Safe Exam Browser News

Safe Exam Browser 3.6 for macOS and iOS released: This update allows to control the accessibility features VoiceOver, AssistiveTouch (iOS), Grayscale Display (iOS), Invert Colors (iOS) and Zoom (iOS) with new settings (system default, enable, disable). In addition, exams with multiple consecutive quizzes are now possible when using the optional SEB Server and SEB Server Moodle plugin. It also fixes random crashes in SEB Server connection and screen proctoring.... read more

SEB Server 2.2 supports new features for Screen Proctoring and improves stability of SEB Server and SEB Screen Proctoring. With the new SEB clients 3.10 (Windows) and 3.6 (macOS/iOS), exams with multiple consecutive quizzes in Moodle are supported. The App Signature Key (ASK) for checking SEB client integrity is now available for Teacher Roles. See all new improvements on the SEB Server GitHub page.... read more

Safe Exam Browser 3.10.0 for Windows released: This update improves integrity and security aspects, enhances the optional server and screen proctoring functionalities and fixes the drag & drop issue as well as other important bug fixes and improvements. Please visit the release notes for a list of all changes.

SEB 3.5 for macOS: This update supports the URL content filter also in the modern WebView, fixes general issues and in the optional Screen Proctoring feature (requiring to run your own instance of SEB Server with SEB Screen Proctoring service).

SEB 3.9 for Windows. This update fixes the startup delay of version 3.8.0, provides major improvements of the optional screen proctoring feature as well as other important bug fixes and improvements.

SEB 3.4.1 for iOS allows to display the Config QR Code in its in-app settings and fixes issues with the Assessment (lockdown) Mode and browser WebView warning.

Also check out the current versions SEB 3.4.1 for macOS and SEB 3.8 for Windows.... read more

SEB 3.3.3 for macOS SEB 3.3.3 contains important security fixes and therefore replaces all older versions (SEB 3.2.5, 3.3, 3.3.2), which should no longer be used and are no longer available. Please update soon!

• Added new setting in Browser pane to reload the full page after a connection error (instead of loading the failed URL. This is a workaround for some LMS/assessment system issues e.g. in Moodle.
• Fixed that disabling spell check and auto correct sometimes didn't work in WKWebView: Disabled it completely (can't be configured anymore for macOS/iOS).
• Changed WebKit Networking process blocking to not lock SEB when a WebKit networking process is running with elevated user priority.
• Fixed: Permissions for microphone-only access didn't work.
• Fixed: Text Replacements can be used in SEB.
• Prevent Keyboard Viewer to be used, which still shows Text Replacements.
• Now detecting and denying to run when custom Cocoa Text System key bindings are set.
• Fixed: Chrome video conferencing was no longer stopped when using current Chrome versions.
• Fixed: Settings menubar menu and cmd - S were available during exam in some cases.
• Now clarifying in locked exam lock screen that the quit password of the current session needs to be entered to unlock SEB.
• Fixed an Xcode build error which caused SEB 3.3.2 to not run on macOS 10.13.... read more

SEB 3.3.3 is now available in the App Store. This update fixes a security and some UI issues when running on iPadOS/iOS 17.

• Removed the Autofill Contacts/Passwords context menu item in text fields on iOS 17.
• Also removed the "Share..." context menu item (which is anyways blocked by the AAC Assessment Mode). Note that the "Translate" context menu item cannot be removed currently (not covered by API, but also blocked by AAC).
• Fixed wrong browser toolbar height in iPhone landscape mode on iOS 17 and after rotating an iPad with iPadOS 17.
• Fixed Search text icon had a text field background color on iOS 16/17.
• Display deprecation warning when classic WebView is used.
• Added setting in Browser Features pane to disable deprecation warning when classic WebView is used (key: browserWindowWebViewClassicHideDeprecationNote).
• Now using an alternative method to add the SEB User Agent string in HTTP Headers with classic WebView. This avoids compatibility issues when an assessment system with SEB integration doesn't yet support the modern WebView (doesn't use the SEB Javascript API to query ConfigKey/BrowserExamKey).
  This fix nevertheless is no reason to delay implementing support for the modern WebView in SEB integrations. Any iOS update may break support for the classic WebView (UIWebView) finally!
• Added new setting in Browser Features pane to reload the full page after a connection error (instead of loading the failed URL), key: browserConnectionErrorReload. This is a workaround for some LMS/assessment system issues e.g. in Moodle.
• Fixed: When using the optional SEB Server, locking the client didn't work.
• Fixed crash when scaling already scaled dynamic font in lock and About SEB screens.
• Fixed German localization in in-app-settings.... read more

