Microsoft Edge introduces powerful new scam protection

When was the last time you saw a pop-up screaming that your computer was infected?

Flashing red warnings. Urgent messages. A phone number telling you to “call Microsoft support immediately”.

These fake alerts are known as scareware, and they’re designed to do one thing – panic you into handing over money, passwords, or access to your device. And despite best intentions, even cautious users can be caught out.

The good news is that Microsoft is taking a strong stance against this growing threat.

A smarter way to block scareware

Microsoft has introduced a new scam protection feature in its Edge browser, using artificial intelligence to shut down scareware before it can do any damage.

As part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to make Edge one of the most secure browsers available on Windows and Mac, this update adds a feature called Scareware Blocker. On most newer devices, it’s already enabled by default.

The technology uses an advanced AI model that can recognise the tell-tale signs of full-screen scam pages – the ones that impersonate system alerts and demand immediate action. When Edge detects one of these threats, it closes the page instantly, stopping the scam before a click is made.

Protection that improves for everyone

When a user reports a scam, Microsoft’s Defender SmartScreen system learns from it. That information is then used to block the same threat for others, often hours or even days before it would appear on traditional threat lists.

In testing, a single report prevented around 50 other users from being targeted by the same scam.

Microsoft has also added a new scareware sensor into the latest version of Edge. This allows Edge to identify emerging scams in real time, without sending personal data or screenshots back to Microsoft. While this feature is currently disabled, Microsoft has confirmed it will soon be switched on automatically for users with SmartScreen enabled.

Why this matters for businesses

Scams are becoming more frequent, more convincing, and more damaging. One wrong click can result in stolen credentials, compromised bank accounts, or even ransomware attacks.

While individuals are common targets, small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly in the firing line. Cyber criminals know that a single employee mistake can be all it takes to gain a foothold.

Security tools like Edge’s new scam protection help reduce that risk. AI-driven defences respond faster than any human can, closing off threats before they escalate and giving teams one less thing to worry about during a busy working day.

Stay protected

If your business uses Microsoft Edge, make sure it’s fully up to date so these protections are active.

And if you’re unsure how well your organisation is protected against modern scams, it may be time to review your wider security setup. A proactive security audit can highlight gaps before they’re exploited.

If you’d like help assessing or strengthening your defences, our team is here to support you.