Microsoft to block misleading ads

Microsoft will tighten the criteria it uses to block malware from June 1. One of the key parts of that tweak is the SmartScreen Filter blocking deceptive ads.

The company writes this on its security blog. Ads that are intentionally deceptive usually try to get the user to do something, the consequences of which are not immediately apparent. For example, a user is tricked into visiting a malware-infected website or into downloading a program that reduces the functioning of the computer or browser.

Microsoft says it will start blocking misleading or confusing ads with its SmartScreen Filter from June 1. Another reason Microsoft mentions for labeling an advertisement as misleading is if it cannot or can hardly be distinguished from a website. When redirecting to a file to be downloaded or if there is malicious code in the ad, the ad will also be blocked. The tightened block will work after June 1, if the SmartScreen Filter in Internet Explorer is enabled.

Examples of Deceptive Ads