Microsoft has introduced a new security tool called Scareware Blocker in its Edge browser. This feature uses machine learning and computer vision to detect and prevent scareware—fraudulent programs that trick users into downloading malware under the guise of virus protection.
Scareware has been a persistent online threat for years. Typically, it appears as a fake antivirus pop-up, falsely claiming that a security threat has been detected on the user’s computer. The goal is to convince users to download harmful software or pay for a useless program that supposedly removes the nonexistent virus.
How the New Feature Works
Microsoft has already implemented security measures in Edge to block previously identified fraudulent sites. However, the new tool is designed to detect and block even unknown scam sites when they attempt to display full-screen warnings. Microsoft first introduced this AI-powered feature at the Ignite conference in November last year. Now, it is available for testing among Edge Insiders.
This new functionality enhances Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which already detects suspicious website activity. The scareware blocker activates when a fraudulent application attempts to display a full-screen alert, preventing users from falling for scams. Microsoft trained its algorithm using thousands of real-world fraud cases, enabling it to recognize new threats based on past patterns, notes NIXsolutions.
Privacy Considerations
Since the tool relies on computer vision to analyze on-screen activity, some users may have privacy concerns. However, Microsoft assures that the algorithm runs locally on the user’s device and does not send data to remote servers.
This security feature is currently in the testing phase, but we’ll keep you updated on further developments.