Microsoft is going to take a big step in the coming year that will ensure that users remain safe online, it’s going to clamp down on adware that uses man-in-the-middle techniques. Microsoft is going to block adware which takes “choice and control away from users” by either injecting ads by proxy or changing DNS settings without the user’s consent.
Such adware technologies aren’t exactly safe since these man-in-the-middle techniques can be used to inject potentially harmful malware in the system and can even be exploited to spy on encrypted communications and data.
Microsoft makes it possible by a change in policy that’s now more strict against such adware, only allowing programs which show ads in browsers to install, execute or disable programs via the browser only. What this means is that adware which doesn’t inform users that it’s downloading or installing something will automatically be blocked and flagged as malware.
The company is giving developers ample time to respond to this change as the new policy will go in effect March 31st, 2016. Reiterating that its providing an ample notification period for developers to work with the company and fix their programs to become compliant, Microsoft says that any and all programs which fail to comply will be detected and removed after the aforementioned date.
Filed in . Read more about Microsoft. Source: blogs.technet.microsoft