SMOWL features: proctoring that adapts to your platform
Monitor your users' computers with Computer Monitoring
One of the main features of SMOWL’s proctoring system is computer monitoring, which allows you to supervise users’ computer activity.
This functionality includes the detection of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot, as well as the use of virtual machines.
Thanks to this advanced monitoring, Computer Monitoring adds an extra layer of control and transparency, helping to identify irregular behavior and strengthen trust in the evaluation process.
All of this is done without interfering with the user experience or compromising privacy, as the system is activated only for the duration of the exam and with prior consent.
This functionality is ideal for educational institutions, certification bodies, and companies that need to ensure a reliable testing environment, even in remote or physically uncontrolled settings.
Example of Computer Monitoring by SMOWL
Imagine you want to monitor an exam, whether it’s remote or in person, using a computer. Computer Monitoring is your ally.
By installing a lightweight application called SMOWL CM, you can collect evidence on how users complete their exams. You’ll also be able to manage which applications are allowed during the test and which ones will be flagged as incidents.
For example, whenever a user copies and pastes text, you’ll be able to review the source. You’ll also be notified if they open generative AI tools like ChatGPT or use an unauthorized calculator to perform their calculations.
Block suspicious actions during your exams with Browser Lock
Browser Lock is a powerful feature designed to detect and block suspicious actions during exams. It prevents users from leaving the test screen, opening new tabs, using unauthorized keyboard shortcuts, or performing other actions that could compromise exam security.
Acting as a shield, Browser Lock ensures each assessment takes place in a controlled environment, providing a secure experience for both evaluators and test-takers. By detecting cheating in real time, it enables immediate preventive action and significantly reduces the risk of cheating.
Ideal for both educational and corporate settings that require a high level of supervision, Browser Lock strengthens trust in results and helps ensure compliance with online assessment standards.
Example of SMOWL’s Browser Lock in action
Imagine a university is organizing an online exam for a final-year course. Students must take the test from home, so it’s crucial to ensure that everyone competes under the same conditions, with no opportunity to cheat.
Before the exam begins, SMOWL’s Browser Lock feature is automatically activated. From that moment on, students are unable to open new tabs or switch windows. If a student tries to access another application, take a screenshot, or use suspicious keyboard shortcuts, the system immediately detects the action, notifies the user, and logs the incident.
Thanks to Browser Lock, the teaching staff can ensure that each student remains within the exam environment for the entire duration of the test, drastically reducing the risk of academic fraud.
Authenticate your users with SMOWL
SMOWL’s user authentication feature guarantees that each evaluation is completed by the correct individual. Our system uses advanced technology to verify the user’s identity before and during the exam, comparing real-time images with the official documentation provided in advance.
This process is automated, non-intrusive, and designed to meet the high authentication standards required by educational institutions, certification bodies, and businesses. It helps prevent identity fraud and unauthorized access to exams.
With SMOWL, you can offer a secure, reliable, and transparent online testing environment,starting from the very first login.
Example of user authentication with SMOWL
An educational institution launches an online exam that requires verifying each student’s identity. Before starting the test, SMOWL’s system asks the user to show their ID document to the camera. It then captures an image of their face and automatically compares it with the photo on the ID.
Throughout the exam, the system continues taking periodic snapshots to ensure the same person remains in front of the computer. If it detects any change in the face or an attempted impersonation, it logs the incident for further review.
Thanks to this process, the institution can confidently authenticate each participant’s identity and ensure the integrity of the assessment.
Monitor your users’ environment with SMOWL
Strengthen control over your online exams with environment monitoring using a second camera. This tool provides a wider view of the user’s physical space, detecting the presence of unauthorized people, auxiliary devices, or any elements that could compromise the integrity of the exam.
The second camera — usually a mobile phone or tablet — is strategically positioned to show the user’s surroundings from a complementary angle.
This way, the monitoring system gains a complete perspective, ideal for ensuring the exam is conducted without external assistance or interference.
This feature is especially useful in high-stakes situations, such as professional certifications or official assessments, where transparency and security are essential.
Example of environment monitoring with SMOWL
A certification body is organizing a professional entrance exam that candidates must take from home. To ensure there are no unauthorized materials outside the view of the main camera, participants are asked to activate a second camera — such as their mobile phone — and position it at a side or rear angle to show their entire surroundings.
During the exam, SMOWL’s system monitors both cameras simultaneously. Thanks to this complementary view, it can detect if the user consults physical documents, uses a second device, or if someone else is present in the room.
This additional measure helps provide a fairer and more secure assessment, building trust for both examiners and candidates.
Detailed reports
With SMOWL, you don’t just monitor your exams in real time—you also receive detailed reports once each test is completed. These documents compile and categorize all incidents detected during the exam, such as window switching, unauthorized access, presence of third parties, or suspicious behavior.
Each report includes visual evidence and clear descriptions, making it easy for instructors or evaluation staff to review. Additionally, you can filter results by incident type, risk level, or user, enabling quick and objective decision-making.
This feature helps you maintain a transparent, well-documented, and traceable evaluation process, key to ensuring the quality and credibility of your training or certification programs.
Example of report
A university is conducting a final exam online for a highly demanded course. At the end of the test, SMOWL’s system automatically generates a detailed report for each student.
In one case, the report highlights three incidents flagged as suspicious: a window switch midway through the exam, the detection of a second face for a few seconds, and the use of an unauthorized keyboard shortcut. Each event is accompanied by screenshots and a brief description of the exact moment it occurred.
Thanks to this structured and visual information, the instructor can quickly review the situation and decide whether it constitutes a sanctionable behavior or a minor incident, acting with judgment supported by objective evidence.
Customization and scalability
At SMOWL, we understand that every institution has unique needs. That’s why we offer a fully customizable and scalable solution, designed to adapt to different testing environments, user volumes, and levels of supervision required.
You can configure proctoring levels based on the exam type, activate only the features you need — such as camera monitoring, browser lockdown, or computer monitoring — and set review and reporting criteria according to your own standards.
Plus, SMOWL is built to grow with you: from one-off exams with a small number of users to large-scale processes with thousands of participants simultaneously, always ensuring stability, performance, and specialized technical support.
Example of customization and scalability
A virtual university offers both continuing education programs and official degree courses, each with different evaluation needs. For short courses, they activate only identity verification and browser lockdown, providing a secure yet streamlined environment. For final degree exams, the institution configures stricter supervision, including computer monitoring, a second camera, and detailed report generation.
Throughout the year, the number of students taking exams varies significantly — from small groups during monthly assessments to thousands of students in official exam sessions. Thanks to SMOWL’s scalability, the university maintains consistent supervision quality regardless of volume, relying on a robust system that adapts seamlessly to any workload.
This flexible approach optimizes resources, enhances the user experience, and ensures academic integrity at all evaluation levels.
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Additionally, as a recipient of European Union funding, we meet the highest standards of ethics and security.
It´s time for transparency
We know that choosing the right tool is important to you. That’s why we offer a personalized demonstration of SMOWL and answer all your questions in a meeting designed to provide any additional information you may need.