Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states are moving their bar examinations online. Information
Online systems have been plagued by logistical and security issues. Recently, Pennsylvania bar applicants, like many others, have faced possible theft of their personal information upon downloading the ExamSoft program, known as Examplify, to take the exam. This comes as no surprise as private companies, public and private school systems, financial institutions, and government agencies have suffered the same fate throughout decades of internet use despite attempts to create impregnable online security systems. Data breaches have affected millions of users.
Examplify is slated to be utilized in 22 jurisdictions to administer upcoming bar exams. Applicants have reported that personal, highly sensitive information has been compromised and fraudulently used upon downloading the program. Applicants have received alerts from banks and internet browsers advising them that their online accounts have been targeted. Those affected have requested that the state Attorney General’s Office and Bureau of Consumer Protection probe ExamSoft.
If the allegations are substantiated, the implications will be significant as states will need to scramble to find alternatives for administration of bar exams. As there have been many delays already, frustration is building among administrators and exam takers. With great uncertainty surrounding the administration of bar exams around the country, and the rejection of diploma privilege in many states, the questions remain regarding how exactly to unravel the situation concerning thousands of would-be professionals waiting in line for their opportunities to begin their careers.
Unfortunately, the issue of online security appears to be an almost unsolvable problem to date as we are still awaiting the unassailable fortress of security which has so far eluded us.
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