen sharing, copy-paste, and unauthorised websites.
These settings often solve more problems than people expect, because most cheating tactics fall apart when the test questions aren’t predictable.
But what is encryption and why is it so important, especially for online examinations?
Encryption ensures that the integrity of online exams isn’t compromised during transfer or storage. When assessment data is fully encrypted, intercepted test content or results become unreadable. This protects the assessment process from tampering, especially when candidates take the test through insecure networks.
How does a blocking browser detect cheating?
Blocking browsers monitor behaviours like switching windows, running virtual machines, using screen sharing tools or connecting multiple monitors. If someone tries to use to cheat with external tools, the browser either alerts the proctor or stops the assessment software immediately.
Can You Cheat on a Proctored Exam?
Proctored testing makes it harder, but students use methods to cheat whenever they find gaps. Online proctoring solutions usually detect suspicious movements, unauthorised devices, or attempts to hide another person in the room. Some students admitted to cheating even under proctoring, which is why combining AI proctoring with strong quiz design remains essential.
Can proctored exams detect phones?
AI proctoring tools detect mobile phone usage by analysing hand movements, eye direction, lighting changes or device reflections. Human proctors also flag behaviours like repeatedly looking down or tapping below the desk. Detection isn’t flawless, but persistent monitoring reduces cheating significantly.
Can you cheat on a video-proctored exam?
It’s possible to attempt cheating, but harder to succeed. Proctors watch for exam cheating behaviours such as external monitors, background voices or off‑camera assistance. A combination of video, audio and screen monitoring helps stop cheating before results become unreliable.
Designing assessments that discourage cheating
There’s a misconception that secure online means adding more surveillance. Most cheating prevention begins earlier, in the test question design itself.
- Use authentic tasks — ask students to analyse, apply or create rather than recall facts.
- Mix question types — multiple choice, essay, matching and short answers.
- Add scenario‑based items — these reduce effectiveness of cheat sheets.
- Use learner-specific questions for project‑style assignments.
AI proctoring and when it makes sense
AI tools help detect cheating patterns like inconsistent typing, screen sharing, virtual machine activity or unapproved devices. Used carefully, online proctoring solutions protect academic integrity while keeping the environment fair for everyone.
Can candidates cheat on remote, unproctored pre‑employment assessments?
They can attempt to, especially by using AI tools like ChatGPT or getting external help. Reducing cheating involves time‑controlled tests, adaptive question difficulty and strong identity validation. Many organisations rely on audit logs and follow-up practical interviews to confirm real skill.
Common online exam cheating tactics and realistic countermeasures
| Cheating method | How students use it | Ways to prevent cheating |
|---|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | Looking up answers online | Restricted timing, webcam angle checks, SEB |
| Screen sharing | Showing exam to others | Lockdown browser, screen capture monitoring |
| Proxy test‑taker | Someone else taking the exam | Identity validation, typing pattern checks |
| Virtual machine | Running hidden apps | VM detection in proctoring software |
| AI tools | Answering open-ended questions | Short timers, authentic tasks |
But what is exam cheating definition, according to educational institutions?
Most define it as any attempt to gain unfair advantage by using unauthorised materials, tools, people, or behaviours during online tests. Even small actions, like switching tabs or accessing answers online, qualify as online assessment cheating if the rules state otherwise.
Should they be allowed a certain amount of time to log back in and continue?
Yes — sudden network drops happen. The trick is balancing fairness with preventing cheating. Many institutions allow a short grace window but require proctor approval or log‑based verification before students resume.
What Is a Proctored Exam and How Does It Work?
It’s an online exam where a human proctor or AI monitors the candidate through video, audio and screen tracking. Proctored testing helps detect cheating before it impacts assessment results.
How to prevent online test cheating?
A combination of strategies works best:
- Randomised test content.
- Clear rules on acceptable behaviour.
- Identity checks before the exam.
- Lockdown tools to reduce the ways students cheat.
- Post‑exam audits using platform logs.
Worried About Cheating in Online Assessments?
If you’re working in a learning environment where academic cheating has always been present, you’re not alone. Carefully balancing fairness, technology and human judgement usually produces sustainable results. The Moodle™ project’s ecosystem of plugins, safe browsers and tracking tools continues to improve, and third‑party proctoring platforms slot neatly alongside our implementation of the Moodle™ software.
FAQs About Combat Cheating In Online Assessments
What key elements ensure the security of assessments against cheating?
Assessment security relies on balanced design, strong authentication and careful monitoring so students can’t easily attempt to cheat or manipulate the system.
What methods prevent cheating in online exams?
Randomised questions, secure browsers and proctoring software help prevent cheating in online exams by limiting unauthorised tools and monitoring suspicious behaviour.
How do AI tools detect cheating in remote assessments?
AI tools detect cheating behaviours such as screen switching, additional devices or unusual typing patterns during remote assessments.
How does good test design reduce the risk of cheating?
Good test design reduces cheating by focusing on analysis instead of simple recall, making it harder to rely on cheat sheets or quick lookups.
What measures prevent candidates from having someone else take their test?
Identity checks and proctored testing prevent candidates from getting someone else to take the test on their behalf.
How do lockdown browsers help detect cheating?
Lockdown browsers help detect cheating by preventing screen sharing, blocking websites and monitoring virtual machine activity.
What role do audit logs play in detecting cheating?
Audit logs reveal actions like unexpected logout patterns or repeated tab changes, which can help detect cheating or attempted manipulation.
What ensures the ongoing security of online assessments?
Online assessments remain secure when institutions combine technology with clear rules, fair timing and strong communication with students.
Final thoughts
To combat cheating in online assessments, combine Moodle™ software’s built‑in test controls with responsible proctoring and well‑designed questions. These changes don’t just reduce cheating — they create a fairer environment for everyone taking online examinations. If you’d like guidance on choosing exam tools or configuring your assessment platforms, our team can help. Reach out for a walkthrough or to discuss your online assessment security goals.
