When it comes to test security, one of the most persistent assumptions in the industry is that you’re either all in or all out. That you must outsource everything to a single vendor or try to manage everything internally. For years, that was the dominant model and for some programs, it still is.
But the test security landscape has changed. So have the risks. And so too must our models for defending against them.
Modern test security isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s modular. It’s responsive. And it’s customized to flex around the specific needs of each testing program. Custom test security solutions are designed to align with the unique business goals of organizations across various industries.
Not every program has the same risks
Testing programs today are remarkably diverse. They span global certification bodies, specialist and micro credentials, and large-scale government testing. All have different delivery models, infrastructures, and threat profiles.
A remote-first program may need to focus on digital impersonation risks. A program delivering high-stakes exams in secure test centers may need support monitoring location-based anomalies or auditing individual center performance. A growing credentialing body might be particularly concerned about reputational damage.
The common thread? Each program has its own set of vulnerabilities. And yet many still approach test security with a one-size-fits-all mindset. Either deploying every tool in the box, or worse, using only the basics.
Gaining a comprehensive view of your program’s risk profile is essential. And effective test security starts with a clear understanding of risk. It’s about knowing where your program is most exposed, finding vulnerabilities specific to your context, and investing in the right protections for those areas.
Modular doesn’t mean minimal
There’s a misconception that modular security is somehow a compromise. That if you’re not going “all in,” you’re not doing enough.
But the reality is the opposite. Modular solutions allow you to direct your efforts where they matter most. It’s not about doing less, it’s about doing what’s most effective.
For example, a testing program may already have strong delivery protocols and proctoring systems in place but need support finding leaked test content online. Another may be confident in their in-house data analytics but require expert guidance during a suspected security breach.
Targeted, expert-led services – from forensic analysis and dark web monitoring to security incident response support – can elevate your existing security position without overhauling your entire operation. When these services are delivered by specialized teams of security experts, it ensures comprehensive and effective support. Modular solutions also allow organizations to schedule security services according to their unique needs, providing flexibility to adapt to changing requirements. This level of customization is one of the biggest strengths of a modular approach.
Evolving threats require adaptive solutions
Security isn’t static. Neither are the threats we face.
In 2024 alone, deepfake attempts were detected every five minutes, and digital document forgeries surged by 244% over the previous year. These aren’t fringe cases anymore, they’re mainstream risks. Organized cheating rings, AI-assisted impersonation, and synthetic identity fraud are now part of the testing environment.
That’s why the most effective security solutions today are built to evolve. They’re not a fixed checklist or one-time solution. They’re designed to adapt to changing threats, changing technologies, and changing testing models.
At PSI and ETS, we bring together cross-organizational expertise and global infrastructure to help programs not only respond to known threats but anticipate evolving and emerging ones. Our adaptive solutions simulate real world adversary tactics in the form of audits and investigations, to rigorously test defenses, requiring deep technical expertise to address these evolving threats. That agility is what today’s test security environment demands.
Read about the rise of AI driven test fraud and why we need new defences.
You don’t need to go all in to get started
One of the biggest barriers we see is the belief that engaging with a test security provider like PSI means committing to a full delivery solution. For many organizations, that’s simply not the right fit. And that’s okay – Test Security as a Service (TSaaS) was built to remove that barrier.
Whether you’re a PSI client or not, you can now access the same capabilities trusted by global credentialing leaders. From individual services like one-off audits and investigations, to bundled or subscription-based packages, this approach is flexible by design.
This isn’t about replacing what you know already works. It’s about reinforcing it with expert support where you need it most.
Discover what modern test security looks like: flexible, scalable and secure.
Modular isn’t a compromise, it’s a strategy
Every program has different pressures, different resources, and different goals. But all of them have one thing in common, a responsibility to protect the integrity of their assessments.
That’s why we believe the strongest security strategies today are built on flexibility not rigidity. On partnership, not isolation. And on expertise that evolves with the threat landscape.
You don’t need to commit to everything at once to strengthen your test security. You just need to start with the right support, at the right time, in the right place.
Ready to tailor a test security strategy that meets your needs?
Book a consultation to learn how TSaaS can support your program.