Microsoft Edge just added a strong new tool in the fight against online fraud: the scareware blocker. This innovative function protects users from scareware, a cyber fraud that uses psychological manipulation to get sensitive information or money.
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What is Scareware and Why Should You Care in 2025?
Scareware plays on people’s emotions of panic and haste to fool them into thinking that their devices are in danger.
By presenting false security warnings and encouraging users to take unnecessary actions, scareware deceives consumers into downloading fraudulent software or calling fake technical support. These dangerous websites often launch in full-screen mode, show scary messages, and make scary noises.
According to the FBI, scareware schemes target less tech-savvy consumers, especially older adults, and cause over $1 billion in yearly losses. Microsoft recorded a fivefold rise in fraud prevention in 2024 compared to previous years, emphasizing the critical need for powerful protection.
How Microsoft Edge’s Scareware Blocker Works?
Announced at Ignite 2024, Edge’s scareware blocker is currently in preview for Windows customers. It uses on-device machine learning (ML) to detect risks without compromising privacy.
Here’s how it stands out:
- Local AI Analysis:
In contrast to cloud-based solutions like Defender SmartScreen, the ML model scans local pages, comparing patterns of behavior and layout to a database of hundreds of recognized scams. The system won’t upload any data until it receives a threat report. - Protection in real time: we immediately interrupt scams by removing full-screen mode, turning off audio, and displaying a warning with a thumbnail of the page.
- Control by the User: You can improve the AI’s accuracy by deciding whether to advance or report the page.
Enable the Scareware Blocker in Edge
Prerequisite: Make sure you have the most recent version of Edge installed (132.0.2957.127 or later).
- Update Edge:
- Click the three-dot menu → Help & Feedback → About Microsoft Edge. Install updates if available.
- Activate the Scareware Block Feature:
- Go to Settings → Privacy, Search, and Services → Security.
- Toggle on Scareware Blocker.
Once turned on, the tool operates silently in the background until you tell it to stop.
Beyond the Blocker: Fortifying Your Online Defenses
Edge’s Scareware Blocker offers robust protection, but you can further improve your digital security by combining it with the following practices:
- Hit the ESC key: If trapped in a full-screen scam, press and hold the ESC key to exit.
- Report Suspicious Sites: Help Microsoft improve detection by reporting suspicious sites and providing information about confirmed threats or false positives.
- Layer Defenses: For the best protection, use Microsoft Edge together with a reliable antivirus program and always update Windows.
Conclusion:
Microsoft Edge’s Scareware Blocker takes a proactive stance against online scams, providing a sense of security to consumers, particularly those who are most susceptible.
With this AI Security feature, which is currently in preview, you can get instant security by turning it on now. Start the new year off right by activating your scareware blocker and other preventative measures to ensure safe browsing in 2025.
Ready to take control? Update Edge, toggle on the scareware blocker, and join the fight against digital deception.
Source: Microsoft Edge Blog
