Microsoft is testing a new scareware blocker in its Edge browser, designed to protect Windows PC users from tech support scams. These scams trick victims with aggressive web pages claiming their devices are infected, often urging them to call fake tech support numbers.
While Defender SmartScreen already safeguards users by blocking known malicious sites, the new feature uses machine learning on the local device to identify scam patterns in real-time. If a potential threat is detected, the browser exits full-screen mode, mutes audio, and displays a warning, allowing users to proceed if they trust the site.
Users can report scam sites or false positives, helping improve the blocker and Microsoft's Defender SmartScreen service. The scareware blocker is currently available in preview for stable channel users. Additionally, Microsoft plans to roll out brand impersonation protection for Teams Chat by February 2025.
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