Malware disguises as Google Chrome download link on Microsoft Edge

We already know about the running joke of Microsoft Edge existing so you can download Google Chrome. But apparently Bing is causing a bit of trouble as it is supposedly returning search results that have malware and adware. Twitter user Gabriel Landau discovered this when he was searched “download chrome” on Bing, using the Microsoft Edge browser. He clicked on the first link that was marked as being from “google.com” and leads to a page that looks like the legitimate Google Chrome download page. But upon closer inspection, the URL of the page says “googleonline2018.com.” And if you don’t pay attention, you would think you were downloading the browser’s installer from the legitimate site. It even says you’re downloading “ChromeSetup.exe” when you press on the Download Chrome button. But when checking the file’s properties, it shows that it’s digitally signed by a company named Alpha Criteria, which isn’t Google.

How To Geek investigated the matter and found that the site is marked as a “deceptive site” by Chrome but it isn’t flagged as such by Microsoft Edge and Bing. The big problem here is it seems Bing isn’t checking the URL off the search result, which could make this deception easier to pull off. And it seems an issue like this has happened earlier in the year. Microsoft told How To Geek the fake ad has been taken down and accounts associated with the malicious content have been banned. However, they didn’t give an explanation on why the ad was marked as from “google.com” or that there will be an assurance that this won’t happen again.

Source: Digital Trends

Microsoft tests out locking in links opened from Windows 10 Mail to Edge browser

Microsoft is trying something unusual out reportedly for the sake of security. It’s trying out an update for Windows 10 that will change the way links are opened from its built-in mail app. Links that are sent through Windows 10 Mail client will be opened in Microsoft Edge, even if other browsers are installed on your PC. According to a note sent to “Windows Insider” testers, “We will begin testing a change where links clicked on within the Windows Mail app will open in Microsoft Edge, which provides the best, most secure, and consistent experience on Windows 10 and across your devices.”

As CNET pointed out, some users and industry watchers are questioning this move, especially with Microsoft boasting the diversity of apps by different developers as a selling point for its platform. Microsoft isn’t issuing any comments beyond the announcement.

Microsoft Edge for iOS and Android is now out of private beta

Microsoft Edge users who want to bring the browser experience to their mobile devices can do that now. The mobile browser is now out of private beta and available for all iOS and Android users. Just like the other browsers available on these platforms. Edge will let you easily sync things like your browsing history, logins, passwords, and open tabs to and from your smartphone. If that’s something you need, you can start downloading now.

Microsoft brings Edge browser to iOS and Android

If you’ve been waiting for Microsoft to bring its Windows 10 browser to mobile, the wait is almost over. We say almost as Microsoft is initially rolling out the preview Edge browser app to iOS and Android users in the US and only available in English, for now. You’ll need to be part of Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program, which you can sign up for here. The preview app is already available to iOS users and will be coming to Android soon.

If you use Edge on your desktop, then this will bring all your Favorites, Reading List, Reading View, and New Tab Page from the PC to your phone. And then like Apple’s Handoff feature, you can open a page on your phone and send that right off to your laptop or desktop.

Source: Windows Blogs