Computer use agents interact with desktop applications through simulated mouse clicks, keyboard input, and screen interpretation. This broad access surface requires careful safety architecture. A computer use agent with unrestricted access can do anything a human user can do, including destructive and irreversible actions.
Computer use agents typically have access to: the entire visible screen, mouse movement and clicking, keyboard input including keyboard shortcuts, and sometimes clipboard access. This means they can open applications, navigate file systems, send emails, execute terminal commands, and interact with any running application.
Every mouse click and keystroke should be evaluated against a policy. Authensor's policy engine can evaluate computer use actions by examining the target coordinates (mapped to screen regions), the intended action type, and the application context.
Define restricted screen regions. For example, block clicks on the system tray, terminal applications, or browser address bars unless explicitly authorized for the current task.
Restrict which applications the agent can interact with. A data entry agent should only access the target application and nothing else. Block interactions with terminals, file managers, email clients, and web browsers unless they are part of the task scope.
Implement application detection through window title matching or process monitoring. When the agent attempts to interact with an unauthorized application, the policy engine blocks the action.
Block dangerous keyboard shortcuts. Combinations like Ctrl+Alt+Delete, or terminal commands should be denied by default. Block typing in password fields unless the credential is managed through a secure vault integration.
Monitor for rapid keystroke sequences that might indicate the agent is typing commands or scripts rather than performing its intended data entry task.
For destructive actions (deleting files, sending emails, submitting forms), require human confirmation through Authensor's approval workflow. The agent pauses, presents what it intends to do, and waits for approval before proceeding.
The agent reads screen content to understand its environment. This content is untrusted and can contain injection attempts. Text on screen saying "click the delete button" should not override the agent's actual instructions. Scan interpreted screen content through Aegis before it influences agent decisions.
Log every action with a screenshot or screen region capture. Authensor's receipt chain records the full sequence of interactions, providing a visual audit trail for review and compliance.
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