---
title: Desktop Lockdown & Overlay Protection
url: https://clevid.com/docs/security/lockdown
description: How the Clevid Desktop Client keeps assessments focused, detects hidden AI overlays, and respects candidate privacy.
category: security
categoryLabel: Proctoring & security
subcategoryLabel: Desktop protection
updatedAt: May 2026
order: 6
---

Modern AI interview assistants and floating overlay tools are designed to bypass browser-based tests. Because a browser tab cannot see outside its own window, a candidate can share a clean browser tab while reading answers from a transparent overlay floating right above the questions.

Clevid closes this blind spot with the **Clevid Desktop Client**.

<Note>
The Clevid Desktop Client runs as a standard user application—never a system driver or permanent background service. It runs only while the assessment is open and exits completely as soon as the candidate submits.
</Note>

## How workspace protection works

```mermaid title="Continuous workspace & environment checks during an active exam"
flowchart LR
  A[Candidate Launches Exam\nin Clevid Client] --> B[Window & Overlay Check\nDetects Floating Assistants]
  A --> C[Display & Device Check\nVerifies Single Monitor & Camera]
  B --> D{Unauthorized Overlay\nor Focus Switch?}
  C --> E{Extra Display or\nScreen Share Active?}
  D -->|Detected| F[Pin Timestamped Alert\nto Evidence Timeline]
  E -->|Detected| F
```

## What the desktop client checks

Before the timer starts—and continuously throughout the exam—the desktop app checks five areas:

| Protection Area | What Clevid Checks | Why It Matters |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Floating Overlays** | Invisible or transparent windows sitting above the assessment | Stops stealth AI assistants that hide from standard browser screen sharing |
| **Connected Displays** | Number of active monitors and screen-mirroring cables | Prevents someone from viewing prompts or receiving help on a second screen |
| **Screen Sharing & Remote Control** | Active screen-broadcasting or remote-access apps | Ensures the test is being taken directly by the invited candidate |
| **Virtual Machines** | Whether the OS is running inside a virtual machine | Prevents running the test inside a guest window while tools run on the host computer |
| **Camera & Microphone** | Physical webcam and microphone availability | Ensures continuous video and audio coverage for human review |

<Warning>
Clevid never reads personal files, browser history, saved passwords, or folders on the candidate's computer. Monitoring begins only when the candidate clicks **Start Assessment** and stops immediately upon submission.
</Warning>