Have you ever seen one of those alarming pop-ups claiming your computer is infected? You know the type: flashing red alerts with a fake phone number urging you to “call Microsoft support” immediately.
These are called scareware—designed to scare you into giving away money or access to your device. Even the most cautious users can fall for them.
The good news is Microsoft is taking a stand. In its latest update to Edge, the company has introduced a powerful new AI-based tool to prevent these scams before they reach your screen.
How Microsoft Edge Blocks Scareware
Edge now comes with a Scareware Blocker, automatically enabled on most newer computers. Using advanced AI, it can identify full-screen scam pages that mimic legitimate system alerts, like “your device is infected” or “call support immediately.”
Once detected, the fake alert is blocked instantly, stopping you or your team from accidentally interacting with it.
Even better, when a user reports a scam, Microsoft’s Defender SmartScreen system learns from that report. This helps protect other users worldwide, sometimes hours or days before a threat appears on official global lists. In tests, a single report prevented around 50 other users from falling victim.
The latest Edge update also includes a new scareware sensor, designed to spot emerging scams in real time without collecting personal data or screenshots. While this feature is currently optional, it will soon activate automatically for users with SmartScreen enabled.
Why This Matters for Businesses
Scams aren’t just a nuisance, they’re becoming more sophisticated and dangerous. A single click on a fake alert can lead to stolen passwords, drained bank accounts, or even ransomware infections.
Small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly targeted, since one employee’s mistake can compromise the entire system. AI-powered tools like Edge’s new protections help close these gaps, reacting faster than any human could and allowing your team to focus on real work instead of worrying about threats.
Stay Protected
If your business uses Microsoft Edge, ensure you are running the latest version. These AI-driven scam protections could save you serious trouble and spare a few heart-stopping moments.
Not sure how secure your systems are against threats like these? A security audit can help identify risks and strengthen your defenses. Our team is ready to help you stay safe online.
Get in touch today.
