Microsoft has announced the rollout of a novel feature, dubbed "scareware blocker," designed to combat the pervasive online scam of scareware. This innovative tool utilizes machine learning and computer vision to identify and block scareware scams, providing an additional layer of security for users.

Scareware, a type of online fraud, has plagued the internet since its inception. It often manifests as fake antivirus software, claiming to detect non-existent threats on a user's machine. The scam then tricks the user into installing malicious software or paying for unnecessary services. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against such scams, with two tech support firms forced to pay $26 million in settlements last year for deceptive marketing practices.

Microsoft's scareware blocker builds upon its existing tools, which block scammy websites that have been detected and reported elsewhere. The new feature focuses on blocking previously unknown scam tools when they attempt to open a full-screen page. This is particularly important, as full-screen scams can be more difficult to identify and circumvent.

To activate the scareware blocker, users need to enable the feature through the "Privacy, search, and services" setting in Microsoft's Edge browser. Once activated, the tool intervenes if a scam attempts to open a full-screen page, exiting full-screen mode, stopping any accompanying audio playback, and providing the user with the option to continue to the page or close it completely.

Microsoft trained the machine learning model underlying the scareware blocker using thousands of real-world sample scams. The model then uses computer vision to compare these samples with new scams encountered in real-time. This approach enables the tool to identify and block scareware scams with greater accuracy.

Some users may raise concerns about the use of computer vision to analyze their screens, drawing parallels with Microsoft's controversial AI-powered Recall feature. However, Microsoft assures that the machine learning model runs locally on the user's machine, and no data is saved or sent to the cloud.

To further improve the scareware blocker and broader Defender SmartScreen software, Microsoft is soliciting feedback from early adopters. Users can opt to share a screenshot of the scam with Microsoft, helping to refine the model. Additionally, users can report instances where the scareware blocker mistakenly blocks a genuine website.

The introduction of Microsoft's scareware blocker marks a significant step forward in the fight against online scams. As the tech giant continues to refine and improve this feature, users can expect enhanced protection from the pervasive threat of scareware.

With the rollout of the scareware blocker, Microsoft demonstrates its commitment to providing users with a safer online experience. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for technology companies to prioritize security and innovation in their efforts to combat online fraud.