Microsoft has introduced a new tool, the 'scareware blocker', to combat online scams that misuse scare tactics through fake antivirus software. This scam typically deceives users by falsely alerting them about nonexistent threats and persuading them to install malicious software or make unnecessary payments. Following high-profile cases of deceptive practices leading to significant FTC settlements, Microsoft aims to strengthen online security. The blocker will utilize machine learning to identify new threats, requiring user activation in the Edge browser to enhance existing security functionalities.
"Scareware" has blighted the web almost since its inception, often in the form of fake antivirus software that claims to have detected a non-existent threat on a user's machine.
These companies used scare tactics and lies about threats to consumers' personal computers to bilk consumers, particularly older consumers, out of tens of millions of dollars.
Microsoft's new feature specifically intervenes if a scam tool attempts to open a full-screen page, making it more difficult to identify and circumvent scams.
The scareware blocker requires users to activate the feature through the 'Privacy, search, and services' setting in Edge, enhancing existing security measures.
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