I'm an OMSCS student, and I hear rants about proctoring software all the times. Although security is important, and I agree with that, it seems to me that the

I'm an OMSCS student, and I hear rants about proctoring software all the times. Although security is important, and I agree with that, it seems to me that the article misses the point. Typically such software is installed on the student's workstation before taking an exam, and removed afterwards. I've never heard about such software leaving traces or spy components on a student's workstation. It's a momentary suspension of privacy in exchange for an improved reliability of the test the student is taking. I don't think an online degree like the one I'm taking would be considered equally interesting - a "real" degree - without proctoring. And, consider the alternatives: a testing center. For some certifications or exams, you need to physically go to a place where you take the test. Beyond the public health implications with the COVID-19 pandemis, it's far less convenient: testing centers usually employ old and shitty computers, they're noisy and sometimes uncomfortable (too hot, chairs are small, desks are small...). What's better?