Best way to use Respondus LockDown Browser for school?

Questions
1

I have a friend who is being forced to install and use Respondus LockDown Browser which a lot of people claim is essentially a rootkit. Across Reddit users report that it destroys their system, in some cases somehow resulting in hardware damage. Some people claim that you also cannot fully remove it once installed as it deeply embeds itself into your system. My friend has both an M-series MacBook and an expensive Windows laptop recently purchased for school but not with the intention of installing potentially destructive malware on it.

I don’t care to have a debate over whether it’s technically “malware” or not. It looks like some shitty proprietary, privacy-invasive, potentially destructive software to force onto students when there could be better solutions.

The following solutions won’t work:

  • They cannot go in person instead of using LockDown Browser, this is already an in person class which astonishingly still requires LockDown.
  • They cannot use a computer from the school as they’re fully booked on the day of their test.
  • They cannot purchase yet another laptop.
  • LockDown Browser detects and blocks usage on virtual machines.

I’ve seen old recommendations to use Windows To Go which allowed you to run Windows off a live USB, that way it at least shouldn’t remain persistent on your device. But of course it hasn’t been updated in 5 years so it’s probably not a good idea. I’m going to look into whether it’s possible to install either macOS or Windows on a USB flashdrive and use it that way, however this friend isn’t very tech savvy and I won’t be able to set it up for them in time. I’m also not sure if that’s something LockDown Browser will detect and block nowadays.

In the worst case scenario, I’m thinking it might be best for them to install the browser in a new profile on their Mac? I’m assuming macOS hopefully doesn’t allow LockDown Browser to obtain as deep or persistent access as it could on Windows. Plus the Mac is cheaper than their new Windows PC so in the event it somehow causes hardware damage, it’d be cheaper to sacrifice the Mac. The only downside is they have a lot of personal information on their Mac which cannot be deleted in time for the test, whereas the Windows PC is brand new and they can reasonably remove any private info on it. I’d appreciate if anyone can chime in with any advice or if they agree with my thinking.

2

they should just start rioting outside administration

Rufus has a handy helper that lets you use any USB drive with whatever flavor of Windows

3

Yeah, this is an issue I chose not to fight. I had to do the same and at the risk of anything against me or my progress at school - I just sucked up and endured.

The tool is garbage and everyone is forced to use it for tests and whatnot. I believe this is a pointless endeavor. More power to you if you still believe otherwise.

4

I also had to use it and was faced with the same options as you.

I did not experience this on my M1 Mac.

I did. If I remember correctly there is even an uninstaller included

I also think installing it in a new user session is a nice workaround.

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