The feature update Safe Exam Browser 3.7.0 for Windows introduces the optional screen proctoring functionality, resolves an issue with the isolated clipboard and adds various new configuration options as well as important bug fixes and improvements. Please visit the release notes for a list of all changes.

SEB 3.3.2 allows exporting uncompressed configuration files (for example for directly importing it into Moodle) and corrects various issues.

• Added option to share settings "for starting an exam" uncompressed as plain text. This is helpful for importing these configuration files into LMS/exam systems which don't support gzip compressed or encrypted config files (for example Moodle) or for manual editing.
• Fixed: Cancel in Exam Password dialog didn't work.
• Fixed keyboard shortcut for switching tabs (control-tab/shift-control-tab) didn't work on current iPadOS versions.
• Fixed: Saving config files for MDM didn't use the .plist extension on iOS.
• Fixed: Current BrowserExamKey/ConfigKey were sometimes not displayed in Settings together with the warning "Config was modified, keys won't match original state!" even when the current configuration wasn't changed.
• Fixed: No error message was displayed when attempting to download/open SEB configurations while this was disabled.
• Fixed SEB Server BrowserExamKey was not recognized by Moodle when classic WebView was used.
• Added workaround for SEB Server bug to send BrowserExamKey (BEK) in HTTP headers when Server BEK is used, even if setting sendBrowserExamKey = false.
• Remove the outdated setting allowWLAN (which causes problems when calculating the ConfigKey) when saving configurations.
• Extended error message when the optional feature Zoom proctoring is enabled in settings with "Due to Zoom licensing issues, Zoom live proctoring is only available for SEB Alliance members. Please see https://safeexambrowser.org/alliance.".... read more

SEB 3.3.2 for macOS fixes issues regarding file download, the Settings (formerly known as Preferences) window and allows exporting uncompressed configuration files (for example for directly importing it into Moodle). Also contains several security fixes: We therefore recommend to update soon!

• WebInspector for debugging websites directly inside SEB using the modern WebView works now (no longer flickers if invoked on a website using the activated right mouse button and context menu option "Inspect Element").
• Fixed some edge cases when the lock screen for "Prohibited process locked SEB" was displayed unnecessarily.
• Fixed: Overriding security options in lock screen wasn't reset when reconfiguring.
• Fixed that lock screen override for specific prohibited processes didn't work correctly.
• Fixed: Wrong Browser Exam Key was displayed when starting SEB with alt/option key to directly display Settings (Preferences) window.
• Fixed crash when downloading files.
• Fixed: No error message was displayed when attempting to download/open SEB configurations while this is disabled.
• SEB no longer freezes on Quit button in "System Security Feature Disabled" lock screen.
• Fixed: Javascript pop-up was not opening with activated URL filter.
• Fixed: Reconfiguration after login didn't close additional browser windows.
• Now preventing display of "Browse Time Machine Backups".
• Fixed SEB Server Browser Exam Key is not recognized by Moodle when classic WebView is used.
• Added workaround for SEB Server bug to send Browser Exam Key (BEK) in HTTP headers when Server BEK is used, even if setting sendBrowserExamKey = false.... read more

We are pleased to announce that our Safe Exam Browser products are now accessible for people with disabilities in accordance with the international accessibility standards WCAG.

