Flaw in Microsoft Edge can turn SmartScreen into scamming device, say researchers
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While Microsoft has claimed that Edge is the most secure browser around, it has been discovered that scammers can exploit a flaw in Edge to display fake SmartScreen error messages. In a new report, Argentinian security researcher Manuel Caballero found that scammers can force SmartScreen into displaying a fake warning message in Microsoft Edge. Scammers can then use the message to extract personal information from you.
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SmartScreen is used by Edge to protect users from dangerous websites by displaying a familiar red alert in the Edge browser (legitimate website warning below).
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Caballero reveals that if scammers are successful at exploiting this bug, they can display a native warning message and place a link within the message to ply more personal information from the user by either clicking a link to call the scammer, or go to a fake Microsoft help website.
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“As a bonus, when we place a telephone-like number, a link is automatically created so the user can call us with a single click. Very convenient for these scammers.”
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No word yet from Microsoft if they are working on fixing this bug in Microsoft Edge, but it is assumed that they would want to fix this security vulnerability ASAP.
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Further reading: Microsoft, Microsoft Edge, SmartScreen, Vulnerability
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Flaw in Microsoft Edge can turn SmartScreen into scamming device, say researchers\
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Do you think Microsoft Edge is the most secure browser?