Microsoft Edge introduces a new scam protection tool

When was the last time you saw one of those scary pop-ups claiming your computer was infected?

You know the ones. Flashing red warnings, blaring alerts, and a fake phone number urging you to “call Microsoft support immediately.”

These attacks are known as scareware, and they’re designed to do one thing very well: panic people into acting fast. The goal is to trick users into handing over money, credentials, or even full access to their device.

And the truth is, even the most careful users can be caught off guard—especially when a scam looks convincing and appears without warning.

The good news? Microsoft is fighting back in a big way.

A Smarter Defense Built Into Microsoft Edge

Microsoft has rolled out a new scam protection tool as part of a recent update to its Edge browser. This tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and block scam attempts before they ever reach the user.

The update is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to make Edge one of the most secure browsers available for both Windows and Mac users. As online scams continue to evolve, Microsoft is leaning heavily into AI-driven security to stay one step ahead.

At the center of this update is a feature called Scareware Blocker.

How the Scareware Blocker Works

The Scareware Blocker is enabled by default on most newer systems running Microsoft Edge. It uses a sophisticated AI model trained to recognize the visual patterns of scam pages—especially full-screen alerts that mimic real system warnings.

These fake pages often claim your device is infected, locked, or compromised and pressure you to act immediately. The AI can “see” these tactics in real time.

When Edge detects a scam page, it shuts it down instantly—before you or your employees have a chance to click, call, or download anything malicious.

That proactive approach is what makes this new scam protection tool so powerful. Instead of relying solely on known threat lists, it reacts in the moment.

Learning From One Report to Protect Many

Microsoft’s security ecosystem doesn’t stop with individual protection.

When a user reports a scam, that information feeds directly into Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. From there, the system learns and begins blocking the same scam for other users—sometimes hours or even days before it would normally be flagged on global threat databases.

In internal testing, Microsoft found that a single scam report helped prevent roughly 50 additional users from being targeted.

That kind of shared intelligence is a major advantage in the fight against fast-moving scams.

Privacy-Friendly, Real-Time Scam Detection

Microsoft has also introduced a new scareware sensor in the latest version of Edge. This sensor helps identify emerging scam patterns in real time without sending personal data, screenshots, or browsing history back to Microsoft.

For now, this feature is turned off by default. However, Microsoft has announced plans to enable it automatically for users

who have SmartScreen turned on.

It’s another example of how this new scam protection tool balances security with privacy—something many users and businesses care deeply about.

Why This Matters for Businesses

Scams aren’t just annoying—they’re dangerous.

One wrong click on a fake warning can lead to stolen credentials, drained bank accounts, unauthorized access to business systems, or even ransomware attacks.

While many scams target individuals, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly in the crosshairs.

Cybercriminals know that it only takes one employee slipping up to create a serious security incident.

Tools like Edge’s new scam protection tool help close those gaps. AI reacts faster than humans ever could, reducing the risk while your team focuses on real work.

Don’t Rely on One Layer of Protection

If your business uses Microsoft Edge, make sure it’s updated to the latest version so these protections are active.

But browser-based security is just one piece of the puzzle.

Scams are evolving quickly, and no single tool can stop everything. That’s why regular cybersecurity evaluations are critical.

Get Your Cybersecurity Prevention Evaluated

If you’re not sure how well your systems are protected against scams, malware, and social engineering attacks, now is the time to find out.

Elite Technology Solutions Group can evaluate your current cybersecurity posture, identify vulnerabilities, and help you put stronger protections in place—before a scam turns into a costly incident.

👉 Contact Elite Technology Solutions Group today to get your cybersecurity prevention evaluated and keep your business one step ahead of today’s threats.