Microsoft Edge adds Scareware Blocker that uses ML to detect scams

Microsoft Edge now offers a preview of Scareware Blocker, which utilizes machine learning to safeguard users from deceptive web pages. It can detect websites that attempt to mislead users into believing their devices are compromised by malware. Such sites often try to convince the user into granting remote access to their systems. For that, they show a prompt to contact a fraudulent technical support hotline.

In contrast to Defender SmartScreen, which prevents access to recognized malicious websites, this new tool uses machine learning to examine web pages for being fraud. It then cross-references these findings with a database of known examples. Notably, Edge will perform analysis locally on the user’s device. This will, it will not send sensitive data to external servers or the cloud.

How the Scareware Blocker works in Edge

When the Scareware Blocker feature identifies a web page as potentially suspicious, the browser takes several proactive steps to ensure user safety and provide clear guidance. First, it automatically exits full-screen mode to prevent the page from covering the user’s screen. Such behavior is a common tactic the malicious websites use to intimidate or deceive visitors.

At the same time, it stops any audio playback from the page. This reduces the potential for further manipulation or distraction. To warn the user, Edge displays a message with a thumbnail image of the flagged web page, offering a visual reference for better context.

At this point, users are presented with two options. They can choose to ignore the warning and proceed with their browsing if they believe the page is safe.

Alternatively, users have the option to report the site as fraudulent directly to Microsoft. By doing so, they contribute valuable data that helps enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of the detection system.

This feedback plays a critical role in refining the machine learning algorithms and expanding the database of known fraudulent patterns. This should significantly improve the protection offered to users.

Scareware Blocker is available in preview in the stable version of Microsoft Edge. You can turn it on in Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services.

You may need to restart the browser again for the feature to appear in the settings.