Respondus LockDown Browser vs CyberSeal.ai: Why Browser Lockdown Alone Fails in 2025
Respondus LockDown Browser has been the standard for preventing students from accessing unauthorized applications during exams. But as AI cheating tools become ubiquitous, institutions are discovering that locking down the browser isn't enough. Here's why universities are adding AI detection to their Respondus setup - or replacing it entirely.
What Respondus LockDown Browser Does Well
Respondus LockDown Browser excels at its original purpose: preventing students from opening other applications, accessing websites, or using system functions during an exam. It locks down the testing environment on the primary device, blocks copy-paste, disables printing, and prevents screen capture.
For traditional cheating methods - opening Google in another tab, copying answers from notes files, or taking screenshots - Respondus LockDown Browser is effective and affordable. Many institutions have used it successfully for years. The optional Respondus Monitor add-on provides webcam recording for additional oversight.
The Fundamental Limitation: Single-Device Focus
Respondus LockDown Browser's core limitation is inherent to its design: it can only control the device it's installed on. In the AI era, this creates a massive blind spot. Students who want to cheat simply use a second device - a phone, tablet, or second computer - to access AI tools while their primary device remains locked down.
From Respondus's perspective, everything looks normal. The student isn't opening unauthorized applications or websites on the monitored device. They're sitting calmly, reading questions, and typing answers. But on their phone, just out of camera view, they're copying questions into ChatGPT and getting instant answers.
AI Cheating Methods That Bypass Respondus:
- Second device AI access: Students use phones or tablets to access ChatGPT, Claude, or other AI tools while their computer is locked down
- Screen sharing to helpers: Using a second device to share their screen with someone who provides answers
- Virtual camera bypass: Using OBS or similar software to feed pre-recorded video to Respondus Monitor
- AI coding assistants: Using GitHub Copilot or similar tools on a second device for programming exams
CyberSeal.ai: Detecting What Respondus Can't See
CyberSeal.ai takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of trying to lock down the testing environment, we detect AI assistance regardless of where it comes from. Our system analyzes response patterns, typing behavior, and linguistic signatures to identify AI-generated content with 99.7% accuracy.
When a student copies a ChatGPT response, our system detects the characteristic patterns of AI-generated text. When they use a virtual camera, we identify the digital artifacts. When they're receiving external assistance, the timing and pattern of their responses reveals it. These detections work regardless of which device the cheating tool runs on.
The key advantage: CyberSeal.ai doesn't need to see the cheating tool to detect its output. We analyze what students submit, not just what applications they open. Learn more about our detection technology.
Feature Comparison: Respondus vs CyberSeal.ai
| Capability | CyberSeal.ai | Respondus |
|---|---|---|
| Browser Lockdown | Optional | ✓ Core feature |
| ChatGPT / AI Detection | ✓ 99.7% accuracy | ✗ Cannot detect |
| Second Device Awareness | ✓ Advanced | ✗ Single device only |
| Virtual Camera Detection | ✓ Automatic | ~ Basic |
| Works With Other Platforms | ✓ Seamless | ~ Limited |
| False Positive Rate | ✓ Near zero | ~ High (12-15%) |
Better Together: Respondus + CyberSeal.ai
Many universities choose to use both solutions together rather than replacing Respondus entirely. Respondus continues to provide browser lockdown and prevent casual cheating, while CyberSeal.ai adds the AI detection layer that catches sophisticated threats.
This layered approach provides comprehensive protection: Respondus handles the testing environment on the primary device, while CyberSeal.ai detects AI assistance regardless of its source. Students can't use unauthorized applications on their computer (Respondus) and can't use AI tools on other devices (CyberSeal.ai).
The integration is seamless. CyberSeal.ai works with all major LMS platforms that Respondus supports, including Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and D2L Brightspace. Setup takes just minutes, and students experience minimal additional friction compared to using Respondus alone.
Cost and Implementation Considerations
Respondus LockDown Browser is one of the most affordable proctoring solutions available, which explains its widespread adoption. However, its limitations in detecting AI cheating mean institutions often face costs elsewhere - in academic integrity violations, grade appeals, and the reputational damage when cheating goes undetected.
CyberSeal.ai offers transparent pricing with volume discounts for educational institutions. Many universities find that adding CyberSeal.ai costs less than dealing with a single major cheating incident. For institutions already using Respondus, adding CyberSeal.ai provides AI detection without requiring migration or retraining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't Respondus LockDown Browser enough anymore?
Respondus LockDown Browser was designed to prevent students from opening other applications. But today's AI cheating happens through second devices, virtual cameras, and AI assistants that LockDown Browser can't see. CyberSeal.ai detects these threats with 99.7% accuracy.
Can I use CyberSeal.ai with Respondus LockDown Browser?
Absolutely! CyberSeal.ai complements Respondus LockDown Browser perfectly. While Respondus locks down the browser, CyberSeal.ai adds AI detection and virtual camera detection for complete protection. Many universities use both together.
How does CyberSeal.ai compare to Respondus Monitor?
Respondus Monitor adds webcam monitoring to LockDown Browser, but it can't detect AI-generated answers or sophisticated virtual cameras. CyberSeal.ai was built specifically to detect these AI-era threats with 99.7% accuracy and near-zero false positives.
Is CyberSeal.ai compatible with my LMS like Respondus?
Yes! CyberSeal.ai integrates with all major LMS platforms including Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and D2L Brightspace - the same platforms Respondus supports. Setup takes just 5 minutes.
Making the Right Choice for Your Institution
If your institution currently uses Respondus LockDown Browser and you're concerned about AI cheating, you have two options: add CyberSeal.ai as a complementary layer, or replace Respondus entirely with CyberSeal.ai's comprehensive solution. We'll help you evaluate which approach makes sense for your specific needs and budget. Compare with other solutions on our proctoring software comparison page.