August 2026
When we think about where threats to assessments come from, what is the first thing that comes to mind? A candidate attempting to use a cheat sheet? Impersonators targeting exam centres? Sophisticated technology designed to bypass detection?
These are all significant threats that deserve our attention. However, these examples have something else in common. They all come from an external source. Whether that is a candidate, an imposter, a bad actor or a cheating device, in each case the threat comes from outside the assessment process.
But what if some of the greatest risks are already inside the exam centre? What if some of the most significant threats to assessment security come from within the assessment process itself?
If our security planning is focused solely on external threats, we risk overlooking the vulnerabilities that exist within our own systems. The individuals who are trusted to design, deliver, administer, manage and support our assessments.
This is the focus of ASRG’s latest paper, Risk in the Room: Insider Threats and Human Vulnerabilities in Assessment Security. Our latest research explores the insider threats in assessment, examining both intentional and unintentional risks, from deliberate acts such as collusion and bribery to threats resulting from operational pressures, resource constraints and inadequate training.
Rather than focusing solely on those seeking to attack an assessment from the outside, the paper examines the risks posed by those who are already part of the assessment process. These individuals occupy trusted positions, often with authorised access to assessment materials, systems and processes, making them difficult to detect and potentially very harmful to assessment integrity.
Trust is fundamental to the assessment process. When that trust is exploited by individuals or undermined through repeated mistakes, it can affect not only the integrity of the assessment but also the reputation of the assessment, and public trust in the assessment provider. This is why understanding insider threats should be an essential part of any assessment security strategy. Effective security is not just about preventing attacks from outside the organisation. It is also about recognising where vulnerabilities can develop within that organisation and designing procedures that address both.
We invite you to read our whitepaper, share your thoughts and become part of the conversation. To access the whitepaper, please Click Here.
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ASRG: Working together to make assessments fairer and more secure for everyone.
