Braindumps are referred to as confidential information, relating to examinations, obtained by examinees that memorized, then "dumped" (recorded), the information after the examination.

Braindumps of this sort are often illegal because the information acquired was generally taken from material that was copyrighted or registered as trade secrets, and many of the larger corporations have recently begun fighting back against the companies that mass produce braindumps.

Braindumps are most commonly found amongst IT certification exams (mainly because the exams are expensive, difficult to pass, and the questions rarely change). These braindumps are actual exam questions, and answers, that users will memorize prior to taking (or sitting) an exam.

In most cases, using braindumps is considered cheating and spreading them is illegal. Certification providers use Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) , binding examinees to a legal contract. Every person who takes an IT certification exam is required to read and sign the NDA. By using, or passing on, questions from the exam, the examinee is in violation of the respective NDA. Violations of Non-disclosure agreements is grounds for removal of all previous certifications and being banned from taking any further certification Exams.

Overall, braindumps are harming the certification itself, and the IT industry as a whole, because they allow unqualified examinees to not only pass the exams, but also enter into contracts with unsuspecting employers. Braindumps also undermine the certificate's quality and further reduce the overall value of the certifications.