Architecture that provides a secure environment in which data (e.g., code, instructions, files, images, etc.) can be opened and run by a client application. Once opened the data can be viewed (in a “protected view”) by the user without incurring risk to other client processing and systems. Accordingly, the architecture mitigates malicious attacks by enabling users to preview untrusted and potentially harmful data (e.g., files) in a low risk manner. Files opened in the protected view are isolated from accessing key resources on the client computer and provides the user a safer way to read files that can contain dangerous content. The protected view also provides a seamless user experience. The user is unaware that the client is operating on data in a different mode and allows for the reduction of security prompts.