OpenLock review
A free, open Linux option with broad lockdown controls, but not exam-ready yet.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
OpenLock is an open-source, Linux-native kiosk browser for secured online assessments. It is aimed at educational institutions and students who need a lockdown browser on Linux, with support for the Safe Exam Browser protocol and .seb configuration parsing. Its assessment controls cover fullscreen kiosk operation through X11 or Wayland/Cage, prohibited-application monitoring and termination, keyboard shortcuts, clipboard use, downloads, right-click access, and browser developer tools. System-integrity checks also address virtual machines, debuggers, and hypervisors.
Its main strength is the breadth of controls available in a free, open-source package. OpenLock can apply URL allowlists and blocklists, enforce navigation policies, and includes category adapters for Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard. The published category specifications also include app-switching, copy and print, and screen-capture blocking. That combination makes it relevant for Linux institutions that need control over both the browser session and the surrounding desktop environment.
Readiness is the key qualification. OpenLock is not exam-ready because its SEB key derivation is not yet byte-exact, and live validation with Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard has not been completed. Institutions choosing it should be prepared to assess those protocol and LMS requirements before relying on it for live assessments. Linux-only support also rules it out for mixed-platform deployments that need one lockdown browser across operating systems. OpenLock fits teams prioritizing an open implementation and Linux compatibility; institutions seeking a currently validated exam deployment or broader platform coverage should choose an alternative.
OpenLock pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open-source with Linux-native kiosk support
- Controls processes, shortcuts, clipboard, navigation, and browser features
- Adapters for Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard
- Where it doesn't
- Limited to Linux
- SEB key derivation is not yet byte-exact
- Not exam-ready; live LMS validation is incomplete
OpenLock fact sheet, pricing and score →
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