Key Points:
- Microsoft announces a new feature called Scareware Blocker to protect users from tech support and related scams
- Scareware Blocker uses machine learning to recognize the signs of scareware scams and puts users back in control of their computer
- Users can help test the feature and provide feedback to improve its effectiveness in blocking scams
As we continue to navigate the digital world, it’s clear that scams are becoming increasingly prevalent and sophisticated. In fact, our data shows that in 2024, Microsoft Edge blocked five times more scams on average than it did just three years earlier. Scams can be incredibly convincing, with full-screen pages, aggressive audio, and disorienting keyboard and mouse tricks designed to get you to call a fake tech support number and allow scammers to gain access to your computer.
But today, Microsoft is announcing a new feature to help combat these types of scams: Scareware Blocker. This feature uses machine learning to recognize the signs of scareware scams and puts users back in control of their computer.
So, how does Scareware Blocker work? Essentially, it uses a machine learning model that runs on the local computer, analyzing the full-screen pages to identify the tell-tale signs of scareware scams. If the model detects a scam, Edge will exit full-screen mode, stop aggressive audio playback, warn the user, and show a thumbnail of the page they were just viewing.
But Scareware Blocker doesn’t stop there. It also lets users report the malicious site to protect others, by sharing a screenshot of the scam and other diagnostics with Microsoft. This information helps the Defender SmartScreen service detect scareware outbreaks across multiple machines. And to reduce false alarms, users can also report when Scareware Blocker makes a mistake and blocks a legitimate page.
Microsoft is rolling out Scareware Blocker as a preview for all Edge users on Windows PCs. To enable it, users simply need to make sure their Edge is fully up to date, restart the browser, and then look for the Scareware Blocker feature under "Privacy, Search, and Services". Your feedback will help Microsoft improve the feature and block scams faster.
By enabling Scareware Blocker, you can help stand up to scams and make the web a safer place. So, don’t wait – enable Scareware Blocker today and help Microsoft take a crucial step in protecting users from these sophisticated threats.
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