- Microsoft unveils a new scam detection software
- The tool will be available for Microsoft Edge users
- This could result in “technological support scams” if it is largely adopted
Microsoft has officially launched a new “Scareware Blocker” feature to help better protect users on Edge web browsers on Windows PCs.
The new automatic learning threat detection software, announced for the first time during the 2024 intite conference, recognizes the signs of Scareware to protect users in real time, which makes users in their computer control.
Scareware scams have been around for a long time, and they have become one of the most damaging scams in the world-but what happens if they were not? This new technology could fully see the end of technological support scams – here is what we know.
Millions of people lost each year
The FBI says that technological support scams cost millions of people a year, and it has become a fairly high -end attack. The basic configuration of the attack is that cybercriminals will deploy POP US or advertisements that encourage users to believe that their device has been infected with malware, generally filling their screen with large banners or frightening alerts.
Essentially, the scam works by panicking users with a banner stating that they have been compromised by a virus or an attack, and encourages them to contact the “technological support”. From there, the false support agents will ask and fly personal and financial information from without distrust users who think they have been compromised.
Most of us are aware of this scam and are confident enough to ignore them when they make pop-up, but the main target of these attacks is the elderly and those who are not warned enough to identify the warning signs.
But with this new “Scareware blocker” could make us all a little safer. The detection fueled by AI checks the new and unknown sites, “where abuses are more likely to hide” and uses an intelligent screen to protect users around the world within minutes once an abusive site is detected.
The model compares the screens to examples of scams provided by the security community – and this runs locally, without the need to record or send images to the cloud.
When an attack is detected, Edge “will put users in control” by leaving the full screen mode, as well as stopping the “aggressive audio reading” and by providing the user’s warning a miniature of the suspicious page.
From there, the user has the possibility of reporting the malicious site to help protect others, and he can even share the screenshot of the scam with Microsoft to help form the model more.
If the alert is a false alarm, users can report the error of the Scareware blocker.
“Although we recognize that the Scareware blocker may not catch all scams, especially as tactics evolve – we are committed to empowering users with solutions while we improve our defenses,” confirmed Windows in his declaration .
This tool is something even Chrome has used, and it is available when an Edge user updates his browser to the latest version and restarts. You can check if this is installed under the label “Research and privacy services”.
Protect oneself
If you are not a user of Microsoft Edge, or if you want to make sure you are as sure as possible, here are some tips to protect yourself.
The most important step is to be aware of the scam. Once you know the game book, you will be much less panicked if you meet it. Always try to stay calm and don’t be in a hurry to provide your information to an attacker.
If a warning takes over on your screen, you can always press and keep the “ESC” key to escape it, which should relieve anxiety a little. The most effective tool of criminals puts you pressure to act quickly and without thinking, so if you can resist this, you will be much better placed to avoid scams.
Do not click on suspicious contextual links or windows. Like phishing scams, these are designed to take your information, which can cause even more important problems such as identity theft.
Likewise, do not contact any phone number or email displayed in a context window – if you think there is a real problem, search for contact information separately and contact via official channels. Be particularly prudent not to give access to your accounts and do not forget that legitimate technological companies are incredibly unlikely to request wired money by foreign accounts, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
A crucial part of this scam is the pop-up announcement, so the best advertising blockers will be safe from them-and a big bonus is that many of them are free!
Likewise, if you have the best antivirus software already installed on your device, you can be convinced that your device is safe – it is much less likely to be panicked to be the victim of this scam.
“If you have a deemed antivirus installed, simply ignore all pop ups you urge you to install security fixes,” said Pierre Noel, Ciso Emea to expel.
“Otherwise, ignore these messages, look for the best antivirus solution and set up confidence. If you receive an unexpected technological support call, say that you are busy and ask for their name and their department – they will hang up.”
