Microsoft Edge has introduced a preview of its scareware blocker, enhancing user protection against tech support scams. Leveraging machine learning, this feature identifies and neutralizes scareware tactics, putting users back in control. With scams on the rise, Edge aims to bolster defenses and invites users to participate in its testing.2.

Stand Up to Scareware with Microsoft Edge’s New Blocker

Microsoft Edge has unveiled an exciting new feature: the scareware blocker. This tool is now available in preview mode, offering users a new line of defense against online scams.

What’s New?

At the Ignite conference in November 2024, Microsoft announced the scareware blocker. This feature aims to combat the growing threat of scareware scams. These scams often manipulate users into believing their systems are infected, tricking them into calling fake tech support.

“Scareware scams are a particularly convincing type of tech support scam,” says the Microsoft Edge team.

Major Updates in Scam Protection

Scareware blocker utilizes a machine learning model that runs locally on users’ devices. This model recognizes the signs of scareware scams in real-time. When a scam is detected, Edge will exit full-screen mode, stop aggressive audio playback, and warn the user.

According to Microsoft, “Edge blocked five times more scams on average than it blocked just three years earlier.” This statistic highlights the increasing sophistication of scams and the need for advanced protection mechanisms.

How Scareware Blocker Works

The scareware blocker employs computer vision to compare suspicious full-screen pages against a database of known scams. This process occurs without sending images to the cloud, ensuring user privacy.

Once a potential scam is identified, users regain control of their browser. You can then report the malicious site, contributing to a collective effort to combat scams. This feedback loop helps improve the model and reduce false positives.

What’s Important to Know

Scareware scams can appear unexpectedly, often through misleading advertisements. Everyone should remain vigilant, even while browsing familiar sites. The FBI reports that victims lose over a billion dollars annually to tech support scams, emphasizing the importance of awareness.

To enable the scareware blocker, users must ensure their Edge browser is up to date. Once updated, the feature can be found under “Privacy, Search, and Services.”

“We are committed to empowering users with solutions while we improve our defenses,” the Edge team affirms.

In summary, the scareware blocker represents a significant step in online security. By participating in the preview, users can help Microsoft enhance this feature, making the internet a safer place for everyone.

 

• Scareware blocker is designed to combat tech support scams effectively.
• Utilizes machine learning to detect and respond to scareware in real-time.
• Users can report scams, helping improve the system’s accuracy.
• Available as a preview for Windows PC users of Microsoft Edge.
• Encourages community participation to enhance scam detection capabilities.

 

From the Windows Blog

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