AI Overlay for SecureExam Lockdown Browser on Mac
SecureExam is a niche desktop lockdown client used by smaller certification programs and specialized licensure bodies. It runs as a downloadable native Mac app rather than a browser extension, which puts it in the same architectural family as Examplify and SEB.
SecureExam descends from the Software Secure lineage of secure-browser products and is delivered as a notarized Mac binary. Its lockdown approach is conventional for the category: prevent app switching, disable screenshot hotkeys, prompt for the Screen Recording TCC permission if a proctored variant is enabled, and refuse to start when an unknown second display is attached.
Key points
- SecureExam is a smaller-footprint product than market leaders; deployments are typically professional-licensure boards.
- The Mac build is a notarized Cocoa app, not a browser extension.
- Lockdown disables Cmd-Tab, Mission Control, screenshot hotkeys, and most input that would defocus the app.
- Live-proctor variants use WebRTC to send captured frames upstream.
How it works
┌── macOS host ─────────────────────────────────┐ │ ┌── proctor desktop app ───────┐ │ │ │ Calls ScreenCaptureKit / │ ← misses │ │ │ CGWindowListCreateImage │ flagged │ │ └──────────────────────────────┘ windows │ │ │ │ ┌── LDBypass overlay window ───┐ │ │ │ sharingType = .none │ ← invisible │ │ └──────────────────────────────┘ to capture│ └───────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Compatibility on Mac
| macOS 14 Sonoma+ | Yes (required for window-privacy API) | ✓ |
| Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) | Native arm64 build | ✓ |
| Intel Macs (2019+) | Universal binary supported | ✓ |
| SecureExam Mac client | macOS 12+, kiosk user-space app | ✓ |
| Live-proctored variant | WebRTC capture honors per-window privacy | ✓ |
Common questions
Does SecureExam install a kernel extension?
No. Apple deprecated kernel extensions for third-party software.
Will SecureExam see LDBypass in the process list?
LDBypass uses a randomized bundle ID and a benign display name per build.
Can the proctor request a remote view of my screen?
A proctor receives frames captured by SecureExam itself.
Does SecureExam record the webcam and microphone?
In its proctored variant, yes, through AVCaptureSession.