Please see our Accessibility Statement for details.

Further information on the individual success criteria and conformance levels as well as information on limitations were outlined in the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template documents (VPAT WCAG edition):... read more

The feature update Safe Exam Browser 3.6.0 for Windows adds signature verification for third-party applications, provides version restriction by configuration file and adds an isolated clipboard implementation as well as important bug fixes and improvements. Please visit the release notes for a list of all changes.... read more

Due to an issue in iOS 17, SEB for iOS can crash on some devices when any text input field is being displayed or activated (taking input focus). This issue should be fixed in the final version of iOS 17.1. Unfortunately currently no workaround is known. Also see the discussion in this GitHub issue.

The major update SEB 3.3 improves accessibility and security and allows to export SEB settings as configuration links or QR codes.

• SEB 3.3 for macOS especially improves security by using new integrity checks. See release notes for all changes.
• SEB 3.3 for iOS adds support for iOS 17 and in particular solves a security issue by adding a settings option (active by default) to block uploads and the file/photo selection dialog for the " Choose File" button in the modern WebView. See release notes for all changes.... read more

The Safe Exam Browser 3.5.0 feature update adds the App Signature Key functionality for server sessions, contains the new server-driven Browser Exam Key and brings a new configuration option for the file system dialog along with various accessibility improvements as well as important bug fixes. Please visit the [release notes]https://safeexambrowser.org/windows/win_release_notes_en.html) for a list of all changes.

SEB 3.2.5 for macOS fixes one issue: Force Click lookup was working in the classic WebView on macOS 13 Ventura.

SEB 3.2.4 for macOS increases security in exams, further enhances the optional support for SEB Server and adds stability improvements:

• Blocking AnyGPT by default.
• Fixed: When starting SEB, a modal alert was sometimes displayed in the screen background and blocked SEB.
• Security improvements.
• Fixed download directory bug from SEB 3.2.3 for macOS.
• Now also correctly handling PDF files in modern WebView when downloading is disabled (then PDF files even with a "download" link are displayed instead of downloaded).
• Fixed "Choose file to upload ... by only allowing to upload the same file downloaded before" policy, which was not working in the modern WebView. Also resetting previous download paths when reconfiguring SEB.
• When using the optional SEB Server (needs to be set up and configured individually), one or several SEB clients can be locked (with a red lock screen with optional, individual message) and again unlocked by the server.... read more

With Safe Exam Browser you are optimally prepared to embrace the opportunities of ChatGPT while effectively safeguarding against its challenges.

ChatGPT and other generative AI technology have raised many hopes and concerns in education. On the one hand, these new technologies have the potential to transform research, practice as well as education and enhance human performance. Accordingly, many organisations are scrambling to be among the first to integrate them into their teaching and learning. On the other hand, ChatGPT and other AI technologies have the potential to disrupt and threaten proven educational practices. Many of the most notable worries revolve around assessments and examinations.... read more

The maintenance updates SEB 3.2.3 for macOS and SEB 3.2.4 for iOS improve downloading in the modern WebView and stability:

• Fixed downloads of website generated files (using "data:" protocol scheme) in modern WebView.
• Now downloads of any file types and "blob:"-generated files are possible when using the modern WebView and macOS 11.3/iOS 14.5 or newer.
• Another attempt to fix crash when closing some web pages.... read more

SEB Verificator 1.0.2 is a minor update for the tool which can be run by proctors/invigilators at the start of an exam to verify that the correct, original and unmanipulated SEB version is used in BYOD exams (on location).

• SEB Verificator now recognizes the code signature of current SEB versions
• Improved UI feature parity of SEB Verificator Mac/Win:
• Added "Start with config ..." checkbox.
• A verified SEB version can now be started together with the first found SEB configuration file (alphabetically) using the Enter/Return key.... read more

SEB 3.2.2 for iOS enhances the optional support for SEB Server, improves MDM configuration and stability.

