Microsoft is rolling out a new tool dubbed “scareware blocker,” which uses machine learning and computer vision to identify a very pervasive type of online scam.
“Scareware” has blighted the web almost since its inception, often in the form of fake antivirus software that claims to have detected a non-existent threat on a user’s machine. They then either trick the user into installing a malicious program, or paying for software they don’t need.
Just last year, two tech support firms were forced to pay $26 million as part of a settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which had accused the companies of deceptive marketing practices, including using fake Windows pop-ups, to scam consumers.
“These companies used scare tactics and lies…