As We Grow and Evolve
Written By: Steve Addicott, Vice President, Caveon Test Security
The internet is the greatest knowledge sharing and communication innovation in our history. It is pervasive and changing constantly, at electron speed. As the tools and technologies that transform our work and communication evolve, so must the manner in which we use them. The internet of 2003 when we founded Caveon is VERY different than the internet of 2012. This evolution is manifested in how we use the web, how it empowers us, and unfortunately, increased risks to our testing programs.
At Caveon, part of our business is built upon consistently and continually trolling the web for risks to our client’s test programs. Our Web Patrollers spend time combing through the internet’s darker shadows, searching for places where miscreants sell and distribute copyrighted test material. Other parts of the day are spent on the cheaters’ shopping list, seeking great deals on stolen test content, a rogue review prep course, or the services of a willing, capable proxy to take a test. More and more, though, they spend time lurking in various online conversations, carried on by candidates and students seeking help passing exams and sharing test questions.
Early on, the threatening websites we encountered were similar to other websites one might visit. “Braindump” websites are just like any other for-profit, ecommerce website. They typically offer many “test preparation” products, appealing to as broad a consumer base as possible. Many of these products are copies of pilfered exams. Regardless of what test you may need to pass, these one-stop shopping sites likely have what you need. Often, their sites contain hundreds of important tests, and they boast that passing is “guaranteed.” No hollow promise considering that most braindumps are selling live test items.
Over time, powerful marketing techniques focused on a “Customer of One” have emerged. These new technologies capture web surfing and purchasing tendencies, enabling online purveyors of stolen exam content to present unique offerings that might better catch the attention and whimsy of those who are seeking an “edge” in passing their exams. Transactions in pirated exam content happen with satellite speed, connecting buyers and sellers globally.
Today, I can effortlessly find a proxy to help me complete any academic assignment imaginable, or find a hired gun to sit for any high stakes exam in any corner of the world. If one has money to spend, the internet empowers us to find just the right vendor to satisfy any requirement.
The internet is continually evolving. The web’s pervasiveness coupled with amazing new applications have allowed communities of like minded individuals to grow and connect. Social Media allows online communities to gather and exchange content in creative ways. The incredible phenomenon of Social Media is, literally, changing how we work, play, and of course, gain unfair advantage on important exams.
It used to be that our web patrollers primarily found and analyzed websites that were selling test items or soliciting proxy services. Today, they search out the online “watering holes” where students and candidates gather to exchange ideas. For many of the members of these online communities–young people who have grown up as “digital natives” (as opposed to we Baby Boomers and GenXers, considered “digital immigrants”)—sharing is a core tenet. Indeed, discussing the test items I just encountered in my exam isn’t cheating, it’s sharing and contributing to the greater good of the community.
Innovation is the internet’s ecology. Technology advancements will continue to alter and shape our ability to create content and communicate it broadly. As testing industry professionals, it is our duty to remain vigilant and monitor how these innovations may impact our ability to ensure fair and valid test results.
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