Microsoft Edge Introduces Machine Learning to Fight Scareware Threats
You’re browsing the internet when, out of nowhere, your screen is hijacked by urgent pop-ups claiming your system is compromised or under surveillance. Such scare tactics, known as scareware, deceive users into downloading fraudulent antivirus programs or giving hackers access to their devices. To tackle this persistent cybersecurity threat, Microsoft is upgrading its Edge browser with advanced scareware protection, a feature announced at the Microsoft Ignite conference.
Using machine learning, Edge will detect scareware threats in active tabs and alert users before any damage can occur. Rather than allowing scareware to take control, Edge will contain the suspected scam attempt until the user reviews and decides whether to proceed. This proactive measure ensures greater safety while maintaining user autonomy for trusted websites.
The feature’s first recipients will be organizations, where the stakes of scareware attacks are especially high. Corporate networks face significant risks when employees inadvertently grant remote access or fall prey to scams, making robust protection essential. Microsoft has also indicated that this functionality will extend to individual consumers, although the timeline is not immediate. A public preview is expected to launch within the next few months, with wider availability likely later in 2025.
This initiative comes as part of an industry-wide response to a year marked by frequent cybersecurity challenges. In addition to Microsoft’s efforts, companies like Google are also enhancing security measures—such as exploring disposable email addresses in Gmail, which could redefine online privacy. As these advancements roll out, tools like Edge’s scareware protection will become crucial for safer browsing in an increasingly digital world.