LockDown Browser + VPN on Mac (Detection + Disconnect Procedure)
The symptom
Error -7 (network failure) at exam launch. "Configuration Failed" during install. LDB reachable but slow. "Suspicious IP detected" from Respondus anti-fraud (rare but documented).
Why it conflicts with LDB
VPNs change your apparent network identity. From Respondus's server-side perspective:
- Corporate VPNs often have firewall rules that block consumer SaaS endpoints, breaking LDB's telemetry.
- Consumer VPNs (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, Mullvad) operate from datacenter IP ranges that some Respondus deployments flag for anti-fraud.
- Tor exit nodes are universally blocked by Respondus IP reputation filters.
The fix - pre-exam procedure
- Identify your VPN type:
- Corporate (Cisco AnyConnect, GlobalProtect, FortiClient): IT-managed
- University (similar tools, university-managed): may be required for LMS access
- Consumer (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.): you installed it
- Disconnect the VPN before LDB launch. Open the VPN client, click Disconnect.
- Verify by browsing to your LMS and to respondus.com. Both should load.
- Launch LDB.
- Reconnect VPN after exam if you need it.
Alternative configurations
If your university VPN is required to access the LMS:
- Contact your university IT and request that Respondus's endpoints (
*.respondus.com,updates.respondus.com,config.respondus.com) be added to the VPN's split-tunnel allow-list. - Most enterprise VPN products support split-tunneling; the IT desk can configure Respondus traffic to bypass the VPN tunnel.
- If split-tunneling isn't available, ask IT to provide a documented procedure for taking proctored exams - most have one (e.g., "use cellular hotspot for proctored exams, university VPN otherwise").
For consumer VPNs that are flagged by anti-fraud, switch to a different VPN provider or disconnect entirely.
What NOT to do
- Don't try to bypass the conflict mid-exam - LDB's blacklist scan happens before exam launch and re-runs at intervals.
- Don't restart the conflicting app DURING the exam - LDB will detect the new process and may flag.
- Don't leave the conflicting app paused/disabled long-term outside exam windows; that's overkill for non-LDB use.
Frequently asked questions
Will using a VPN look suspicious to my instructor?
Not directly - the instructor sees the recording, not network metadata. But the LDB launch might fail, which is logged. If it succeeds, no flag.
Can I use Cloudflare WARP or 1.1.1.1 for Families during exams?
Cloudflare WARP is a "VPN-like" service. WARP+'s commercial IPs are known to Respondus and usually pass; the free WARP varies. Test with a practice exam first.
What about a VPN to bypass geo-blocking on my LMS?
If you're abroad and your LMS is geo-restricted to your home country, the VPN is required for legitimate reasons. Use the IT split-tunnel approach - separate Respondus traffic from VPN.