Microsoft Edge Introduces “Scareware” Blocker to Prevent Fake Alert Website Threats

Scams take on various forms online, but “scareware”stands out as particularly insidious. This deceptive tactic masquerades as a protective service, luring users into believing their devices are under threat from malware. In response to this growing concern, Microsoft has introduced its “scareware blocker”in the Edge browser, utilizing cutting-edge AI technology to enhance browser security significantly.

Microsoft Edge Features an AI-Driven Scareware Blocker

Microsoft’s advanced scareware blocker is now available for Edge users. This innovative feature employs artificial intelligence to identify and obstruct common scareware tactics. Scareware typically manipulates your browser to display alarming pop-ups claiming that your system is compromised. Scammers often impersonate legitimate tech support, such as Windows Support, encouraging victims to call a provided number. Unfortunately, these calls frequently lead to attackers gaining unauthorized access to users’ systems, potentially paving the way for malware installation.

What sets Microsoft’s scareware blocker apart is its prompt notification system. This electric response is crucial because scareware scams often pressure users to act quickly, playing on emotional vulnerability to exploit trust.

How Does the Scareware Blocker Function in Microsoft Edge?

According to Microsoft’s insights, the scareware blocker complements existing Edge security features, including Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which generally protects users from harmful websites. The unique advantage of the scareware blocker lies in its AI capabilities, which actively scan new websites for traditional indicators of scareware, such as full-screen displays and artificial audio alerts.

Microsoft’s blog post elaborates on the remarkable functionality of its machine-learning model:

“The model utilizes computer vision technology to compare full-screen pages against thousands of samples from the scam-fighting community. Importantly, the analysis happens locally, without uploading or storing images in the cloud.”

When the AI detects scareware-like behavior, it generates a warning. It’s essential to distinguish this notification from a scareware pop-up. Notably, legitimate notifications from Microsoft’s scareware blocker will not suggest calling a tech support number. Instead, users receive a cautionary message about a suspicious site, offering two clear options: Close page or Continue.

Notification from Microsoft's scareware blocker alerting user about a suspicious site — Microsoft

Only proceed by clicking Continue when you can confidently ensure that a site is safe.

Enabling the Scareware Blocker in Microsoft Edge

The scareware blocker feature from Microsoft is currently in preview mode, allowing users to enable it via Edge’s settings menu:

Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to Settings.
Click on Privacy, search, and services.
Switch on the toggle next to Scareware blocker.

It can be somewhat challenging to distinguish between real security warnings and fraudulent alerts. A reliable strategy is to exercise caution regarding associated phone numbers and hyperlinks. For instance, if a security alert provides a contact number, perform a quick Google search to verify its legitimacy. If prompted to call Microsoft Support, ensure the number matches listings on Microsoft’s official website. Be particularly wary if you are unable to open another tab for that search; this often indicates a fraudulent attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly is scareware?

Scareware refers to a type of online scam that misleads users into believing they need to install or purchase software to eliminate non-existent threats, often through alarming pop-up messages pretending to be legitimate security notifications.

2. How effective is Microsoft’s scareware blocker?

Microsoft’s scareware blocker is highly effective, utilizing AI to identify classic signs of scareware in real-time. By employing machine-learning techniques, it helps discern malicious websites before they can trick users.

3. Can I use the scareware blocker with other security features in Edge?

Yes, the scareware blocker is designed to work alongside existing security features like Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, enhancing overall browsing safety without conflict.

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