• Now displaying camera & microphone permission dialogs for web applications and optional built-in proctoring before starting session. This is controlled with the new settings browserMediaCaptureCamera and browserMediaCaptureMicrophone (Settings / Browser Features / Media Playback/Capture / Allow Camera/Microphone Capture).
• To access camera/microphone using WebRTC/getUserMedia() Web API on iOS 14.3 or newer, SEB must use the modern WebKit browser engine. If you're using an assessment software with a built-in SEB integration, make sure to use a version which is compatible with the SEB JavaScript API (for example Moodle 4.1/4.0.6 or updated plugin for manual installation in Moodle 3.9 or later).
• Improved MDM configuration to better recognize configuration changes.
• Fixed crash when configured via MDM: This happened when a config contained prohibited processes.
• Fixed additional stability issues.... read more

SEB 3.2.2 for macOS Improves the optional support for SEB Server and adds many stability improvements:

• Fixed: Force Click lookup was working in the modern WebView.
• Fixed red lock screen after user switch disappeared without user action.
• Fixed: Latest TeamViewer version wasn't blocked by default.
• Fixed: Reload key shortcut not enabled correctly according to reload settings and selected window (main/additional).
• Fixed a null reference exception in injected Javascript code, related to the "download" attribute on links.... read more

SEB 3.1.1 for macOS solves various issues, supports screen sharing for web applications and improves support for the AAC Assessment (kiosk/lockdown) Mode.

• Support for getDisplayMedia() API for WebRTC screen sharing and screen capture for web applications when running on macOS 11.1 Big Sur (or later), macOS 12 Monterey or macOS 13 Ventura Beta 4 or later. Requires new setting in Preferences / Browser / Allow screen capture (key browserMediaCaptureScreen = true, default value is false).
• Access to camera/microphone via WebRTC on macOS 11.1 Big Sur and newer. You can use web-based video conferencing and remote proctoring solutions, as long as the requirements explained in release notes are met, so that SEB can use the modern WebView. Note: Apple currently doesn't support getDisplayMedia in WKWebView for screen sharing.
• Due to refactored code using newer APIs, SEB 3.0 requires macOS 10.11 or later (using the modern WebView requires macOS 10.13 or later). We recommend to only use macOS versions which still receive security updates from Apple (the three most recent, currently macOS 10.15, 11 and 12).
• Support for the modern WebKit browser engine (WKWebView), which increases performance, stability and compatibility with web applications.
• Support for the new SEB JavaScript API for easier integration into exam solutions (currently for querying app version details, ConfigKey and BrowserExamKey security elements).
• Use AAC kiosk mode only on macOS 15.4+ and 11.4+ (except 11.0 - 11.3, as there was an issue with DNS lookup. This caused pages with yet unknown domains to not load). The AAC Assessment Mode is more secure, as it blocks any other applications on the Mac to access the Internet/network and to capture the screen. You can activate it in Preferences / Security / Use Assessment Mode (AAC) if available.... read more

SEB 3.1.1 adds support for iOS 16, improves stability and allows to use VPN for Automatic Client Configuration by searching the network.

• Added support for iOS 16.
• Added all current major iOS version numbers to the setting 'Allow running from iOS version'.
• Allows to use VPN for Automatic Client Configuration by searching the network.
• Now asking for local network access permissions in Initial Configuration Assistant.
• Added warning about wrong format of institution URL in Initial Configuration Assistant.
• Fixed an issue when subsequent scanning of QR codes wasn't possible.
• Fixed: Search text icon background color on iOS 16.
• Fixed stability issues.

SEB Verificator is now available for both Windows and macOS: This is a new tool which can be run by proctors/invigilators at the start of an exam to verify that the correct, original and unmanipulated SEB version is used in BYOD exams (on location). For example use a USB stick drive with SEB Verificator on it and either check randomly some or all student devices. You can also open specific configuration files with SEB which you copy to the directory SEB Verificator is started from. See Read Me for more information about how to use SEB Verificator for macOS and Windows.... read more