diff --git a/edx_proctoring/backends/software_secure.py b/edx_proctoring/backends/software_secure.py
index dfa88a023a9..babda446d19 100644
--- a/edx_proctoring/backends/software_secure.py
+++ b/edx_proctoring/backends/software_secure.py
@@ -337,7 +337,8 @@ def pad(text):
             """
             Apply padding
             """
-            return text + (block_size - len(text) % block_size) * chr(block_size - len(text) % block_size)
+            return (text + (block_size - len(text) % block_size) *
+                    chr(block_size - len(text) % block_size)).encode('utf-8')
         cipher = DES3.new(key, DES3.MODE_ECB)
         encrypted_text = cipher.encrypt(pad(pwd))
         return base64.b64encode(encrypted_text)