Microsoft Introduces Edge Scareware Blocker to Combat Tech Support Scams

The new feature uses machine learning and computer vision to detect and mitigate scareware attacks in real-time.

Microsoft's Edge browser now includes a scareware blocker, currently in preview, designed to protect users from tech support scams.
The feature uses a locally-run machine learning model and computer vision to identify malicious full-screen pages resembling known scams.
When a potential scareware page is detected, the blocker exits full-screen mode, stops audio playback, and displays a warning with user options.
Users can report malicious sites or false positives to improve the tool and enhance the Defender SmartScreen service for others.
Microsoft emphasizes privacy by ensuring the scareware blocker operates entirely on the user's device without sending data to the cloud.