The TAO Secure Browser is a specialized browser used to increase the security of online assessments. It restricts access to the user’s device and system features during a test, helping prevent cheating and unauthorized behavior.
This feature is not available in System Settings by default. To use it, contact your Account Manager.
This article describes how administrators configure the Secure Browser in System Settings. For more information on what this feature is and how it works, see Lockdown browser.
Configuring the secure browser
Important: If the Lockdown Browser is enabled, then the browsers configured for the Diagnostic Tool are ignored and the Lockdown Browser takes precedence.
1. Enabling the feature
The secure browser setting is not visible in System Settings by default. It must be enabled by your Account Manager.
Once enabled, toggle Enable TAO Secure Browser to activate the feature.
2. Adding download links
In the Download Links section, add the installation links (for test-takers) that were provided by TAO for your organization:
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Windows executable download
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macOS executable download
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iOS App Store link
These links are shared with test-takers when they are prompted to install the browser (see section below). If a link is not provided, that OS will not be included in the download page.
3. Configure the lockdown browser
In the Browser Configuration section, configure the following:
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Minimum browser version: Define the minimum version of the lockdown browser required to access tests (for example,
=1.7.2). This will be provided when you receive the installation links from TAO. -
Redirect URL: Specifies where the secure browser sends test takers after installation.
4. Configure the process deny list
The process deny list allows administrators to block specific applications from running on a test taker’s device during a secure browser session.
Possible blocked applications
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Communication tools (Zoom)
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Development tools (Postman)
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For each application you want to block, enter the following:
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Process name: The exact system process name of the application (
zoom.exe,postman). -
Display name: Enter a user-friendly name for the application (“zoom”, “postman”). This name may be shown in messages or logs.
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Select Add to include the application in the list.
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To remove/unblock an application, select the delete (trash) icon.