Microsoft Edge targets scareware with new AI-powered blocker

This new AI-powered blocker can even detect new scams on your Edge browser.

illustration: Tech Bird

In the fast-paced world of AI, everyone struggles for the top spot. But while text generation and image creation grab headlines, Microsoft is quietly strengthening its defenses against a much more insidious threat: online scams. This week, the tech giant began rolling out a game-changing feature in its Edge browser: an AI-powered scareware blocker designed to detect and neutralize scams before they can wreak havoc on your PC.

You're probably familiar with scareware—those deceptive pop-ups and fake alerts that try to trick you into downloading malicious software or revealing personal information. Scareware can be incredibly convincing, often mimicking legitimate system warnings and pushing you into full-screen mode, making it difficult to escape. These tactics create a sense of urgency and panic, leading you to make rash decisions. But now, Microsoft Edge is fighting back with the power of artificial intelligence.

In a recent announcement blog, Microsoft claimed that the new scareware blocker will serve as a “first line of defense against scams.” This isn’t your average security feature. Edge’s new scareware blocker uses a sophisticated machine-learning model that runs directly on your Windows PC. This local approach is important for both speed and privacy. The AI ​​analyzes full-screen pages, comparing them to a large database of known scams contributed by the anti-scam community. Think of it as a digital detective, constantly learning and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of online fraud. And, importantly, this analysis happens locally, without sending your browsing data to the cloud.

Image: Microsoft

So, how does it work in practice? Imagine you stumble upon a website masquerading as a legitimate tech support page. It pops up in full-screen mode, blaring warnings about a "virus" on your computer. Edge's AI scans the page, comparing it to its library of known scams. If it detects a match, the browser springs into action. First, it breaks the full-screen lock, giving you back control. Then, it silences any audio playing from the deceptive site. Finally, it displays a clear warning, complete with a thumbnail of the suspicious page, alerting you to the potential scam.

This isn't just about blocking known threats. Because the AI model is constantly learning, it can also detect new and emerging scams, providing a critical first line of defense against previously unseen attacks. This proactive approach is what sets Edge's scareware blocker apart.

What's even better? You're part of the solution. If Edge flags a suspicious site, you can easily report it to Microsoft. This feedback loop helps improve the AI's accuracy and adds the new scam to Microsoft's Defender SmartScreen service, protecting other Edge users from becoming victims.

While the feature was initially announced at Ignite last November, it's now available in preview within the latest stable channel release of Microsoft Edge. You'll need to dive into Edge's privacy settings and manually activate the scareware blocker to enable it. After a quick browser restart, you'll have this powerful new layer of protection at your disposal.

In a world where online threats are constantly evolving, Microsoft Edge's AI-powered scareware blocker represents a significant leap forward in online security. It's a testament to the power of AI to not just generate content but to protect us from the darker corners of the internet. So, update your Edge browser, enable the scareware blocker, and experience safer, more secure browsing.