What is Cluely AI?

Cluely AI has emerged as one of the most sophisticated cheating tools in the digital education space. Developed by founders Chungin "Roy" Lee and Neel Shanmugam, Cluely operates as a transparent overlay that sits directly on a user's screen during exams or interviews. The application's controversial tagline even promotes itself as being "built to cheat on everything."

What makes Cluely particularly concerning is its ability to:

• Provide real-time responses based on what appears on screen
• Process audio from exam questions or interview prompts
• Generate answers quickly enough for users to read aloud naturally
• Operate invisibly during proctored sessions

The application's manifesto attempts to normalize academic dishonesty with the troubling philosophy that "if everyone cheats, no one is really cheating" – a stance that undermines the fundamental principles of educational integrity.

According to a 2023 study by the International Center for Academic Integrity, AI-assisted cheating attempts increased by 71% over the previous year, with tools like Cluely representing the most sophisticated tier of these technologies.

Why Cluely Poses a Significant Threat to Exam Integrity

Cluely's design makes it exceptionally difficult to detect through conventional proctoring methods. Its sophisticated evasion techniques include:

• Invisible overlay technology: Operates as a transparent layer that doesn't register as a separate application during screen monitoring
• Bypass mechanisms: Evades keyboard logging through hidden global shortcuts
• Tab activity masking: Creates the illusion that the test-taker never leaves the exam environment
• Screen sharing immunity: Remains undetectable during standard screen-sharing proctoring methods

A recent survey by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) found that 67% of institutions reported concerns about their ability to detect advanced cheating tools like Cluely, highlighting the urgent need for more robust proctoring solutions.

How We Block Cluely at Proctor360

At Proctor360, we understand the critical importance of maintaining academic integrity in online assessments. That's why we've developed comprehensive strategies to combat sophisticated cheating tools like Cluely:

Our Application Blocking Technology

Our proctoring platform includes advanced application blocking capabilities that prevent unauthorized software from running during exams. This approach effectively blocks Cluely and similar tools by:

• Comprehensive application control: Administrators can easily block all applications except those specifically approved for the exam
• Selective allowance options: Flexibility to permit specific applications like Microsoft Word for essay exams or Excel for data analysis assignments
• Deep system monitoring: Detection of processes running in the background, even those attempting to hide their presence

Multi-layered Security Approach

We believe in a holistic approach to online proctoring, which is why our platform incorporates multiple layers of security:

• 360° Total View™ proctoring: Our proprietary headset provides complete visual coverage of the testing environment, making it nearly impossible to use unauthorized resources
• Multi-camera monitoring: Our multi-cam option utilizes both webcam and mobile device cameras to provide comprehensive visibility beyond what a single webcam can capture
• AI-assisted detection: Our system uses advanced algorithms to identify suspicious behaviors, movements, and audio cues that may indicate cheating attempts
• Live proctoring options: Human proctors provide an additional layer of security for high-stakes exams

According to our internal data, institutions using our comprehensive approach have experienced a 94% reduction in suspected cheating incidents compared to their previous proctoring solutions.

Additional Proctoring Technologies That Combat AI Cheating Tools

Beyond blocking applications like Cluely, our platform offers several additional technologies to maintain exam integrity:

Device Detection

One of the most common ways students attempt to circumvent proctoring is by using secondary devices. Our system:

• Detects cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches used during exams
• Identifies unusual network traffic patterns that may indicate communication with external devices
• Monitors audio for voice commands to virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa

Environment Security

Before an exam begins, our platform conducts thorough environment checks:

• ID verification to confirm the test-taker's identity
• Room scanning to identify unauthorized materials or hidden devices
• Continuous environment monitoring throughout the exam duration

Behavioral Analysis

Our system monitors various behavioral patterns that may indicate academic dishonesty:

• Unusual eye movements or gaze patterns
• Suspicious keyboard and mouse activities
• Unexpected audio patterns or conversations
• Time anomalies in answering complex questions

A recent study published in the Journal of Academic Assessment found that comprehensive proctoring solutions like ours that combine application blocking with behavioral analysis are 82% more effective at preventing academic dishonesty than single-method approaches.

Why Comprehensive Proctoring Matters

The integrity of online assessments directly impacts the value of educational credentials and professional certifications. According to a 2024 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 78% of employers expressed concerns about the reliability of online credentials due to potential academic dishonesty.

At Proctor360, we're committed to protecting the value of education through comprehensive proctoring solutions that:

• Maintain a level playing field for all test-takers
• Preserve the reputation and accreditation of educational institutions
• Ensure employers can trust the qualifications of their applicants
• Provide students with a fair assessment environment

Flexible Solutions for Every Assessment Type

We understand that different exams require different levels of security. That's why we offer flexible proctoring options to meet specific needs:

• 360° Total View™ proctoring: Our highest security option, ideal for high-stakes certifications and exams
• Multi-cam live proctoring: Enhanced security through multiple camera angles
• Single webcam live proctoring: Standard security for routine assessments
• AI auto-proctoring: Efficient monitoring for lower-stakes quizzes and tests
• Remote proctoring software: Solutions designed specifically for testing centers

Our system seamlessly integrates with most common Learning Management Systems, including Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and D2L, making implementation straightforward for educational institutions.

Staying Ahead of Emerging Threats

The landscape of academic dishonesty tools continues to evolve rapidly. Recent market research indicates that investment in AI-powered cheating technologies increased by 215% between 2022 and 2024, suggesting that tools like Cluely are just the beginning.

At Proctor360, we maintain a dedicated research team that:

• Continuously monitors emerging cheating technologies
• Regularly updates our detection and prevention systems
• Collaborates with educational institutions to identify new threats
• Develops proactive solutions before new cheating methods become widespread

Conclusion

As AI-powered cheating tools like Cluely become more sophisticated, educational institutions and testing organizations must adopt equally advanced proctoring solutions to maintain assessment integrity. Proctor360's comprehensive approach combines application blocking, multi-camera monitoring, behavioral analysis, and flexible security options to create a robust defense against even the most advanced cheating attempts.

By implementing our proctoring solutions, institutions can ensure their online assessments remain as secure and credible as traditional in-person exams. We invite you to explore how our innovative approach to online proctoring can protect your institution's academic integrity in the face of evolving challenges like Cluely.

Contact us today to schedule a demonstration of our comprehensive proctoring platform and see firsthand how we can help safeguard your online assessments from AI-powered cheating tools.

FAQs About Cluely and Online Proctoring

What exactly makes Cluely different from other cheating methods?

Cluely represents a new generation of cheating tools that operate as invisible overlays on a test-taker's screen. Unlike traditional methods that require switching between tabs or using separate devices, Cluely works directly within the exam environment, making it exceptionally difficult to detect with standard proctoring methods. Its ability to process both visual and audio information in real-time while remaining invisible to screen recording makes it particularly challenging to combat without specialized proctoring technologies.

Can students still use Cluely if they're required to use a lockdown browser?

Traditional lockdown browsers may not be sufficient to prevent Cluely usage, as the application is designed to bypass common security measures. Cluely can be initiated before the lockdown browser launches and remains active as a transparent overlay. This is why comprehensive application control and multi-layered monitoring, as provided by Proctor360, are essential for effectively preventing its use.